CSU vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC with South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Charleston Southern University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

CSU vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University than CSU ($17,965 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 26.2% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($9,000 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 194% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $21,460 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.5% higher at CSU than at South Carolina State University (about $10,770 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at South Carolina State University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 100.7% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($23,240 vs. $11,579).

CSU vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 120 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming CSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

CSU vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and South Carolina State 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).

• Charleston Southern University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $6,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($27,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($279 vs. $343).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 27%)

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.