South Carolina State University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC with Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia State University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• South Carolina State University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: South Carolina State University 19:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

South Carolina State University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, South Carolina State University or VSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Virginia State University than South Carolina State University ($17,840 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 32.6% lower than at Virginia State University ($9,000 vs. $13,355).
• South Carolina State University is 10.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $1,017 more per year; $11,060.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at VSU than at South Carolina State University (about $900 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at Virginia State University (95% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 7.5% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($12,447 vs. $11,579).

South Carolina State University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, South Carolina State University or VSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VSU and South Carolina State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia State University (960) is 30 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming South Carolina State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at VSU (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 800/1050; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 15/19; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: South Carolina State University - Test-free; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027; VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Carolina State University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at South Carolina State University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

South Carolina State University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for South Carolina State University and VSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia State University graduates have a $3,705 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($29,500 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($305 vs. $343).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (28% vs. 27%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.