CSU vs. Winthrop University

Comparable Facts

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

Winthrop University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (4,894 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Winthrop University is in Rock Hill, SC (Small City setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Winthrop University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Winthrop University 13:1.

CSU vs. Winthrop University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Winthrop 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 Winthrop University than CSU ($16,108 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winthrop University are 9.2% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($11,072 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 121.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winthrop University (about $17,842 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $14,678.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.4% higher at CSU than at Winthrop University (about $3,844 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $28,676.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winthrop University than at Charleston Southern University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 48.2% larger than aid received by Winthrop University students ($23,240 vs. $15,686).

CSU vs. Winthrop University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winthrop University (1120) is 70 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Winthrop University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Winthrop University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Winthrop University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Winthrop University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Winthrop University students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Winthrop University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 15% at Winthrop University.

CSU vs. Winthrop University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Winthrop 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).

• Winthrop University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Winthrop University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winthrop University and CSU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Winthrop University and CSU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Winthrop University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 49%)

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.