CSU vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Liberty University 18:1.

CSU vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Liberty 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 Liberty University ($21,080 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 11.8% lower than at Liberty University ($12,200 vs. $13,835).
• Charleston Southern University is 44.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $10,055 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.8% higher at CSU than at Liberty University (about $10,055 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Liberty University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 86.1% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($23,240 vs. $12,489).

CSU vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 100 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Liberty University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Liberty University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at CSU (3.24).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than CSU (96.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

CSU vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Liberty 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).

• Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $2,834 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 36%)

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.