Savannah State University
Savannah State University is a public HBCU in Savannah, Georgia, founded in 1890 and part of the University System of Georgia, serving roughly 3,200 students across 30+ undergraduate and graduate programs with a 16:1 faculty ratio. Revenue is generated through tuition, housing, state appropriations, federal grants, and corporate philanthropy including a $5M Hyundai gift.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1890
- HeadquartersSavannah, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Savannah State University does
Savannah State University is a public historically Black college and university (HBCU) established in 1890 under the Second Morrill Land-Grant Act and operating as a constituent unit of the University System of Georgia. It serves approximately 3,208 students across 30+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs organized into five academic colleges: Business Administration, Engineering Technology and Computing, Sciences and Humanities, Education (including the newly established Hyundai College of Education), and Media, Arts, and Communication. The 201-acre waterfront campus in Savannah, Georgia, with direct Skidaway River access, supports a nationally recognized Marine Sciences program and a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
The university's core academic infrastructure runs on D2L Brightspace for online and hybrid course delivery, with distance education authorized through NC-SARA reciprocity and supplemented by USG collaborative platforms eCore and eMajor. Student services are supported by PAWS (Banner/OneUSG) for registration, Degree Works for degree audits, EAB Navigate for advising and retention, Parchment for transcripts, GALILEO for library access, StarRez for housing, Handshake for career services, and a third-party AI-powered Virtual Advisor chatbot for prospective-student engagement. Specialized research capability is evidenced by genetic-material research sent to the International Space Station in 2014 and two patents granted in 2016 for organic material collection in space travel and a chemical compound with implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Revenue is generated primarily through per-semester tuition and mandatory fees (ranging from $2,640 in-state to $10,485 out-of-country for undergraduates carrying 15+ credits), on-campus housing and meal plans, state appropriations (including a historic $42.8 million capital appropriation in 2026), federal Title III and TRIO/GEAR UP program funding, and corporate and alumni philanthropy — most notably Hyundai Motor America's $5 million gift establishing the Hyundai College of Education in October 2025. Distribution combines on-campus instruction at the main Savannah campus, the downtown Coastal Georgia Center for continuing education and workforce training, and fully online programs including a fully online MBA. Customer segments span first-year undergraduates (primary), graduate students, international students, transfer and transient students, and military-connected students — the last supported by AROTC, NROTC, and a Veterans Resource Center.
Savannah State University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Savannah State University
- Legal name
- Savannah State University
- Website
- https://savannahstate.edu
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1890
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Savannah State University is a public HBCU in Savannah, Georgia, founded in 1890 and part of the University System of Georgia, serving roughly 3,200 students across 30+ undergraduate and graduate programs with a 16:1 faculty ratio. Revenue is generated through tuition, housing, state appropriations, federal grants, and corporate philanthropy including a $5M Hyundai gift.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Savannah State University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public HBCUs (State-Supported) (EDAHAMAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Historically Black Land-Grant Universities (1862/1890) (EDAHAMAD)
Keywords
Where Savannah State University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Savannah
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Savannah State University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: SSU generates primary revenue from undergraduate and graduate tuition, with different rates for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Additional revenue comes from mandatory fees including health clinic, student activities, athletics, technology, and transportation fees. Undergraduate tuition ranges from $2,640 (in-state) to $10,200 (out-of-state) per semester for 15+ credits.
- State Funding and Appropriations: The university receives significant state investment for campus transformation and infrastructure projects, including the historic $42.8 million state appropriation for campus upgrades including demolition and construction of gymnasiums and student center renovations.
- Corporate Donations and Grants: Major corporate donations such as Hyundai's $5 million gift to establish the Hyundai College of Education represent significant revenue streams, along with federal Title III program funding for academic strengthening.
