Brenau University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Brenau University in Gainesville, GA with Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Charleston Southern University is larger than Brenau University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 2,436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

Brenau University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau University or CSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Brenau University than CSU ($19,743 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 5.1% lower than at Brenau University ($12,200 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 4.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $1,507 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.6% higher at Brenau University than at Charleston Southern University (about $1,507 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brenau University than at Charleston Southern University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 13.3% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($26,325 vs. $23,240).

Brenau University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brenau University or CSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CSU and Brenau University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brenau University (1070) is 20 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming CSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Brenau University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Brenau University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 17.7% at CSU.

Brenau University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau University and CSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brenau University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University and Brenau University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Charleston Southern University and Brenau University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 48%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.