South Carolina State University

South Carolina State University (SCSU or SC State) is a public, historically black, land-grant university in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It is the only public, historically black land-grant research university in the state of South Carolina. As a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the university plays an important role in supporting students and providing quality education. The university is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which means it meets high standards for educational quality. Located in Orangeburg, SCSU has a long history of serving its community and beyond.

History

The university started as the South Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical Institute in 1872, connected to Claflin University. In 1896, it became its own school called the Colored Normal Industrial Agricultural and Mechanical College of South Carolina.

During the 1920s and 1940s, the school grew with new buildings and programs, even during tough times like the Great Depression. After World War II, many new students joined, and the school got more land for learning.

In 1954, the school was renamed South Carolina State College. During the Civil Rights Movement, students worked hard for equality. Sadly, in 1968, a protest turned tragic when students were hurt by police.

From the 1960s to the 1980s, the campus grew a lot with new buildings and a planetarium, the only one at a historically black university in the United States.

In 1992, it became South Carolina State University. Over the years, new dorms, dining halls, and buildings were added. In 2007, the university hosted an important debate for people wanting to be president.

In 2021, President Joe Biden gave a speech at the university’s graduation.

Academics

South Carolina State University has six colleges where students can study different subjects.

The university is special because it is the only school in South Carolina and the only historically black college or university in the whole country that offers a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering. This program works together with North Carolina State University and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The university is approved to give degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Some of its engineering and technology programs are also approved by a group called ABET. Starting in 2026, the university will begin offering new programs in Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering.

In 2023, it was ranked 76 out of 136 regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

Campus

The campus of South Carolina State University covers 160 acres, with an extra 267 acres at Camp Harry Daniels in Elloree, South Carolina. Three important buildings — Lowman Hall, Hodge Hall, and Dukes Gymnasium — are part of the South Carolina State College Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The main library is called the Miller F. Whittaker Library. It received $1 million from the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967 and opened in 1969. The library was named after the university’s third president. It originally had two floors, and a third floor was added in 1979.

Athletics

Main article: South Carolina State Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs

See also: South Carolina State Bulldogs football and South Carolina State Bulldogs basketball

South Carolina State University is part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and competes in NCAA Division I (FCS for college football). The university has teams in basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, cross country, track and field, and tennis for women, and basketball, tennis, track and field, cross country, and football for men. The teams are called the Bulldogs or Lady Bulldogs, and the school colors are garnet and navy blue.

The football team has won the most conference championships in the MEAC with 19 titles. Three former players are in the College Football Hall of Fame, including coach Willie Jeffries. The team has also won seven Black college football national championship titles, with the latest one in 2025.

Student life

There are more than 50 student groups on campus for students to join.

Marching band

Main article: The Marching 101

The university’s marching band, called The Marching 101, is very famous. They play at football games, big parades like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl Parade, and even on TV during professional football games. The band started in 1918 and has grown to over 150 members. They have also performed at special events like the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta.

Notable alumni

South Carolina State University has many notable graduates who have achieved success in various fields. These graduates come from areas such as academia, business, education, arts and media, politics, law, government, the military, and sports.