GS vs. CofC

Comparable Facts

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

Georgia Southern University is larger than CofC based on total student enrollment (27,423 students vs. 11,926 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, GA (Remote Town setting); College of Charleston is in Charleston, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Georgia Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Charleston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Georgia Southern University 25:1; College of Charleston 16:1.

GS vs. CofC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GS or CofC? 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 CofC ($15,971 vs. $21,004).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Georgia Southern University are 19.8% lower than at College of Charleston ($11,492 vs. $14,332).
• College of Charleston is 115.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than GS (about $6,956 more per year; $12,978.00 vs. $6,022.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 115.9% higher at CofC than at Georgia Southern University (about $20,562 more per year; $38,296.00 vs. $17,734.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Charleston than at Georgia Southern University (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Georgia Southern University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by College of Charleston students ($8,994 vs. $8,983).

GS vs. CofC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Charleston (1230) is 170 points higher than at GS (1060).
• Incoming CofC students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 20 at GS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 986/1133; College of Charleston 1140/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 18/23; College of Charleston 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GS - Required; CofC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GS May 1, 2027; CofC Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CofC students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at GS (3.36).
• GS has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than CofC (60%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at GS vs. 11.9% at CofC.

GS vs. CofC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GS and CofC? 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 Georgia Southern University's (47%).
• Graduates from College of Charleston earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than GS graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Charleston graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than GS graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, CofC graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GS graduates ($222 vs. $237).
• More CofC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GS students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 52%)

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.