CofC vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

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

College of Charleston is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (11,926 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Charleston is located in Charleston, SC (Midsize City setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• College of Charleston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Charleston 16:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

CofC vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CofC or Southern Adventist 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 College of Charleston than Southern Adventist University ($21,004 vs. $25,753).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 37.9% lower than at College of Charleston ($8,900 vs. $14,332).
• Southern Adventist University is 110.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CofC (about $14,322 more per year; $27,300.00 vs. $12,978.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.3% higher at CofC than at Southern Adventist University (about $10,996 more per year; $38,296.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Adventist University than at College of Charleston (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Adventist University students is 43.6% larger than aid received by College of Charleston students ($12,904 vs. $8,983).

CofC vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CofC or Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University and CofC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Charleston (1230) is 70 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming CofC students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Charleston 1140/1310; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Charleston 25/30; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CofC - Test optional; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CofC Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CofC students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Southern Adventist University has a higher acceptance rate (65.5%) than CofC (60%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.9% at CofC vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

CofC vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CofC and Southern Adventist 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).

• College of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from College of Charleston earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Charleston graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, CofC graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($222 vs. $274).
• More Southern Adventist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CofC students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 60%)

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.