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Morris College

Sumter, SC Private ยท Urban www.morris.edu
Grad Rate
22.1%
Enrollment
421
Tuition
$16,224
Median Salary
$30,614
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Morris College offers an intimate, close-knit community feel where its small enrollment fosters strong personal connections between students and faculty. The campus atmosphere is supportive and mission-driven, emphasizing leadership and service within an urban setting. It feels like a place where you are known by name and can find a strong sense of belonging.

Academics & Majors

Academically, Morris College provides a liberal arts foundation with notable strengths in Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, and Health Professions. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention and high-quality teaching from dedicated faculty. While research opportunities exist, the focus is primarily on undergraduate learning and practical application.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
43.4%
Criminal Justice
18.4%
Social Sciences
10.5%
Health Professions
5.3%
Biology & Biomedical
5.3%
Communications
5.3%
Education
4%
English & Literature
2.6%
Theology
2.6%
Computer Science
1.3%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

22.1%
Graduation Rate
46.6%
Retention Rate
421
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$16,224
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,375
After financial aid
Total Cost
$29,585
Cost of attendance/year
81.8%
Receive Pell Grants
80.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Sumter

Located in Sumter, students enjoy a mix of small-town charm and urban amenities, with opportunities to explore local history at the Sumter County Museum or relax at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. The area offers a variety of local restaurants, coffee shops, and community events that provide a welcoming social scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can also take advantage of nearby parks and recreational activities.

Local Rent Check

$933 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Sumter
Explore Sumter

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$64,896
$0Est. 4 Years: $64,896

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($30,614):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Morris College maintains a safe campus environment with security presence, though as an urban institution, students should remain aware of their surroundings. The college works to provide a secure atmosphere for its students within the city of Sumter.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Intimate class sizes and personalized faculty attention
  • โœ“ Affordable tuition compared to other private colleges
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and supportive environment
  • โœ“ High percentage of students receiving financial aid

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation and retention rates may indicate institutional challenges
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities compared to larger universities
  • โœ— Smaller alumni network for professional networking

Notable Alumni

Ernest A. Finney Jr.
Served as the first African American Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court.
John W. Johnson
A prominent figure in South Carolina politics and public service.
Cleveland Sellers
Civil rights activist and educator, known for his role in the Orangeburg Massacre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Morris College is a private, historically black college (HBCU) in Sumter, SC, known for its mission to serve the community and provide educational access. It is recognized for its strong programs in Business, Criminal Justice, and Health Professions, and for fostering a close-knit, supportive learning environment.

Morris College is not highly selective, with an open-access policy that prioritizes educational access. While specific acceptance rate data isn't always published, the college's enrollment of 421 students and focus on serving the community suggest it is accessible to a broad range of applicants. Strong academic performance and a demonstrated desire to learn are key factors in the admissions process.

Campus life at Morris College is characterized by a tight-knit community where students are actively engaged in student organizations and leadership activities. With a small student body, it is easy to get involved and form lasting friendships. The urban setting of Sumter provides opportunities for both on-campus and off-campus activities, fostering a balanced student experience.

The value of a Morris College degree depends on the student's career goals and financial situation. With a tuition of $16,224, it is a more affordable private college option, and the high rate of Pell Grant recipients indicates robust financial aid. However, the 10-year median earnings of $30,614 suggest that graduates should carefully consider their chosen field to ensure a positive return on investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Tuomey Regional Medical Center Sumter County School District City of Sumter Palmetto Health South Carolina State Government
Smart Start Score
40

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 508
  • In-State Tuition $16,224
  • Zip Code 29150

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.7% โ™€ 52.3%

The Money Talk

With an in-state and out-of-state tuition of $16,224, Morris College is priced significantly lower than many private institutions, making it an accessible option. However, the average net price of $20,375 and a 10-year median earnings of $30,614 suggest that the return on investment requires careful financial planning. The high Pell Grant rate indicates strong financial aid support, but prospective students should weigh the cost against their intended career path's earning potential.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $16,224
Housing (12 mo) $11,196
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $34,620
With avg financial aid:
$20,375/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.