CSU vs. Lincoln Memorial University

Comparable Facts

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

Lincoln Memorial University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (6,081 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Lincoln Memorial University is in Harrogate, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln Memorial University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Lincoln Memorial University 10:1.

CSU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Lincoln Memorial 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 Lincoln Memorial University ($21,080 vs. $21,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 0.2% lower than at Lincoln Memorial University ($12,200 vs. $12,226).
• Charleston Southern University is 20.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lincoln Memorial University (about $5,582 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $26,938.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.7% higher at CSU than at Lincoln Memorial University (about $5,582 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $26,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln Memorial University than at Charleston Southern University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 15.7% larger than aid received by Lincoln Memorial University students ($23,240 vs. $20,081).

CSU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lincoln Memorial University (1110) is 60 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Lincoln Memorial University (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Lincoln Memorial University 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Lincoln Memorial University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Lincoln Memorial University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lincoln Memorial University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Lincoln Memorial University (62.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 15.8% at Lincoln Memorial University.

CSU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Lincoln Memorial 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).

• Lincoln Memorial 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 $900 more per year than Lincoln Memorial University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $38,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have a $9,980 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($17,020 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($175 vs. $279).
• More Lincoln Memorial University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.