SC State University, an 1890 land grant, senior comprehensive institution of approximately 5,000 students, is committed to providing affordable and accessible quality baccalaureate, master’s educational specialist and doctoral degree programs. SC State, through instruction, research, technology and service, contributes to economic development, enhances the quality of life of citizens, and prepares highly skilled, competent and socially aware graduates (30,000) to meet life’s challenges and demands and enables them to work and live productively in a dynamic, global society.
Dr. George E. Cooper was appointed 10th President of the University on July 16, 2008.
Not only is SC State proud of the commitment made to its students, both others have taken note as well. SC State is currently ranked #1 in Social Mobility by The Washington Monthly, #15 among America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News and Report and #49 Historically Black College or University (HBCU) by Black Enterprise Magazine.
As South Carolina's only public, historically black college and university, there are several programs unique to SC State.
They are:
- The only undergraduate environmental science field station in the Nation;
- The only undergraduate degree program in nuclear engineering in South Carolina;
- The only master of science degree in transportation in South Carolina;
- The only master of business administration degree with a concentration in agribusiness in South Carolina;
- The only doctor of education degree focusing on education administration. SC State is ranked 3rd in the nation in graduating minorities with the doctor of education degree.
- The only University participating in President George W. Bush’s Africa Program (USAID) to provide textbooks and other learning materials to schools in Africa.
SC State has approximately 30,000 alumni. Most of them (18,388) live in South Carolina, and collectively earn an estimated $207 million in additional income as a result of education and degrees obtained at SC State.
Notable alumni of SC State include:
- Eight college presidents
- One hundred and fourteen athletes who have entered the ranks of professional sports
- Harry Carson was inducted in the 2006 Pro Football Hall of Fame
- More than 2016 minority officers in the U.S. Army, surpassing West Point and 13 General Officers
- Seven Members of the current South Carolina General Assembly
- James E. Clyburn, Majority Whip for the 111th Congress
SC State consists of approximately 107 buildings on 160 acres of land on its main campus, and an additional 267 acres at Camp Harry E. Daniels in Elloree, S.C.
Committed to providing students modern, affordable housing which enhances the living and learning environment, the University opened the final phase of a 755-bed student residence hall, in January 2007.
The oldest historical building on campus which once served as an all male facility, Lowman Hall, is being restored to house administrative offices and has an expected completion date of Fall 2009.
Operating on a two-semester (fall and spring) calendar, SC State also offers summer classes in two sessions. In addition, SC State annually provides opportunities for hundreds of summer camp students.
With the largest stadium in the City of Orangeburg located on the campus of SC State (Oliver C. Dawson Stadium ~22, 800), several high school state championship football games have been played on our campus, including the 2008 Class A State Championship Game and the 2008 SCISA Championship Game. The SC State Football team was named 2008 MEAC Football Champions and the Men and Women’s Tennis Teams also won the 2008 MEAC Championship. SC State has also hosted many regional and national band competitions. In February 2008, SC State held the largest robotic competition in the nation, FIRST Vex, which consisted of over 600 students, comprised of fifty-three teams, from high schools across South Carolina.
With the various activities on campus and the thousands of individuals who visit SC State, the University significantly impacts the economy of the City of Orangeburg, as well as the State of South Carolina. In the Orangeburg community, SC State supports 1,558 jobs and has a $152.5 million impact; and our statewide impact is $181.5 million.