Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Charleston Southern University has a 76.1% acceptance rate. Charleston Southern University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Charleston, SC, with a median SAT of 1040 and a median ACT of 21. The average net price is $21,666 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

76.1%

6,072 applicants

SAT Median

1040

Combined score

ACT Median

21

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$21,666

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Charleston Southern University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Charleston Southern University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)95010401160
ACT (composite, 1–36)172124

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

47.9%

Retention Rate

63.1%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$45,898

Student Body

2,893

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Charleston Southern University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$20,145
$30,001 – $48,000$23,024
$48,001 – $75,000$20,697
$75,001 – $110,000$21,648
$110,000+$23,226

Top Majors at Charleston Southern University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Health Professions98
Business, Management & Marketing89
Education49
Biological & Biomedical Sciences45
Psychology44
Parks, Recreation & Fitness32
Social Sciences28
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice20
Visual & Performing Arts19
Computer & Information Sciences16

Financial Aid at Charleston Southern University

About Charleston Southern University

Official website: https://www.charlestonsouthern.edu/

Admissions: https://www.charlestonsouthern.edu/admissions/

Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston Southern University

What is the acceptance rate at Charleston Southern University?

Charleston Southern University has an acceptance rate of 76%. it received about 6,072 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1040; the average net price is $21,666 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Charleston Southern University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Charleston Southern University?

Getting into Charleston Southern University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 76% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1040. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Charleston Southern University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Charleston Southern University?

Admitted students at Charleston Southern University typically have a median SAT around 1040 and a median ACT around 21. With a 76% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Charleston Southern University?

The average net price at Charleston Southern University is $21,666 per year after grants and scholarships. about 98% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $22,411 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Charleston Southern University?

Charleston Southern University has a graduation rate of 48%. its first-year retention rate is 63%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $45,898. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Charleston Southern University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Charleston Southern University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Charleston Southern University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1040. With a 76% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Charleston Southern University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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