Shorter vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Shorter based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 1,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shorter University is located in Rome, GA (Small City setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• Shorter University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shorter University 14:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

Shorter vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter 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 Shorter University than CSU ($16,821 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 18.7% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($9,920 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 32% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shorter (about $7,890 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32% higher at CSU than at Shorter University (about $7,890 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at Charleston Southern University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 23.2% larger than aid received by Shorter University students ($23,240 vs. $18,862).

Shorter vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shorter 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 Shorter.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shorter University (1120) is 70 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Shorter students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at CSU (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 1040/1200; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Shorter students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.25) than students at CSU (3.24).
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than CSU (96.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 17.7% at CSU.

Shorter vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter 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).

• Shorter University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $1,418 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($279 vs. $293).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 38%)

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.