The Ultimate Guide to Savannah State University

Posted by Onassis Krown on April 13, 2025

Everything You Need to Know About Savannah State University

Nestled on the banks of the Savannah River, surrounded by moss-draped oaks and steeped in Southern charm, Savannah State University (SSU) stands as a beacon of academic excellence, cultural legacy, and vibrant student life. As the oldest public historically Black college and university (HBCU) in Georgia, Savannah State holds a deep-rooted place in American history and higher education. This guide explores every facet of SSU—from its founding and academic offerings to student life, campus culture, and beyond.

A Storied History

Savannah State University was founded on November 26, 1890, as the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth. Its establishment marked a milestone in education, especially for African Americans in the South during the post-Reconstruction era. In 1921, it became the first institution in Georgia to offer a degree to African Americans.

In 1950, the college was renamed Savannah State College, and later in 1996, it gained university status, becoming Savannah State University. Through decades of change, SSU has upheld its mission to empower African-American students and all who seek knowledge through education, research, and community engagement.

Academic Excellence

Savannah State University offers a diverse range of academic programs across several colleges and departments. Its mission is to develop productive members of a global society through high-quality education and experiential learning.

Colleges and Schools

College of Business Administration (COBA)
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), COBA is a leader in preparing students for careers in business, finance, accounting, and marketing. It emphasizes ethical leadership, global perspectives, and entrepreneurial thinking.
College of Sciences and Technology (COST)
This college offers programs in STEM fields like marine science, biology, chemistry, computer science, civil engineering, and more. SSU’s Marine Science Program is especially notable—it's one of the few offered at an HBCU and has received national recognition.
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS)
CLASS provides students with a foundation in humanities, criminal justice, mass communications, fine arts, and social sciences. The program encourages critical thinking, creativity, and civic engagement.
School of Teacher Education
Dedicated to producing competent and caring educators, this school offers programs in early childhood education, secondary education, and special education. Its graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in education across Georgia and the country.
Online and Continuing Education
SSU recognizes the need for flexibility and lifelong learning. It offers online degrees and professional development opportunities tailored for non-traditional students, military personnel, and working adults.

Honors and Scholarships

SSU hosts a robust Honors Program, which offers advanced coursework, mentorship, and academic enrichment. There are also numerous merit- and need-based scholarships, including:

Presidential Scholars Program
HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships (for Georgia residents)
SSU Foundation Scholarships
Athletic and departmental scholarships

Vibrant Campus Life

Savannah State isn’t just a place to study—it’s a community where students are encouraged to grow, lead, and thrive.

Residence Life

Living on campus is an essential part of the SSU experience. The university offers several housing options:

University Commons – Apartment-style living for upperclassmen
University Village – Suite-style dorms with amenities
Tiger Place & Bowen-Smith Hall – Traditional dormitory settings
Freshman Living-Learning Communities – Designed to support first-year students academically and socially

Residence Life programming includes movie nights, fitness classes, workshops, and more—all fostering a sense of belonging.

Student Organizations

SSU is home to over 75 student clubs and organizations, covering interests like:

Academic and professional development (e.g., National Society of Black Engineers, Pre-Law Club)
Cultural and religious groups (e.g., Caribbean Student Association, Gospel Choir)
Leadership (e.g., Student Government Association, Royal Court)
Service and activism (e.g., NAACP Chapter, Habitat for Humanity)

One of the most celebrated aspects of SSU’s student life is its Greek Life, with active chapters from the Divine Nine historically Black fraternities and sororities.

Events and Traditions

Homecoming Week – A highlight of the year, featuring parades, tailgates, concerts, and the big football game
Founders Day – A reflection on SSU’s legacy and achievements
Tiger Fest – Spring celebration with music, food, games, and performances
Cultural Heritage Celebrations – Including Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Women’s History Month events

Athletics and the Tiger Spirit

Savannah State competes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) at the NCAA Division II level. Its athletic teams, known as the Tigers, proudly wear orange and blue and bring energy to campus.

