GS vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

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

Georgia Southern University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (27,423 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, GA (Remote Town setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• Georgia Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Georgia Southern University 25:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

GS vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GS or CSU? 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 Georgia Southern University than CSU ($15,971 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Georgia Southern University are 5.8% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($11,492 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 440% more expensive for in-state tuition than GS (about $26,498 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $6,022.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.4% higher at CSU than at Georgia Southern University (about $14,786 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $17,734.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Georgia Southern University (98% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 158.4% larger than aid received by Georgia Southern University students ($23,240 vs. $8,994).

GS vs. CSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Georgia Southern University (1060) is 10 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming CSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at GS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 986/1133; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 18/23; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GS - Required; CSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GS May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GS students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than GS (87.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at GS vs. 17.7% at CSU.

GS vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GS and CSU? 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).

• Georgia Southern University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Georgia Southern University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Georgia Southern University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GS graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More GS 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.