Christopher Starks, a junior from the Atlanta metropolitan area, died at a local hospital following an "altercation" late Thursday at Savannah State University's student union building, the school said, AFP reported on Friday.
No arrests have been made, though the campus was placed on lockdown for about two hours until just before midnight (0400 GMT Friday).
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident along with campus police because the university is a state school.
It comes just days after the brazen shooting of two journalists during a live broadcast that has once again renewed calls for stricter US gun controls.
"The safety of those who live, study, work and visit Savannah State University remains a top priority? - no exceptions," the university said in a statement on its website.
"Savannah State University has zero tolerance for violence of any kind."
It urged students to report to campus police with any information about the incident or the presence of weapons on campus.
Two women told NBC affiliate WSAV there had been a fight at the student union that resulted in one person being shot in the collarbone area.