CSU vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Johnson University is in Knoxville, TN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Johnson University 12:1.

CSU vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Johnson 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 Charleston Southern University than Johnson University ($21,080 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 18.9% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($9,900 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 54% more expensive for in-state tuition than Johnson University (about $11,398 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $21,122.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54% higher at CSU than at Johnson University (about $11,398 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $21,122.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson University than at Charleston Southern University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 99.8% larger than aid received by Johnson University students ($23,240 vs. $11,630).

CSU vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Johnson University (1040).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Johnson University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Johnson University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Johnson University (65.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

CSU vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Johnson 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).

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $5,620 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($21,380 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($221 vs. $279).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.