Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
2.77Avg GPA
913Avg SAT
$17,185Annual Cost
$37,981Grad Salary
64.9%Pell Grant
Avg GPA
2.77
Avg SAT
913
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
873–943
Avg Net Price
$8,683
Need-Based Aid
64.9% receive Pell
Savannah State University GA Savannah State University is Georgia's oldest public historically Black university and combines the traditions of an HBCU with career-focused academic programs. Students often choose Savannah State for its supportive campus environment and emphasis on leadership development.\n\nThe university is particularly strong in business, engineering technology, marine sciences, social sciences, and public administration. Its coastal location provides unique opportunities for research and professional experiences.
Savannah State University Acceptance Rate
Savannah State University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.77 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.57 – 2.76
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.32
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Savannah State University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Savannah State University is 2.77. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A's, B's, and some C's is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 2.97-3.17 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.47 and 2.77, aim for a strong standardized test score.
Savannah State University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Savannah State University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 2.77, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
2.77 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.57 – 2.76
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.37 – 2.56
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.36
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Savannah State University is the oldest public HBCU in Georgia (founded 1890); apply through the statewide GAFutures.org portal (SAT code 5609, ACT code 0858).
- HOPE Scholarship requires a 3.0 core-course GPA and 4 rigor credits (partial tuition); Zell Miller requires a 3.7 GPA and a 1200 SAT/26 ACT (full tuition) - SSU's typical admitted test-score range sits well below the Zell Miller bar.
- The undergraduate Marine Sciences program feeds directly into the federally funded SSUMMS+ graduate STEM pipeline (funded through 2029), run with the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography.
- After a multi-year enrollment decline (down ~19.7% since 2019) that led to layoffs and at least one discontinued major (Africana Studies), SSU has a new president (Dr. Jermaine Whirl, since April 2025) and Fall 2025 enrollment has rebounded to roughly 3,169 students.
- The Rigor Metric: At Savannah State University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Savannah State University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Savannah State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Savannah State University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Savannah State University Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Savannah State University is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Savannah State University Average SAT Score: 913
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Savannah State University is 913 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 913 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 913 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (943 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Savannah State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 873, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Savannah State University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 913 | 873 | 943 |
It means that if you have scored less than 873 then you are below most of the admitted students at Savannah State University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 943 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 900
Can I get into Savannah State University with a 950 SAT?
With a 950 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Savannah State University are good but the admission staff at Savannah State University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Savannah State University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Savannah State University provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Apply Through GAFutures and Clear the Lawful-Presence Step Immediately
SSU's application runs through the statewide GAFutures.org portal (SAT code 5609, ACT code 0858). Once admitted, in-state applicants must separately validate lawful presence under Board of Regents Policy 4.3.4 by submitting an eligible state driver's license/ID (issued after January 1, 2008) or equivalent document. This step is procedural, not academic, but skipping it delays your official acceptance and in-state tuition classification - submit it the same week you apply, not after you're admitted.
Plan Financially Around HOPE, Not Zell Miller
HOPE Scholarship requires a 3.0 core-course GPA plus four rigor course credits and covers partial tuition; Zell Miller requires a 3.7 GPA and a 1200 combined SAT (or 26 ACT) for full tuition. SSU's typical admitted SAT range runs well below the Zell Miller threshold, so most incoming students should build their financial plan around HOPE-level support rather than assuming Zell Miller is realistic - and should verify their HOPE core-course GPA (English, math, social studies, science, foreign language only) with a counselor before finalizing that plan.
Name the SSUMMS+ Pipeline Specifically If You Want Marine Science
SSU's undergraduate Marine Sciences program feeds directly into the federally funded Savannah State University Math and Marine Science Plus (SSUMMS+) program, a Title VII HBCU STEM graduate pipeline funded through 2029 and run in partnership with the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. Name this specific pipeline - not "marine biology" generically - when talking to admissions or applying for departmental scholarships; it signals awareness of a funded track most applicants won't know to mention.
Verify Your Intended Major Is Still Active Before Naming It
SSU discontinued its Africana Studies program amid a multi-year enrollment decline, and other low-enrollment programs have faced review. A specific major disappearing between when a student researches the school and when they apply is a live risk here right now - confirm current program status directly with the relevant department or an admissions counselor rather than relying on an older program list or catalog page.
Expert Insight:
SSU went through a real multi-year enrollment and budget strain - down to roughly 2,600 students by 2023?24 from more than 4,000 in 2016 - which led to layoffs and at least one discontinued major. The university has since brought in new leadership (President Dr. Jermaine Whirl, effective April 2025), and Fall 2025 enrollment rebounded to approximately 3,169 students, so the current trend is positive. Even so, applicants should confirm that any specific program, minor, or student-support office they're counting on is currently staffed and active before building an application narrative around it.
Savannah State University Profile
Full Name
Savannah State University
City
Savannah
State
Georgia
ZIP Code
31404-5310
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Savannah State University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Savannah State University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Savannah State University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Savannah State University is $54,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.23%.
How much does a degree from Savannah State University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Savannah State University is $17,185. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Savannah State University is $8,683.
64.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 66.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Savannah State University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Savannah State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Savannah State University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Savannah State University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $37,981. An average Savannah State University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Savannah State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley, GA | 864 | 18 |
| Bennett College | Greensboro, NC | 890 | NA |
| Chamberlain University-Illinois | Addison, IL | 868 | 16 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Savannah State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | 913 | 17 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity, FL | 905 | 19 |
| Wesleyan College | Macon, GA | 905 | NA |
| Morningside University | Sioux City, IA | 910 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Savannah State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
Degree Programs at Savannah State University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Savannah State University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Savannah State University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $37,981 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $17,185 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
64.9% of students at this university receive a Pell Grant — free money that does not need to be repaid. Your chances of need-based aid are strong. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible and list this institution as your choice to be considered for maximum aid.
The average GPA of admitted students is 2.77. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.47, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.47, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.37 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 2.77, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Savannah State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 913 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 873–943.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.