Southeastern University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL with Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southeastern University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (11,510 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southeastern University is located in Lakeland, FL (Small City setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• Southeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southeastern University 19:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

Southeastern University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southeastern University 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 Charleston Southern University than Southeastern University ($21,080 vs. $32,334).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southeastern University are 8.8% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($11,130 vs. $12,200).
• Southeastern University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $430 more per year; $32,950.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Southeastern University than at Charleston Southern University (about $430 more per year; $32,950.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Southeastern University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 34.8% larger than aid received by Southeastern University students ($23,240 vs. $17,238).

Southeastern University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southeastern University 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 Southeastern University.

• Southeastern University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southeastern University (1070) is 20 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Southeastern University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southeastern University 960/1183; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southeastern University 19/25; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southeastern University - Open admission; CSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southeastern University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southeastern University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Southeastern University (53%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 48.6% at Southeastern University vs. 17.7% at CSU.

Southeastern University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southeastern University 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).

• Southeastern University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Southeastern University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southeastern University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Southeastern University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Southeastern University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.