CSU vs. Erskine College

Comparable Facts

Compare Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC with Erskine College in Due West, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Charleston Southern University is larger than Erskine College based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 912 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Erskine College is in Due West, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Erskine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Erskine College 15:1.

CSU vs. Erskine College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Erskine College? 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 Erskine College ($21,080 vs. $23,882).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 7.9% lower than at Erskine College ($12,200 vs. $13,250).
• Erskine College is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $4,190 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at Erskine College than at Charleston Southern University (about $4,190 more per year; $36,710.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Erskine College than at Charleston Southern University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Erskine College students is 34.1% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($31,174 vs. $23,240).

CSU vs. Erskine College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Erskine College (1040).
• Incoming CSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Erskine College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Erskine College 920/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Erskine College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Erskine College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Erskine College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Erskine College (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 22.2% at Erskine College.

CSU vs. Erskine College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Erskine College? 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).

• Erskine College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Erskine College earn a median of about $500 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Erskine College graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($26,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Erskine College graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($276 vs. $279).
• More Erskine College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.