# Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/charleston-southern-university

Charleston Southern University is a private nonprofit college in Charleston, SC with 2,893 undergraduates. It admits 97% of applicants, and admitted students average 1059 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $20,661 per year ($17,825 for families earning under $30,000). 50% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $52,265 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 97% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 6,072 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 4,620 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 480–600 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 450–560 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 18–24 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $45,797 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $20,661 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $17,825 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $19,966 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $18,299 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $21,634 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $23,963 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 2,893 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 50% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $52,265 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,500 (FY2024) |

## What Charleston Southern University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Considered
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Not considered
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Charleston Southern University's acceptance rate?**

Charleston Southern University admits 97% of applicants, which makes it open.

**What SAT score do you need for Charleston Southern University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 480–600 on SAT Reading and Writing and 450–560 on SAT Math; the average total is 1059.

**What ACT score do you need for Charleston Southern University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 18–24.

**Is Charleston Southern University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Charleston Southern University?**

In Fall 2023, 6,072 students applied to Charleston Southern University and 4,620 were admitted; 725 enrolled.

**Does Charleston Southern University consider legacy status?**

No. Charleston Southern University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Charleston Southern University require an essay?**

Charleston Southern University reported that an essay or personal statement is not considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Charleston Southern University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $45,797 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $20,661.

**What is Charleston Southern University's graduation rate?**

50% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 217688. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology