Why Give?

Your Gift Powers the Next Generation of Bulldogs

Student scholarships
Academic innovation
Research and community impact
Transformational capital projects
Student success initiatives
SC State is experiencing historic growth, from rising enrollment to major construction projects, partnerships, and national recognition.

Founded in 1896, South Carolina State University (SC State) is the only public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in South Carolina.
Recognized for its national and global research impact, SC State is South Carolina’s only R2: High Research Activity Institution, joining Clemson, USC, and MUSC as a Carnegie-classified research university.
Home to the state’s only undergraduate Nuclear Engineering program, SC State produces more African American nuclear engineers than any university in the nation.
Offers distinguished, accredited academic programs in Speech Pathology & Audiology, Education, Business, Biology, Engineering, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Agriculture, and the Humanities — preparing students to thrive in a global society.
As a proud 1890 land-grant institution, SC State delivers high-impact research and community outreach through its 1890 Research & Extension Program.
The only NCAA Division I athletics program among South Carolina’s HBCUs.
Home of the world-renowned Marching 101 Band, celebrated for its precision, power, and pageantry.

South Carolina State University generates an annual economic impact of more than $250 million in Orangeburg, the surrounding region, and across the state of South Carolina. SC State Public Service & Agriculture (1890 Research & Extension) contributes an additional $70 million in statewide economic impact.
As one of the fastest-growing universities in South Carolina, SC State is experiencing a period of remarkable expansion and transformation.
More than $200 million in new construction and capital improvements is reshaping the Orangeburg campus, including:
A state-of-the-art Academic Building for next-generation teaching and research
Modern residence halls providing more than 700 new student beds
A new University Library and Learning Commons designed for innovation and collaboration
A Transportation and Innovation Center positioning SC State as a regional hub for logistics, mobility, and smart infrastructure
Strategic partnerships with Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Boeing, BMW, Scout Motors, and the U.S. Department of Energy are driving innovation, workforce development, and applied research.
More than 80 percent of SC State students receive financial assistance, with many being first-generation college students whose lives are transformed through opportunity and access.

A global network of more than 40,000 living alumni leading in business, education, engineering, government, the military, and public service.
SC State has produced more African American generals than any university in the nation except West Point, earning its proud reputation as the “Home of Generals.”
The Bulldog Battalion has developed over 2,000 leaders in the United States Armed Forces.
SC State boasts more NFL Hall of Famers than any other university in South Carolina, including legendary Bulldogs Marion Motley, Donnie Shell, Harry Carson, and Deacon Jones.
The #1 University in South Carolina for producing African American teachers, principals, and superintendents—shaping the state’s educational future through excellence in teacher preparation and leadership.
SC State continues to produce NFL standouts who embody Bulldog Tenacity. Current Bulldogs in the league include Antonio Hamilton (Commanders), Javon Hargrave (49ers), Alex Taylor (Browns), and Decobie Durant (Rams) — proving that greatness starts at SC State.

Under The Power of SC State: A Capital Campaign to Elevate Excellence, the University achieved record fundraising totals, a 40 percent increase in donors, and unprecedented alumni engagement.
SC State reached the highest alumni giving rate in its 129-year history — 15.2 percent — surpassing the national average for public universities.
The Thomas E. Miller Society: Celebrating Growth and Generosity — Established in 2006, the Thomas E. Miller Society recognizes donors whose lifetime giving to South Carolina State University totals $100,000 or more. From 2006 to 2021, 35 members were inducted; since 2022, an additional 51 members have joined, reflecting extraordinary philanthropic momentum. The 2025 class is the largest in the history of the Miller Society, underscoring the growing commitment of major donors to elevate excellence and sustain The Power of SC State.
Bulldogs everywhere embody resilience, pride, and purpose—the defining spirit of Bulldog Tenacitythat fuels the University’s progress and propels it toward a bold and boundless future.