Savannah State University (SSU) is a public historically Black university in Savannah, Georgia, ranked #111 in US News Regional Universities South 2026 and part of the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1890, it is Georgia’s oldest public HBCU and enrols roughly 3,700 students across four academic colleges on a 201-acre coastal campus.
Savannah State University offers 23 accredited undergraduate degrees and five master’s programmes, all delivered in English, with the MBA, MS Marine Sciences and BS Homeland Security drawing the strongest Indian applicant interest. Indian students apply for two annual intakes, Fall (August) and Spring (January), with an open-admission policy for undergraduates and clear GPA thresholds for graduate entry.
- US News Rank: #111 Regional Universities South 2026
- Acceptance Rate: 84% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January)
- PG Tuition (international): USD 19,776 per year (INR 18.8 lakh)
- Application Fee: USD 50 (INR 4,742)
- Average MBA Starting Salary: USD 60,000 per year (INR 56.9 lakh) — US market median
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
SSU uses a transparent flat-fee model with no tuition tiers by faculty, and admits Indian applicants on an F-1 student visa with 12 months of OPT (24 months extra for STEM majors like Marine Sciences and Chemistry). Merit-based tuition reductions are available through the ScholarshipUniverse portal after admission.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.83 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). The undergraduate Spring 2027 application deadline is 15 October 2026, roughly six weeks from today. Graduate MBA and MPA applications for Spring 2027 close 1 December 2026, and Fall 2027 undergraduate applications close 1 June 2027.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Savannah State University 2027
- Savannah State University Admission 2027
- Savannah State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Savannah State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- SSU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Savannah State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Savannah State University Scholarships 2027
- Savannah State University Rankings 2027
- Savannah State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Savannah State University vs Peer Universities
- Savannah State University FAQs
Popular SSU Courses and Fees 2027
Savannah State University uses one flat tuition rate per academic level for all out-of-country students, with no faculty-based tiering. Undergraduate programmes run four years and graduate programmes two years, and per-year tuition equals per-semester tuition multiplied by two teaching semesters. Indian applicants gravitate to the MBA, Marine Sciences, and Homeland Security tracks.
Top PG Programs at Savannah State University
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 39,552 | 37.5 lakh | Bachelor’s with 62.5% or CGPA 6.25/10 |
| MS Marine Sciences | 39,552 | 37.5 lakh | Bachelor’s in Science with 62.5% or CGPA 6.25/10 |
| MS Mathematics | 39,552 | 37.5 lakh | Bachelor’s in Mathematics with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Public Administration | 39,552 | 37.5 lakh | Bachelor’s with 62.5% or CGPA 6.25/10 |
| Master of Social Work | 39,552 | 37.5 lakh | Bachelor’s with 70% or CGPA 7/10 (recommended) |
Top UG Programs at Savannah State University
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA English Language and Literature | 83,880 | 79.5 lakh | Class 12 with 55% (recommended) |
| BA Homeland Security and Emergency Management | 83,880 | 79.5 lakh | Class 12 with 55% (recommended) |
| BS Behavior Analysis | 83,880 | 79.5 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
| BS Marine Sciences | 83,880 | 79.5 lakh | Class 12 Science with 60% (recommended) |
| BS Chemistry | 83,880 | 79.5 lakh | Class 12 Science with 60% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants overwhelmingly choose the MBA and MS Marine Sciences at SSU, since both qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension and the marine science lab has NOAA research partnerships.
Read More: Savannah State University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Savannah State University Admission 2027
SSU admits Indian applicants for two annual intakes, Fall (August) and Spring (January). Fall is the primary intake for most master’s programmes and all undergraduate international students.
Savannah State University PG Admission Dates 2027
PG deadlines vary by programme category, with international deadlines earlier than the domestic cycle for MPA and MSW.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| MSMS Fall 2027 deadline | 20 March 2027 | Earliest PG close; lab placements confirmed with offer |
| MPA (International) Fall 2027 deadline | 1 June 2027 | Domestic MPA closes 15 July; Indian applicants use June date |
| MBA Fall 2027 deadline | 15 July 2027 | GRE or GMAT waived if bachelor’s GPA above 6.25/10 |
| Credential verification (NACES member) | Start 6 weeks before deadline | Any NACES evaluator accepted; WES is common |
| Programme start | August 2027 | International orientation two weeks before classes |
Savannah State University UG Admission Dates 2027
Undergraduate applications run on a single international deadline per intake.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 UG deadline | 15 October 2026 | Currently open; six weeks from today |
| Fall 2027 UG deadline | 1 June 2027 | Primary Indian applicant intake |
| Programme start | August 2027 or January 2027 | I-20 issued within four weeks of financial documents |
Planning note: The MSMS 20 March cutoff is a hard deadline tied to laboratory rotation slots, so Indian applicants targeting Marine Sciences should begin the WES evaluation by December to leave time for transcript retrieval from Indian universities.
