CSU vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Longwood University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (4,612 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Longwood University 15:1.

CSU vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Longwood 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 Longwood University than CSU ($20,847 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 30% lower than at Longwood University ($12,200 vs. $17,424).
• Charleston Southern University is 106.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Longwood University (about $16,776 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $15,744.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.2% higher at CSU than at Longwood University (about $4,542 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $27,978.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Longwood University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 66.5% larger than aid received by Longwood University students ($23,240 vs. $13,954).

CSU vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Longwood University (1120) is 70 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Longwood University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Longwood University (90.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 17% at Longwood University.

CSU vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Longwood 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).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Longwood University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Longwood University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Longwood University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.