VSU vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

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

Valdosta State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

VSU vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU 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 Valdosta State University than CSU ($11,144 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 21.9% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($9,530 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 431% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $26,396 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.3% higher at CSU than at Valdosta State University (about $14,684 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $17,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Valdosta State University (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 127.7% larger than aid received by Valdosta State University students ($23,240 vs. $10,206).

VSU vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU 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 VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 40 points higher than at VSU (1010).
• Incoming CSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; CSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at VSU (3.23).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than VSU (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 17.7% at CSU.

VSU vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU 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).

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Valdosta State University earn a median of about $500 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valdosta State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 41%)

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.