Charleston Southern University: 86.8% Acceptance Rate

86.8%Acceptance

$31,030Tuition

2,716Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,898Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Baptist

About Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University builds its reputation on Christian values and competitive athletics. The 2,716-student campus sits in Charleston's historic setting, where the Buccaneers compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Big South Conference. With an 86.75% acceptance rate, the university welcomes students who typically score around 1055 on the SAT. The school emphasizes business education alongside its Baptist foundation, creating a close-knit community with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio.

Students pay an average net price of $21,955 after financial aid, less than the $31,030 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $45,898 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $26,471 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $281 represents a manageable burden given typical earnings. However, the 48.60% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees.

The student body is 62.52% female and draws heavily from South Carolina, with 80.46% of students coming from in-state. Campus housing accommodates 1,382 students, fostering the tight community feel that defines smaller Christian universities. The school awards $6.4 million in athletic scholarships across 12 varsity sports, reflecting its serious commitment to Division I competition.

Academics & Faculty

Charleston Southern builds its academic programs around a Christian foundation with particular strength in business and education. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that helps explain why 95.7% of graduates find employment. However, only 48.6% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with work or family obligations. The university offers solid professional programs including nursing, criminal justice, and teacher preparation that appeal to career-focused students. As a Baptist institution, faith integration shapes classroom discussions and campus culture. Students seeking research opportunities or strong graduate school placement should look elsewhere, but those wanting practical skills in a supportive Christian environment find what they need.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 60.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 46.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.6%
Retention Rate: 61.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,898
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Bioethics/Medical Ethics.	Master	$75,204
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$59,425
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$56,867
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$48,198
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$46,589
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Master	$45,715
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$39,927
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$37,568
Human Resources Management and Services.	Bachelor	$36,674
Marketing.	Bachelor	$33,993

View all 75 programs →

Campus Life

Charleston Southern sits in North Charleston, about 15 minutes from downtown Charleston's historic district and beaches. The campus houses 1,382 students, meaning roughly half of the 2,716 enrolled live on campus. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats here - Charleston's coastal climate means mild winters and hot, humid summers perfect for the university's waterfront location along the Ashley River.

With 80% of students from South Carolina, the campus feels tight-knit and regional. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class environments where professors know your name. Weekends revolve around Buccaneer athletics, particularly basketball and baseball games that draw passionate crowds. The Big South Conference brings Division I competition that energizes campus life. Students often head to Charleston's King Street for shopping and dining, or to Folly Beach for weekend trips. The Baptist foundation shapes campus culture through chapel services and faith-based programming, though the 86% acceptance rate brings students from diverse backgrounds. Greek life and intramural sports fill evenings, while the riverfront campus offers outdoor recreation opportunities year-round.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,382 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1964

Campus Safety (2023)

15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	9	0	0	0
Fondling	3	0	0	0
Stalking	3	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–59°F
July Avg: 73°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.0"
Annual Snowfall: -777.2"

Student Demographics

Charleston Southern draws heavily from South Carolina, with over 80% of students staying close to home. The student body leans female at nearly two-thirds, reflecting strong programs in education, nursing, and social work that traditionally attract more women. About one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families seeking affordable Christian education. The Baptist foundation attracts students wanting faith integrated into their college experience. African American students make up nearly 18% of enrollment, giving the campus meaningful diversity within its Christian mission.

Men: 37.5%
Women: 62.5%
White: 55.7%
Black: 17.5%
Hispanic: 7.8%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 80.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.6%

Location

Charleston Southern sits in Charleston, South Carolina, about 90 miles southeast of Columbia. The campus lies in one of the South's most historic cities, where cobblestone streets meet modern development. Charleston's coastal location puts students just minutes from beaches and marshlands. The city blends Southern charm with growing tech and tourism industries. With 80.46% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with the Lowcountry's humid subtropical climate and rich cultural heritage. The university's 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment within this mid-sized city of roughly 150,000 residents. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Charleston Southern with similar schools in the region.

Address: Charleston, South Carolina 29406-9121

First Baptist Church (North Charleston, SC) 12

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,898
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,450
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $281/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,471

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Charleston Southern University?

Charleston Southern University accepts 86.75% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1055, with middle 50% scores ranging from 940 to 1170. This Baptist university focuses on providing Christian education with strong support systems for students.

How much does Charleston Southern University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Charleston Southern University is $21,955, lower than the sticker price of $31,030. About 34.56% of students receive Pell Grants, and those receiving institutional aid get an average grant of $25,216. The school works to make Christian higher education financially accessible.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Charleston Southern University?

Charleston Southern University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 2,716 students. The retention rate is 61.94%, reflecting the close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller Christian universities. This Baptist institution emphasizes personalized attention and mentorship.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Charleston Southern University?

Charleston Southern University has a 48.60% six-year graduation rate and 46.00% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,898 ten years after graduation with an impressive 95.7% employment rate. The university's Christian foundation and business programs prepare students for successful careers.

Where is Charleston Southern University located and what is campus life like?

Charleston Southern University sits in Charleston, South Carolina, with housing capacity for 1,382 students. The student body is 62.52% female and 80.46% in-state residents, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The historic Charleston setting provides internship and job opportunities while maintaining the school's Baptist heritage.

Does Charleston Southern University have competitive athletics?

Charleston Southern University competes in NCAA Division I as the Buccaneers in the Big South Conference. The school offers 12 varsity sports with 361 total athletes and provides $6.36 million in athletic scholarships. Athletics play a central role in campus culture at this Christian university known for competitive sports programs.