In early February of 1897, South Carolina State University was established as the only publicly supported land grant college for black students in the state. This university has served as a beacon of hope and learning for generations of Black Americans. Located at 300 College Ave North East, in Orangeburg, SC 29117, SCSU has carried forward a tradition of excellence for over a century.
This diverse university has consistently championed education and the advancement of black interests through its various programs and facilities. SCSU provides a range of graduate and undergraduate degree programs that span disciplines from the arts to science and technology. It has also earned national recognition in areas such as teacher preparation, environmental sciences, engineering, business, information technology and aviation studies.
The university fosters an environment of cultural activity through its many live performance arts venues and museums. The Department of Visual Arts holds frequent exhibitions featuring works by cutting-edge contemporary and classic black artists. And the Department of Journalism and Communications is one of five select journalism schools in the nation accredited by both the National Association of Schools of Journalism and the International Communication Association.
The student body is marked by a unique spirit of service, with students volunteering to strengthen their communities by addressing social problems. In recent years, student groups have successfully lobbied for unpaid internships to better help their fellow peers understand governmental policy processes.
The university provides an outstanding learning experience for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or backgrounds’ backgrounds. More than 90% of its degree-seeking undergraduate students receive institutional aid to offset tuition costs; minority students also benefit from targeted initiatives including HBCU MBA scholarships, additional campus-based funding support services, tuition waivers and research grants.
SCSU is committed to providing an excellent academic experience paired with meaningful extracurricular activities. An organization called SCSU Ambassadores provides professional development opportunities to aspiring business professionals who are looking to sharpen their communication skills. Additionally, the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Leadership Institute trains emerging student leaders on developing public policies that address social injustices in the local community.
Beyond its academics and student life offerings, SCSU proudly serves as a hub for philanthropy in the surrounding area. Every spring since 1997, it has hosted benefit concerts and food drives that provide aid to those living in poverty throughout Orangeburg County. Through its philanthropic endeavors, SC State is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for all children across South Carolina – particularly in marginalized communities where there may be limited access to opportunities for those aspiring to pursue higher education.
South Carolina State University stands out as an institution dedicated to ensuring that all individuals are presented with equitable opportunities to fulfill their dreams and secure a better future for themselves. As a bold voice for education excellence among minority students and communities – it's time to stand up with South Carolina State University!