Charleston Southern University
About Charleston Southern University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Charleston Southern University is a private Baptist university in Charleston, South Carolina. It offers programs in nursing, business, education, and criminal justice, with a growing campus in the Lowcountry region.
Founded
1964
Location
Charleston, South Carolina
Students
3,599
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
96.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
47.2%
Below national average
Tuition
$32,520
Per year
Avg Net Price
$21,666
After financial aid
SAT Average
1059
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$45,898
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Charleston Southern University accepts the majority of applicants at 96.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1059/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
47.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
63.1%
4-Year Grad
38%
6-Year Grad
49%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
58.3%
$/Student
$9.0K
Class Size
Medium
The 38% graduation rate is below average, but 63.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$32,520
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,200
Books & Supplies
$0
Total Cost of Attendance
$44,558
After Financial Aid
$21,666
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$20,145
Receive Grants
34.5%
Take Loans
48.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $44,558/yr, including $12,200 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $21,666.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Charleston Southern University fund their education.
While in School
34.5%
Get Grants
Free money
48.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$40,996
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,471
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$281/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,471 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $46K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Charleston Southern University.
Gender
62.5%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,893
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
706
Graduates
30.7%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
11.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 63% of the student body. 30.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
2,893
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Charleston Southern University fields 9 varsity teams with 439 student athletes, about 15% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Big South
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
439
15% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
268
Men
171
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Charleston Southern Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$45,898
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$66K
80 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$65K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$30K
32 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$35K
29 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Health
—
27 grads
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$27K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $46K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Charleston Southern University
What is the acceptance rate at Charleston Southern University?▾
How much does Charleston Southern University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Charleston Southern University?▾
How much do Charleston Southern University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.