- Housing and Dining Services: Revenue from on-campus housing including residence halls (Camilla Hubert, Freshmen Living Learning Center, Melvin Bostic Hall, Tiger Place, University Commons, University Village, Richard Wright) and meal plans ranging from unlimited to 10-meal options.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $176 per credit hour, $2,640 flat rate for 15+ credits |
| Subscription | Annual | Out-of-State Undergraduate Tuition: $680 per credit hour, $10,200 flat rate for 15+ credits |
| Subscription | Annual | Out-of-Country Undergraduate Tuition: $699 per credit hour, $10,485 flat rate for 15+ credits |
| Subscription | Annual | Mandatory Fees: $787 per semester for all students |
| Subscription | Annual | Housing: $2,447 - $4,792 per semester depending on residence hall |
| Subscription | Annual | Meal Plans: $1,664 - $2,427 per semester |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
Savannah State University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Savannah State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six academic colleges in Business Administration, Engineering Technology and Computing, Education, Sciences and Humanities, Media Arts and Communication, and Graduate Studies. It delivers on-campus instruction at its 201-acre Savannah campus and online through the D2L Brightspace platform, supported by student services including TRIO/GEAR UP programs, career services via Handshake, and an AI-powered Virtual Advisor. The university generates revenue primarily through tuition, state appropriations, grants, and corporate donations.
Product overview
Savannah State University operates as a comprehensive public university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six academic colleges: College of Business Administration, College of Engineering Technology and Computing, College of Education (including the newly established Hyundai College of Education), College of Sciences and Humanities, College of Media Arts and Communication, and College of Graduate Studies. The institution offers 41 distinct programs including nationally recognized offerings in Marine Sciences, Homeland Security, and Forensic Sciences. Student support services include TRIO/GEAR UP programs, STRIPES co-curricular tracking, and an AI-powered Virtual Advisor chatbot. Distance education is delivered through D2L Brightspace LMS, eCore, and eMajor partnerships. The flagship online offering is the fully online MBA program.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- College of Business Administration Academic college offering undergraduate and graduate business-related programs including Accounting, Business Management, Business Marketing, and MBA, providing degrees for careers in commerce and industry.
- College of Engineering Technology and Computing Academic college offering technology-focused degree programs including Computer Science Technology, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.
- Hyundai College of Education Academic college established through a $5 million Hyundai donation to prepare educators with programs in Biology Education, Mathematics Education, Middle Grades Education, Music Education, and Teacher Certification.
- College of Sciences and Humanities Academic college offering programs in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Marine Sciences, Forensic Sciences, Sociology, Political Science, Statistics, and related disciplines.
- College of Media, Arts, and Communication Academic college offering programs in Journalism & Mass Communications, Visual & Performing Arts, Film (Georgia Film Academy), and related creative fields.
- Graduate Studies Graduate-level degree offerings including Public Administration (MPA), Social Work (MSW), Marine Sciences (MSMS), and a fully online MBA designed for working professionals.
- Online MBA Program Fully online MBA program offering flexible class schedules and assignments for working professionals seeking career advancement through graduate business education.
- Marine Sciences Program Nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate program in marine sciences located on a saltwater estuary offering hands-on research at the Marine Biology Building along the Skidaway River.
- Homeland Security & Emergency Management Bachelor's degree program in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the first such undergraduate offering at any Georgia institution of higher education.
- Forensic Sciences Bachelor's degree program in Forensic Sciences, the second such program offered in the state of Georgia.
- TRIO & GEAR UP Programs Federally funded educational opportunity programs including Student Support Services, Educational Talent Search, and Upward Bound that provide mentorship, academic support, and college preparation for middle school, high school, and college students.
- STRIPES Program Co-curricular program enabling students to participate in community/volunteer services and attend extracurricular seminars for academic, personal, professional, and leadership development, generating co-curricular transcripts.
- Virtual Advisor AI-powered virtual advisor chatbot providing prospective and current students with conversational guidance on admissions, programs, and student services.
