CSU vs. Coker

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Coker based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 1,325 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Coker University is in Hartsville, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Coker University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Coker University 12:1.

CSU vs. Coker Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Coker? 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 Coker University than CSU ($19,823 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Coker University are 0.7% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($12,114 vs. $12,200).
• Coker University is 2.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $896 more per year; $33,416.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.8% higher at Coker than at Charleston Southern University (about $896 more per year; $33,416.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University as at Coker University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Coker University students is 13.8% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($26,449 vs. $23,240).

CSU vs. Coker Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is the same as at Coker (1050).
• Incoming CSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Coker).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Coker University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Coker University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Coker - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Coker (3.1).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Coker (94%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 22.7% at Coker.

CSU vs. Coker Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Coker? 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).

• Coker University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Coker graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Coker graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Coker graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Coker students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 41%)

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.