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 gives you a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your major. At $21,955 a year, you carry a real cost, and the typical graduate earns $45,898 ten years out , enough to service the median debt of $26,471, but not fast. The 48.6% graduation rate is the bigger risk here. If you leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump that makes the price worth paying.
Nursing is the clear payoff. It pays roughly $10,000 a year more than business administration and about $20,000 more than human resources, and Charleston's hospital market gives you a local place to use the credential. If you can get into and finish the nursing program, the math works even with the higher debt load that comes with it.
The other programs are weaker bets. Accounting, criminal justice, and human resources all land below the school's overall median earnings, so you take on similar debt for lower pay. Criminal justice in particular pairs a $27,000 debt with sub-$38,000 earnings , thin margin for a career that rarely climbs fast.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning under $48,000 actually pay less than wealthier ones, around $19,000 versus roughly $24,000 above $75,000. If your family is lower-income, the discount helps, but $19,000 a year against a $45,898 median outcome is still a stretch. The 62% retention rate signals a real chance you won't return for year two.
This school fits you if you're set on nursing or determined to finish a degree in the Charleston area. If you're leaning toward criminal justice or HR, or you're unsure you'll graduate, the numbers point you toward a cheaper option.
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.