Morris College

Overview & Academics

• Morris College is a private, four-year, liberal arts institution founded in 1908. Located in Sumter, South Carolina, it is owned and operated by the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina. The college focuses on offering undergraduate programs grounded in a liberal arts tradition.
• Academic offerings culminate in bachelor’s degrees with majors across areas such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Mass Communications, Biology, Mathematics, English, Interdisciplinary Studies, Teacher Education, and Religious Studies.
• The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Admissions

• Morris College has an accessible admissions policy, seeking to offer opportunities for traditional and non-traditional students. Applications typically require an official high school transcript or equivalent, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT, but may be optional), and a completed application form.
• Students transferring from other institutions must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.

Cost

• For the academic year 2023-2024, tuition and required fees are approximately $14,326 per year for full-time undergraduate students. Housing and meal plans are offered at additional costs; full-time resident students can expect a total yearly cost in the range of $22,000 to $25,000.
• Morris College provides financial aid through federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, and loan programs.

Student Population

• Morris College serves a student population of approximately 400-600 students annually, making for an intimate campus environment and favorable student-to-faculty ratios (typically around 14:1).
• The college is designated as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), drawing a diverse student body primarily from South Carolina and adjacent states.

Rankings & Distinctions

• Morris College is recognized as one of South Carolina’s key HBCUs and is noted for its contribution to African-American higher education and leadership development in the state and region.
• The institution is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
• It has historic distinction within religious and minority education circles for over a century.

Campus & Culture

• The historic campus features a blend of classic and modern academic buildings, residence halls, a chapel, campus center, gymnasium, and athletic facilities.
• Campus events, including religious observances, homecoming, and academic convocations, are prominent cultural traditions.

Athletics & Traditions

• Morris College teams, known as the Hornets, compete in NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) as part of the Continental Athletic Conference.
• Popular sports include men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, track & field, and volleyball.
• The college fosters traditions such as Founder’s Day, Homecoming celebrations, and Greek life events.

Mission

• Morris College’s mission is to provide a liberal arts education in a Christian environment, empowering students for leadership and service within a global society. The institution emphasizes intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and social development.

Leadership & Current Developments

• The college is led by President Dr. Leroy Staggers, who has focused on academic excellence, campus renovation, student recruitment, alumni engagement, and fiscal stewardship.
• Recent institutional priorities include strengthening academic programs, enhancing campus resources, promoting enrollment, and maintaining its HBCU heritage.

Programs

• Bachelor’s degree offerings span departments including:
  1. Business Administration & Computer Science
  2. Education (Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary)
  3. Humanities (English, Mass Communications)
  4. Natural Sciences & Mathematics (Biology, Mathematics)
  5. Social Sciences (Criminal Justice, Sociology, Political Science)
  6. Religious Studies
  7. Interdisciplinary Studies

Campus Life

• On-campus housing, dining, student union, and wellness facilities support student needs.
• Campus ministry, counseling, and health services promote holistic student well-being.
• Leadership development, volunteer service, and career preparation opportunities are available.

Student Organizations

• Numerous student-led groups enrich campus life, including academic and honor societies, student government, faith-based organizations, social clubs, and fraternities and sororities.
• Service initiatives, professional organization chapters, and creative arts clubs (such as choir and drama) provide outlets for diverse involvement.

Admission Stats

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 50%-70% of applicants are admitted, making for moderately selective admissions.
• Average High School GPA: Typically, a minimum of 2.5-2.7 is recommended for consideration.
• Standardized Test Scores: SAT/ACT scores may be considered, but are often optional or not required for all applicants.
• Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions. Applicants are encouraged to apply by spring prior to intended fall enrollment.