Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.6%
- Retention Rate
- 61.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $45,898
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,471
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $281/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $75,204 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,425 | $41,239 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,867 | $29,750 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,198 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,589 | $25,343 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $45,715 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,927 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $27,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $36,674 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $26,092 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $32,284 | $27,000 |
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $31,848 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $24,375 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,822 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Charleston Southern graduates enter the job market with a 95.7% employment rate, though their financial outlook presents challenges. With median debt of $26,471 and median earnings of $45,898 ten years post-graduation, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 58%. Monthly loan payments of $281 consume about 7% of typical graduate income. Many CSU alumni find work in business, education, and healthcare fields throughout the Carolinas. The university's strong Baptist network and Charleston location provide solid regional connections. However, the 48.9% loan repayment rate suggests many struggle with debt management. Despite high employment rates, the combination of moderate earnings and significant debt burden makes this a weak return on investment compared to national averages.