CSU vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CSU vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University than CSU ($20,355 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tusculum University are 9.8% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($11,000 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 11.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tusculum University (about $3,270 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $29,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at CSU than at Tusculum University (about $3,270 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $29,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Tusculum University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 2.2% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($23,759 vs. $23,240).

CSU vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Tusculum University (1010).
• Incoming CSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Tusculum University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

CSU vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Tusculum 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).

• The graduation rate at CSU is the same as at Tusculum University (38% vs. 38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tusculum University and CSU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Tusculum University and CSU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Tusculum University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.