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Savannah State University

Grad Rate
27%
Enrollment
2,727
Tuition
$5,498
Median Salary
$37,981
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Savannah State University offers a close-knit, family-like atmosphere where small class sizes allow for genuine connections with professors. The campus feels like a supportive community nestled within the historic, coastal charm of Savannah, blending tradition with a focus on student success. Itโ€™s a place where you can find your footing and receive personalized attention on your journey.

Academics & Majors

SSU provides a solid foundation with strengths in Business, Criminal Justice, and STEM fields, often emphasizing hands-on learning. The university's coastal location offers unique research opportunities in marine science and environmental studies. Professors are known for being accessible and invested in student growth, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
20.4%
Biology & Biomedical
19.8%
Criminal Justice
12%
Communications
5.9%
Social Sciences
3.7%
Computer Science
3.5%
Public Administration
3.3%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3.1%
Psychology
2.9%
Education
2.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
1.8%
English & Literature
1.2%

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

By The Numbers

27%
Graduation Rate
70%
Retention Rate
2,727
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
$5,498
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$8,683
After financial aid
Total Cost
$17,185
Cost of attendance/year
64.8%
Receive Pell Grants
66.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Savannah

Student life in Savannah is enriched by the city's historic squares, vibrant arts scene, and renowned culinary offerings. Students often explore the famous River Street, relax at nearby Tybee Island beaches, and participate in the city's many festivals and cultural events.

Local Rent Check

$1,287 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Savannah
Explore Savannah

Reality Check

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

$21,992
$0Est. 4 Years: $21,992

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($37,981):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Savannah State has a campus police force and promotes safety awareness through various programs. While the campus is generally safe, students should remain aware of their surroundings, as is prudent in any urban environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly affordable tuition, especially for in-state students
  • โœ“ Small class sizes for personalized attention
  • โœ“ Unique coastal location for marine and environmental research
  • โœ“ Strong programs in high-demand fields like Business and Criminal Justice

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation rate may indicate challenges in student completion
  • โœ— Smaller campus size offers fewer amenities than larger universities
  • โœ— Urban setting may require students to be proactive about off-campus safety

Notable Alumni

Edmond M. B. A. Amate
Ghanaian diplomat and former Ambassador to the United States.
M. Lisa H. Williams
Former United States Ambassador to Eritrea.
James A. Brown
Former mayor of Savannah, Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Savannah State University is historically known as the first public historically Black college or university (HBCU) in Georgia. It is particularly recognized for its strong programs in Business, Criminal Justice, and its unique location offering opportunities in marine science and coastal environmental studies.

Savannah State University has an acceptance rate of around 83%, making it generally accessible to applicants. While not extremely selective, a strong GPA and a well-rounded application are still important for admission.

Campus life is community-oriented, with students enjoying a supportive environment and involvement in various student organizations and Greek life. The campus's proximity to downtown Savannah allows students to easily access the city's historic sites, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

For in-state students, Savannah State offers exceptional value with a low tuition of $5,498 and an average net price under $9,000. When paired with a median 10-year earnings figure of $37,981, the degree represents a strong financial investment with a positive return, particularly for those who leverage the university's career-focused programs.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Georgia Ports Authority Memorial Health University Medical Center Gulfstream Aerospace Savannah-Chatham County Public School System City of Savannah
Smart Start Score
49

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,150
  • In-State Tuition $5,498
  • Out-of-State $16,218
  • Zip Code 31404

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 36.6% โ™€ 63.4%

The Money Talk

With an in-state tuition under $5,500 and an average net price of around $8,700, SSU offers a highly affordable education, especially for Georgia residents. The 10-year median earnings of $37,981 provide a solid return on investment, particularly given the low upfront cost. The high Pell Grant rate indicates a commitment to making education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.

*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 $5,498
Housing (12 mo) $15,444
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $28,142
With avg financial aid:
$8,683/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.