CSU vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

CSU vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or VSU? 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 Virginia State University than CSU ($17,840 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 8.6% lower than at Virginia State University ($12,200 vs. $13,355).
• Charleston Southern University is 223.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $22,477 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.6% higher at CSU than at Virginia State University (about $9,870 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $22,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Virginia State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 86.7% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($23,240 vs. $12,447).

CSU vs. VSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or VSU? 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 VSU and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 90 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming CSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at VSU (2.85).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 14.3% at VSU.

CSU vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and VSU? 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).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($27,000 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($279 vs. $305).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 28%)

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.