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Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC·Private nonprofit·2,716 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 2,716 students.

76%
Accept
2,716
Students
$21,955
Net Price
49%
Grad Rate
$40,600
Earnings
10 yr
$18,250
Debt

About This School

Charleston Southern University is a private nonprofit institution located in Charleston, South Carolina with approximately 2,716 undergraduate students enrolled. Charleston Southern University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 76%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,955 per year. The graduation rate is 49%, and the typical graduate earns $40,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Charleston Southern University (CSU) is a private university in North Charleston, South Carolina, United States. It is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 49% graduation rate and 62% freshman retention rate suggest many students struggle to finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. On the positive side, the median debt at graduation is a manageable $18,250, and the Baptist-affiliated campus community appeals strongly to students looking for a faith-centered environment in a great city. Worth considering if you're drawn to the Christian mission and have a clear plan to stay on track, but ask hard questions about academic support before committing.

Founded
1964
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions26%
Business & Marketing17%
Biological Sciences9%
Education9%
Social Sciences5%
Psychology5%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tim ScottCharles Simpkins

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1056
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$31,030
Out-of-State Tuition
$31,030
Avg Net Price
$21,955
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$18,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
49%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
62%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.2x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White56%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,716 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Charleston Southern University

9200 University Blvd

Charleston, SC 29406-9121

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Carolina

Browse all South Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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