CSU vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than University of Charleston based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 3,062 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CSU vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston than CSU ($20,844 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 0.7% lower than at University of Charleston ($12,200 vs. $12,280).
• University of Charleston is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $1,280 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.9% higher at University of Charleston than at Charleston Southern University (about $1,280 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at University of Charleston (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 12.4% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($26,132 vs. $23,240).

CSU vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or University of Charleston? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Charleston and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 20 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming CSU students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 21) as students at University of Charleston (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Charleston Southern University 18/24; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman CSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

CSU vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and University of Charleston? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.