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Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC·Private nonprofit·2,893 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%. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

96%
Accept
2,893
Students
$21,666
Net Price
47%
Grad Rate
$40,600
Earnings
10 yr
$26,471
Debt

About This School

Charleston Southern University is a private nonprofit institution located in Charleston, South Carolina with approximately 2,893 undergraduate students enrolled. Charleston Southern University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,666 per year. The graduation rate is 47%, 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
Religious Affiliation
Southern Baptist
Avg Faculty Salary
$6,523

Popular Programs

Health Professions20%
Business & Marketing18%
Education10%
Biological Sciences9%
Psychology9%
Social Sciences6%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Computer Science3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tim ScottCharles Simpkins

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1059
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$32,520
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,520
Avg Net Price
$21,666
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$20,145
$30–48k$23,024
$48–75k$20,697
$75–110k$21,648
$110k+$23,226

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants34%
Median debt at graduation$26,471

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
47%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
63%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$26,471
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$36,300
Female graduates$29,900

Gap: 18% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$26,471
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.5x

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

White60%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian1%
Two or more races5%
International3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,893 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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