Student body profile:
- Enrollment has been on an upward trajectory with an average increase
- 81% of all students are Georgia residents
- 86% of the undergraduate student population is African American
- Current retention rate 71%
- Percentage of students receiving Pell; 73%, average award is $5,900
Mission:
As the first public historically Black university in Georgia, Savannah State develops productive members of a global society through high-quality instruction, scholarship, research, service, and community involvement. The university fosters engaged learning and personal growth in a student-centered environment that celebrates its African American legacy while nurturing a diverse student body where all are welcome. SSU offers graduate and undergraduate studies including nationally accredited programs in the liberal arts, the sciences, and the professions.
Guided by its mission, the Savannah State CCG/Momentum Year initiative is dedicated to enhancing student success from the freshman year onward. The team's focus on realigning the curriculum to promote the "15 to Finish" approach is central to helping students progress toward timely graduation, thereby reducing the overall cost of earning an undergraduate degree. This initiative also contributes to the creation of a highly skilled workforce and the development of future researchers.
Expanding support services, including tutoring, professional advising, and faculty mentoring, enhances the quality of instruction and provides students with meaningful opportunities for personal and academic growth. These services, coupled with the adoption of high-impact practices, play a pivotal role in fostering well-rounded, capable graduates. Faculty members are also guiding students in exploring career pathways and facilitating course scheduling that aligns with degree progression, while simultaneously helping students develop critical soft skills necessary for success in the workplace.
Furthermore, these key priorities are designed to bolster students' academic achievements and personal development by promoting effective time management strategies and supporting financial literacy, especially in managing student debt.