- Bridge to Research in Marine Sciences Eight-week intensive program featuring classroom, field, and laboratory work with guest lectures and mentor sessions at the Marine Sciences Building.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 90% of students receive financial aid or scholarships
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Savannah State University
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Savannah State University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
Feature3 records
Savannah State University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Georgia TechminorGeorgia Tech collaborated with SSU on a pilot project funded by a $1.2 million SMART grant aimed at improving transit accessibility by connecting underserved communities to bus routes through on-demand electric shuttles. Georgia Tech provided technical expertise in app development and shuttle coordination.
- Local Transit AuthoritiesminorLocal transit authorities participated in the first-mile/last-mile transit project with SSU and Georgia Tech, testing an app that coordinates shuttle pickups and routes in two zones to improve transit accessibility for underserved communities.
- University System of Georgia (USG)coreSSU is a member of the University System of Georgia under the Board of Regents. USG provides state funding, policy oversight, and strategic direction. SSU operates under USG policies including academic calendar, tuition structures, and accreditation requirements.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Savannah State University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Tuskegee University: Tuskegee is a private HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant institution with strong STEM and marine/environmental science research, providing a benchmark peer for research output and corporate fundraising at smaller HBCUs.
- Albany State University: Albany State is also a Georgia public HBCU within the University System of Georgia, sharing the same governance structure, funding model, and target student demographic. Direct peer for state funding, enrollment, and academic program competition.
- Hampton University: Hampton is a private HBCU with marine sciences and homeland security programs, offering a comparable academic portfolio and a peer benchmark for out-of-state premium positioning.
- Morehouse College: Morehouse is a private HBCU in Atlanta with strong brand equity, large alumni donor base, and broad academic program overlap — a benchmark peer for student recruitment and corporate fundraising.
- Fort Valley State University: Fort Valley State is a Georgia public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant institution within USG, making it the closest peer on institutional heritage, funding mechanisms (including federal land-grant streams), and enrollment profile.
- North Carolina A&T State University: NC A&T is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant institution that is a benchmark peer for engineering technology, business, and STEM programs — direct competition for out-of-state students and corporate partnerships.
- Florida A&M University: FAMU is a larger public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant institution with comparable Land-Grant funding model, broader academic portfolio, and similar regional recruitment geography across the Southeast.
- Spelman College: Spelman is a private HBCU in Atlanta competing for the same Georgia-based prospective students and overlapping STEM, business, and humanities programs.
- Clark Atlanta University: Clark Atlanta is a private HBCU in Atlanta offering comparable undergraduate and graduate programs across business, sciences, and the arts, competing with SSU for Georgia's Black student recruitment funnel.
Broad incumbents
- Howard University: Howard is the largest private HBCU with broad national reach, representing the upper-bound HBCU benchmark for fundraising, brand recognition, and federal research funding.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Savannah State University social profiles
Digital presenceSavannah State University compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Savannah State University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Savannah State University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Savannah State University subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Savannah State University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Savannah State University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Savannah State University
What does Savannah State University do?
Savannah State University is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six academic colleges in Business Administration, Engineering Technology and Computing, Education, Sciences and Humanities, Media Arts and Communication, and Graduate Studies. It delivers on-campus instruction at its 201-acre Savannah campus and online through the D2L Brightspace platform, supported by student services including TRIO/GEAR UP programs, career services via Handshake, and an AI-powered Virtual Advisor. The university generates revenue primarily through tuition, state appropriations, grants, and corporate donations.
Is Savannah State University a public or private company?
Savannah State University is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Savannah State University founded?
Savannah State University was founded in 1890. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Savannah State University based?
Savannah State University is headquartered in Savannah, United States, in the North America region.
How does Savannah State University make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are state Funding and Appropriations, corporate Donations and Grants and housing and Dining Services.
Who are Savannah State University's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Tuskegee University, Albany State University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Fort Valley State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Florida A&M University, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. Howard University is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Savannah State University have an API?
No public API is recorded for Savannah State University.
What industry is Savannah State University in?
Savannah State University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAMAA, Public HBCUs (State-Supported), with a secondary code of EDAHAMAD, Historically Black Land-Grant Universities (1862/1890). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.