Read More: Savannah State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Savannah State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants must show academic eligibility on the Indian scale plus a valid English proficiency test score from a Savannah State University approved provider.
Postgraduate requirements:
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 62.5% or CGPA 6.25/10 (or above 70% for MSW recommended)
- English: TOEFL iBT 69 or IELTS 6.0 minimum, verbatim from the official page
- GRE or GMAT: Required only if bachelor’s GPA falls below 6.25/10 for MBA, MPA and MSMS
- Credential verification: NACES member evaluation (WES commonly used) with GPA conversion
Undergraduate requirements:
- Academic: Class 12 with 55% overall for arts and 60% for science streams (recommended)
- English: TOEFL iBT 69, IELTS 6.0, or SAT/ACT with English section
- Bank sponsorship letter: Required with visa financial proof
Key insight: Indian applicants with English-medium schooling from a CBSE, ISC or IB board can request a TOEFL waiver from the international admissions office by submitting a signed medium-of-instruction letter from the school principal.
Savannah State University Acceptance Rate 2027
Savannah State University follows a near-open-admission policy, with an 84% acceptance rate (estimated) across all applicants. The published rate draws from US News admission data and does not separate international from domestic applicants; officially the university reports itself as non-competitive.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2025 | 85% (estimated) | Stable |
The gap between undergraduate open admission and graduate GPA gating is real: MBA and MPA applicants below 6.25/10 must supply a competitive GRE or GMAT score to be considered.
Reality check: A high headline rate does not mean admission is automatic for Indian students, since I-20 issuance still depends on documented financial capacity of USD 32,000 per year and a satisfactory F-1 visa interview at the US consulate.
Read More: Savannah State University Acceptance Rate
SSU Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at Savannah State University ranges between USD 32,000 and USD 35,000 (INR 30.3 to 33.2 lakh), covering tuition plus a modest Savannah cost of living.
SSU Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Out-of-country tuition and mandatory fees are billed per semester, published by the SSU Bursar’s Office.
| Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) | With Mandatory Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 20,970 | 19.9 lakh | 22,544 |
| Graduate | 19,776 | 18.8 lakh | 21,350 |
[Source: Savannah State University Bursar]
Monthly Cost of Living in Savannah for Indian Students
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus) | 640 | 60,691 |
| Food and dining plan | 350 | 33,191 |
| Transportation (SSU shuttle covered) | 60 | 5,690 |
| Books and supplies | 85 | 8,061 |
| Personal expenses | 90 | 8,535 |
| Total monthly | 1,225 | 1,16,168 |
| Annual estimate | 14,700 | 13.9 lakh |
[Source: Savannah State University Housing Office and BLS Georgia consumer estimates, all figures (estimated)]
Insider note: On-campus housing at Wright Hall and Camilla Hubert Hall keeps monthly rent below USD 700, while off-campus one-bedroom apartments near Skidaway Road run USD 900 to USD 1,100 with a mandatory 12-month lease.
Read More: Study in USA
Savannah State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Savannah State University occupies a 201-acre coastal campus on the Atlantic seaboard, five miles southeast of downtown Savannah and directly beside a saltwater marsh used for marine science fieldwork.
- Location and transport: Free SSU Tiger Express shuttle runs to downtown Savannah and Oglethorpe Mall; Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is 25 minutes by car.
- Housing: Seven residence halls guarantee first-year international students on-campus placement; rent ranges USD 3,200 to USD 3,800 per semester.
- Marine Sciences facility: Dockside research vessels and a saltwater aquarium lab support the flagship MS Marine Sciences programme, unique among Georgia HBCUs.
- Indian community: International student population sits below 100, so the Indian cohort is small; International Student Services runs orientation and immigration advising.
What Indian students say: Coursework is manageable when English medium schooling is strong, and faculty are highly accessible in small classes. Off-campus grocery access is limited without a car, so most Indian students share rides for Kroger and Walmart runs.
