CSU vs. Marymount University

Comparable Facts

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

Marymount University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (4,060 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Marymount University is in Arlington, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marymount University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Marymount University 14:1.

CSU vs. Marymount University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Marymount 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 Marymount University ($21,080 vs. $31,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 28.2% lower than at Marymount University ($12,200 vs. $17,000).
• Marymount University is 25.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $8,400 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.8% higher at Marymount University than at Charleston Southern University (about $8,400 more per year; $40,920.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Marymount University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marymount University students is 12.2% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($26,069 vs. $23,240).

CSU vs. Marymount University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marymount University (1070) is 20 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Marymount University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Marymount University 970/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Marymount University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Marymount University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Marymount University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Marymount University (93.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 11.6% at Marymount University.

CSU vs. Marymount University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Marymount 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).

• Marymount University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Marymount University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,400 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marymount University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Marymount University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Marymount University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.