CSU vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Lee University 13:1.

CSU vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Lee 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 Lee University than CSU ($20,416 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 17.1% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($10,110 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 36.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $8,730 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.7% higher at CSU than at Lee University (about $8,730 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Charleston Southern University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 50.3% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($23,240 vs. $15,467).

CSU vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 90 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 35% at Lee University.

CSU vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Lee 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).

• Lee 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 $2,700 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lee University and CSU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Lee University and CSU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.