South Carolina State University offers a number of unique programs in the state and the nation.
- Only undergraduate Nuclear Engineering Program in the State
- Only undergraduate Environmental Sciences Field Station in the nation
- Only Masters of Science Degree in Transportation beginning in Fall 2003
- Regional HUB for Science and Math Education
- Only Doctor of Education Degree in South Carolina
- Developed the model and is the Resource Center for the National Summer Transportation Institute
- Named in 1998 by the U.S. Congress and the USDOT as one of 33 University Transportation Centers in the nation, the only one in South Carolina
- Lead institution for the state of S.C.'s Lewis Stokes for Minority Participation (SCAMP)
Of 2,443 higher education institutions, South Carolina State University ranks:
- 17th in minority degrees granted in all disciplines
- 5th in minority degrees granted in Biology
- 4th in minority degrees granted in Mathematics
- 31st in minority degrees granted in Master's level
- 18th in minority degrees in Education
- 29th in minority degrees granted in Computer and Information Science
South Carolina State University is a leader in contributing to the defense of the country through its ROTC program.
- Commissioned over 1,900 officers to date
- Has produced the highest number of minority officers in the country
- 12 graduates have achieved the rank of General
- Only female colonel on active duty in the Army