CSU vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CSU vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Ferrum 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 Ferrum College than CSU ($20,082 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 7.8% lower than at Ferrum College ($12,200 vs. $13,230).
• Charleston Southern University is 14% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferrum College (about $4,000 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14% higher at CSU than at Ferrum College (about $4,000 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University as at Ferrum College (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 48.2% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($34,444 vs. $23,240).

CSU vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 60 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Ferrum College (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

CSU vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Ferrum 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).

• Charleston Southern University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 49%)

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.