CSU vs. AU

Comparable Facts

Compare Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC with Averett University in Danville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Charleston Southern University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 1,476 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Averett University is in Danville, VA (Small City setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Averett University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Averett University 16:1.

CSU vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or AU? 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 Charleston Southern University than AU ($21,080 vs. $23,471).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 16% lower than at Averett University ($12,200 vs. $14,530).
• Averett University is 18.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $6,030 more per year; $38,550.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.5% higher at AU than at Charleston Southern University (about $6,030 more per year; $38,550.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Averett University than at Charleston Southern University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Averett University students is 29.1% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($29,998 vs. $23,240).

CSU vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or AU? 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 AU and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 20 points higher than at AU (1030).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at AU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Averett University 926/1143.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Averett University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at AU (3.07).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than AU (56.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 18.1% at AU.

CSU vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and AU? 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).

• Averett University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Averett University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,400 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Averett University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 50%)

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.