Savannah State University Scholarships 2027
SSU offers two internal scholarship tracks, direct awards and competitive awards, both accessed through the ScholarshipUniverse portal after admission. No India-specific scholarship exists; Indian applicants compete in the general international pool.
| Scholarship | Type | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSU Direct Award Scholarships | Merit, automatic | Minimum 2.0 GPA and full-time enrolment; automatic consideration on admission | Rolling with admission |
| SSU Foundation Competitive Scholarships | Merit and need, application | Admitted students who complete ScholarshipUniverse profile and essay | 30 April 2027 |
Planning note: State scholarships like HOPE and Zell Miller are Georgia-resident only, so Indian applicants should focus on the SSU Foundation competitive round and treat any award as a partial tuition offset rather than a full fee waiver.
Read More: Savannah State University Scholarships Guide
Savannah State University Rankings 2027
Savannah State University is a US regional university and does not appear in global research-heavy rankings; its strongest recognition is #51 in US News Historically Black Colleges and Universities 2026.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities South | 2026: #111 | 2025: #114 | 2024: #115 |
| US News Top Public Schools | 2026: #54 | 2025: #58 | 2024: #62 |
| US News HBCU | 2026: #51 | 2025: #53 | 2024: #55 |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | NA | NA |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026]
The Regional Universities South category covers master’s-level universities across 12 southern US states, and SSU also earns a US News Top Performer on Social Mobility rank of #43.
Key insight: SSU’s regional rank is enough for F-1 visa officers and standard US employer recognition, but Indian applicants seeking premium brand pull for return-to-India roles should compare with QS-ranked publics in the University System of Georgia.
Read More: Savannah State University Rankings Analysis
SSU Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Savannah State University does not publish a central placement rate, but the Office of Career Services reports the overall employment plus continuing-education rate at roughly 70% within six months of graduation.
- Median MBA starting salary: USD 60,000 per year (INR 56.9 lakh) — US market median, not university disclosed
- Undergraduate median: USD 41,000 per year (INR 38.9 lakh) — US market median
- Top hiring sectors: Federal government, port and logistics, marine sciences research, retail management
- OPT and STEM OPT: 12 months OPT for all majors; STEM OPT extension of 24 months applies to Marine Sciences, Chemistry and Mathematics
- Career support: On-campus career fairs each semester, employer mock interviews, and a dedicated international-student H-1B sponsorship advising track
Insider note: Homeland Security graduates cannot access most federal roles as F-1 students since these require US citizenship, so Indian applicants should target private port-security and logistics employers such as Georgia Ports Authority contractors.
Savannah State University vs Peer Universities
Peers below are all public regional universities in the US South, chosen because they compete for the same profile of Indian applicant seeking an affordable HBCU or regional public.
| University | US News Regional Rank 2026 | Avg PG Fee (USD) | Avg PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah State University | #111 South | 19,776 | 18.8 lakh | Coastal marine sciences lab; low fees |
| Fort Valley State University | #125 South | 18,504 | 17.5 lakh | Georgia HBCU, veterinary science |
| Albany State University | #118 South | 18,972 | 18.0 lakh | Georgia HBCU, nursing focus |
| Georgia Southern University | #75 South | 21,048 | 20.0 lakh | Larger campus, broader engineering menu |
SSU stands out for its Marine Sciences programme and coastal location, and it prices below Georgia Southern while offering identical University System of Georgia degree recognition.
Savannah State University fits Indian students who want a low-cost, low-competition US public with a defined STEM OPT pathway through Marine Sciences, Chemistry or Mathematics, and who can absorb a total investment of INR 30 to 33 lakh per year against a market median MBA starting salary of INR 56.9 lakh. The 12-month F-1 OPT plus 24 months STEM extension gives graduates three years to secure H-1B sponsorship.
SSU is not for applicants targeting elite consulting or investment banking recruiters, since Fortune 100 firms rarely recruit on campus. A stronger alternative in that case is Georgia State University, which offers similar in-state pricing with metro Atlanta employer access.
Savannah State University FAQs
Ques. Does Savannah State University offer online master’s programmes for Indian students?
Ans. SSU offers hybrid master’s tracks in MBA and MPA that combine on-campus and online delivery, but F-1 visa rules cap online-only coursework at one class per semester. Indian students on a student visa must therefore live in Savannah and complete the majority of coursework in person. A fully online enrolment is possible only for applicants studying from India without an F-1 visa.
Ques. Can Indian F-1 students work part-time at Savannah State University?
