South Carolina State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
The 82.6% acceptance rate makes South Carolina State accessible, but the 56% freshman retention rate makes preparation matter. Because it is test-optional and only 8% submit ACT scores, send an ACT only if it is a clear strength, ideally 19 or higher.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
South Carolina State University facts and stats
South Carolina State University enrolls about 2,950 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. South Carolina State has a freshman retention rate of 56% and a 6-year graduation rate of 37%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1.
Orangeburg, SC
How do your scores compare at South Carolina State?
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key South Carolina State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional South Carolina State, aim to take your first test by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and one fall retake for a possible score boost or superscoring opportunity, then confirm South Carolina State’s Regular Decision cutoff so your scores arrive before the application deadline.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at South Carolina State University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
South Carolina State is a public university in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, with in-state tuition of $9,528 and out-of-state tuition of $20,218. Submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
At South Carolina State, out-of-state tuition is $20,218, while in-state tuition is $9,528. Room and board adds $9,690, so billed costs can differ substantially based on tuition classification and housing choices. Students should compare the published price with any grants, scholarships, or other aid they receive to estimate what they will actually pay.
Student life at South Carolina State University
70% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 5% of men join fraternities, and 2% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Aiken Technical College
Graniteville, SCAcceptance rate: 69.9%
Allen University
Columbia, SCAcceptance rate: 72.5%
Anderson University
Anderson, SCAcceptance rate: 54.7%
SAT: 1110–1270
ACT: 22–29
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SCAcceptance rate: 96.5%
SAT: 940–1170
ACT: 18–24
Ready to fit South Carolina State University's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.