Sports Teams

Men’s Sports:

Football
Basketball
Baseball
Track & Field
Cross Country

Women’s Sports:

Basketball
Softball
Volleyball
Tennis
Track & Field
Cross Country

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities like The Tiger Arena, Ted Wright Stadium, and Tiger Field. The marching band, “The Powerhouse of the South”, adds rhythm and excitement to every game and campus event.

Campus and Facilities

SSU's 201-acre campus blends historic architecture with modern facilities. It’s a picturesque setting where palm trees sway and students stroll past fountains and statues.

Key Buildings and Spaces

King-Frazier Student Center – The heart of student activities, home to dining, lounges, and meeting spaces
Colston Administration Building – Administrative hub and one of the oldest buildings on campus
Camilla Hubert Center – Honors college and academic support offices
Marine Science Research Center – Cutting-edge labs and research space
Asbury Hall – Home to arts, humanities, and liberal arts departments
Whiting Hall – Houses business faculty and innovation labs

The campus is also home to the SSU Wesleyan Cemetery, a historic site linking the university to Savannah’s past.

Community Engagement and Impact

Savannah State University is deeply involved in community outreach. Whether through service-learning programs, volunteer opportunities, or strategic partnerships, SSU encourages students to be agents of positive change.

Programs like Upward Bound, TRIO Student Support Services, and GEAR UP help prepare local middle and high school students for college. SSU also collaborates with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to support economic development and social innovation in the Savannah region.

Location: The Beauty of Savannah

One of SSU’s greatest assets is its location in Savannah, Georgia—a city known for its rich history, charming squares, artistic flair, and Southern hospitality.

Things to Do in Savannah

River Street – Cobblestone streets, boutiques, and riverside dining
Forsyth Park – 30 acres of greenery, fountains, and community events
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) galleries – Modern and traditional art
Tybee Island – Just a short drive away for beach getaways
Ghost Tours & Historic Sites – From haunted houses to antebellum mansions

Savannah offers an eclectic mix of the old and new, blending academic life with cultural richness and relaxation.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admissions Requirements

SSU has a rolling admissions policy but recommends early application. First-time freshman applicants generally need:

High school diploma or GED
Minimum GPA of 2.0 (competitive students have higher GPAs)
SAT/ACT scores (optional for many programs)
Completed application and application fee

Financial Aid

The university’s Office of Financial Aid helps students navigate grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study options. FAFSA is essential for accessing aid, and SSU’s school code is 001590.

Notable Alumni

Savannah State has produced leaders across industries, including government, education, entertainment, sports, and the military. Some of its distinguished alumni include:

Willie "Satellite" Totten – Football coach and former NFL player
Ulysses Byas – Educator and one of the first African American superintendents in the South
Ernest Fears – Founder of several historic Black media outlets
Catherine Hardy Lavender – Olympic gold medalist in track and field
Shawn T. Blanchard – Author, speaker, and former White House appointee

These graduates reflect the university’s mission of preparing students to be thoughtful leaders and impactful citizens.

Future Growth and Vision

Savannah State University is expanding its reach and refining its vision under forward-thinking leadership. Recent priorities include:

Increasing STEM enrollment and research output
Expanding global learning and study abroad opportunities
Developing new graduate and doctoral programs
Investing in infrastructure and technology
Strengthening alumni engagement and donor support

SSU's strategic plan emphasizes student success, academic innovation, and community development—ensuring that it remains a competitive, inspiring institution for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Savannah State University offers more than just a degree—it offers an experience rooted in tradition, driven by purpose, and illuminated by opportunity. It is a place where students are challenged to rise, nurtured to lead, and inspired to give back.

Whether you're a prospective student, parent, alumni, or simply curious, Savannah State is a university worth knowing and celebrating. With its historic mission and future-forward momentum, SSU continues to embody the strength of the past and the promise of tomorrow.

“You can get anywhere from here.” – That’s not just a motto. At Savannah State University, it’s a reality.

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Onassis Krown