CSU vs. Concord University

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Concord University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 1,943 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Concord University is in Athens, WV (Remote Town setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Concord University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Concord University 16:1.

CSU vs. Concord University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Concord University? 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 Concord University than CSU ($11,379 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 2.8% lower than at Concord University ($12,200 vs. $12,546).
• Charleston Southern University is 205% more expensive for in-state tuition than Concord University (about $21,856 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $10,664.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.8% higher at CSU than at Concord University (about $10,520 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $22,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Concord University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 109.9% larger than aid received by Concord University students ($23,240 vs. $11,072).

CSU vs. Concord University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 90 points higher than at Concord University (960).
• Incoming CSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Concord University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Concord University 830/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Concord University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Concord University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Concord University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Concord University (92.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 18.2% at Concord University.

CSU vs. Concord University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Concord University? 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).

• Charleston Southern University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Concord University's (34%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Concord University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $33,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Concord University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Concord University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Concord University 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.