Charleston Southern University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Charleston, South Carolina with 2,893 undergraduates. It admits 97% of applicants, costs an average of $20,661 a year after grants and graduates 50% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Charleston Southern University acceptance rate and admissions
Charleston Southern University admitted 97% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 480 to 600, math 450 to 560). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Charleston Southern University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Application fee through the Common App: $25 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Charleston Southern University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Charleston Southern University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $34,080 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $12,250 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $45,797 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $20,661 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $20,661 a year after grants and scholarships, $25,136 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Charleston Southern University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Charleston Southern University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 50% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $52,265 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $22,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 43% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Charleston Southern University majors and what graduates earn
Charleston Southern University awarded bachelor's degrees in 50 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer science ($97,290).
All 50 majors at Charleston Southern University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Charleston Southern University
14 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 14 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business administration | Master's | 83 | $72,816 | $39,559 |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 41 | $102,152 | $117,500 |
| Education leadership | Doctoral | 24 | $83,562 | $50,803 |
| Criminal justice | Master's | 14 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 11 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 11 | $40,502 | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 9 | n/a | n/a |
| Biology | Master's | 8 | n/a | n/a |
| Computer and information sciences | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Human resources | Master's | 5 | $60,320 | n/a |
| Health administration | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Accounting | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Finance | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 2,893 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 63% women, 38% men
- 12 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Charleston Southern University?
Charleston Southern University admitted 97% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Charleston Southern University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $34,080. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $20,661 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Charleston Southern University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 480 to 600 in reading and writing and 450 to 560 in math, and 18 to 24 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Charleston Southern University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Charleston Southern University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Charleston Southern University?
50% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Charleston Southern University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $52,265 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in South Carolina · colleges in Charleston · Charleston Southern University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.