At $21,955/yr net price, Charleston Southern University graduates earn $45,898/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,898/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,955 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,820 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,898/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,898/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,471 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,840/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,236/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,405/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,957/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,804/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
48.6% of students at Charleston Southern University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Charleston Southern University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The median earnings of $45,898 ten years after graduation barely justify the $21,955 annual net price, especially when nearly half of students never finish their degree.
Your program selection makes or breaks the investment here. Bioethics graduates earn $75,204 annually, while nursing majors pull in $56,867 with manageable debt of $29,750. Business administration shows promise at $59,425 for top performers, though debt loads vary widely between $25,343 and $41,239 depending on the specific track.
The 48.6% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you struggle academically or lack strong support systems, you could accumulate debt without earning a degree. The 61.9% retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out after freshman year.
Charleston Southern works financially if you target high-earning programs like healthcare or business and can handle the academic demands successfully. The school fits students who need smaller class sizes and personal attention to stay on track, particularly those interested in nursing or business careers in the Southeast.
Avoid this school if you plan to study lower-earning fields not represented in the top programs list. The combination of moderate debt loads and weak overall earning potential creates poor ROI for most other majors. Students confident in their academic abilities might find better value at public universities with stronger graduation rates and lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston Southern University worth the debt?
With median debt of $26,471 and average earnings of $45,898 ten years after graduation, Charleston Southern University graduates face a manageable debt-to-income ratio. However, the 48.6% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at Charleston Southern University?
Bioethics/Medical Ethics leads with $75,204 average earnings, followed by Business Administration at $59,425 and Nursing at $56,867. These programs offer solid returns compared to the school's overall average of $45,898.
Does Charleston Southern University have good financial aid?
The net price of $21,955 per year is reasonable for a private university. Students should compare aid packages carefully since the low graduation rate suggests many struggle to complete their programs despite financial assistance.
Why is Charleston Southern University's graduation rate so low?
Only 48.6% of students graduate, well below national averages. This high dropout rate significantly impacts ROI since students who don't graduate still carry debt but miss out on the degree premium in earnings.