Ans. Yes, F-1 students may work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours in breaks. Common roles include library assistant, dining services, marine sciences lab tech and the SSU Bookstore. Off-campus work is restricted until 12 months of full-time enrolment; after that, Curricular Practical Training and OPT allow paid internships in the student’s field of study.
Ques. How does SSU waive the GRE or GMAT for Indian MBA applicants?
Ans. Savannah State University waives GRE and GMAT for MBA, MPA and MSMS applicants whose bachelor’s GPA equals or exceeds 6.25 on a 10-point Indian scale, once WES converts it. Applicants below that threshold must submit a competitive GRE score of at least 300 or GMAT 500. The MSW waives GRE at CGPA 7.0 or above.
Ques. What is the application fee at Savannah State University and can it be waived?
Ans. The application fee is USD 50 for all international applicants, roughly INR 4,742. SSU does not publish a standing fee waiver for Indian applicants, though counsellors from AACRAO and EducationUSA advising centres can occasionally request one for documented financial hardship. Fees are paid through the online GAFutures portal and are non-refundable regardless of admission outcome.
Ques. Which Indian banks recognise Savannah State University for education loans?
Ans. SBI, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank list SSU among approved US public universities for education loans up to INR 40 lakh without collateral above INR 7.5 lakh. Public sector banks require the I-20, admission letter and cost of attendance breakdown; NBFCs such as Avanse and Auxilo also fund SSU applicants and can typically disburse within four weeks of I-20 issue.
Ques. What financial proof does SSU require for the F-1 I-20?
Ans. Indian applicants must show liquid funds of USD 32,000 for one academic year plus a bank sponsorship letter on the sponsor’s letterhead. Fixed deposits, savings accounts, and loan sanction letters are accepted; equity holdings and property are not. Documents must be dated within six months of the I-20 request and translated into English by a certified translator.
Ques. How does credential evaluation work for Indian degrees at SSU?
Ans. Savannah State University accepts any NACES member evaluator, with WES being the most common Indian applicant choice. WES requires transcripts sent directly by the Indian university, and the standard course-by-course report takes seven working days after documents arrive. Applicants should start the evaluation at least six weeks before the SSU deadline to absorb transcript delays from Indian institutions.
Ques. Can SSU dependents on F-2 visa work or study in the US?
Ans. F-2 dependents of Indian SSU students cannot work in the US under any circumstance. Spouses may enrol only in recreational or avocational study, and F-2 children may attend K-12 school full-time. Dependents must maintain the same USD 6,000 per year additional financial proof for spouse and USD 4,000 per child, added to the primary applicant’s I-20 cost of attendance.
Savannah State University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | USD 11,655 /Yr | 20 | GPA:2.5, TOEFL:69 IBT, IELTS: 6.0, DET: 100 | ||
M.B.A 2 years | USD 28,386 /Yr | 20 | GPA:2.5, IELTS:6.5, TOELF: 4.0, DET: 95 | - | |
B.S Marine Sciences 4 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | USD 11,655 /Yr | 20 | GPA:2.5, TOEFL:69 IBT, IELTS: 6.0, DET: 100 | |
Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | USD 11,655 /Yr | 20 | GPA:2.5, TOEFL:69 IBT, IELTS: 6.0, DET: 100 | ||
M.S Marine Sciences 2 years | USD 28,386 /Yr | 20 | GPA:2.5, IELTS:6.5, TOELF: 4.0, DET: 95 | - | |
B.S Behavior Analysis 4 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | USD 11,655 /Yr | - | GPA:2.5, TOEFL:69 IBT, IELTS: 6.0, DET: 100 | |
B.A/B.S Music 4 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | USD 11,655 /Yr | 20 | GPA:2.5, TOEFL:69 IBT, IELTS: 6.0, DET: 100 | |
Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | USD 11,655 /Yr | - | GPA:2.5, TOEFL:69 IBT, IELTS: 6.0, DET: 100 | ||
B.A Sociology 4 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | USD 11,655 /Yr | 19 | GPA:2.5, TOEFL:69 IBT, IELTS: 6.0, DET: 100 |
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1 Reviews Found
Overview
Because it has a beautiful campus, it was located in a place that was not a busy city, has a strong background in business degree. It has a good reputation among most people. It was well known by the people that recommended it.
Fees
The payment is alright. Housing and meal plans can be a little cheaper since the options on campus are not too many. Fees for credit hours are fine. There are a couple of fees that may not be needed at all.
Savannah State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Savannah State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.gafutures.org/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Savannah State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3864 | 3018 | 846 | 30 |

















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