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Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC·Private·https://www.charlestonsouthern.edu/

Campus Identity

NCAA D1PhD Programs

Charleston Southern University is a small private nonprofit university in Charleston, SC. Approximately 2,893 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 96% acceptance rate. The nearest beach is about 22 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 58/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

Charleston Southern University is a small private nonprofit university in Charleston, SC. Approximately 2,893 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 96% acceptance rate. The nearest beach is about 22 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 58/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

96%
Acceptance Rate
4,660 applications
21
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 18–24
$28,630
In-State Tuition
+$300 fees
$28,630
Out-of-State Tuition
+$300 fees
$12,200
Room & Board
2,893
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
18%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
NCAA D1
Athletics
Big South
Selectivity96% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

480530600

SAT Math

450510560

Campus Lifestyle

Athletics

NCAA D1

Big South

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Urban setting

Beach Access

22 miles

Isle of Palms, SC

Ski Access

226 miles

Sapphire Valley Ski Area

Weather

Warm Climate

62°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

226 mi away
8 skiable acres3 lifts
Appalachian Ski Mtn.

North Carolina

238 mi away
27 skiable acres6 lifts
Sugar Mountain Resort

North Carolina

240 mi away
125 skiable acres8 lifts

Nearest Beach

Isle of Palms, SC

Ocean access within 22.0 miles

22 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Charleston, SC

50°Jan53°Feb59°Mar66°Apr73°May79°Jun83°Jul81°Aug77°Sep68°Oct58°Nov52°Dec

Station: CHARLESTON INTL. Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

58/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety624373
62/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
43/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
73/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.

Tuition
$28,630
Fees
$300
Room & Board
$12,200
Total
$41,130
App Fee: $25

These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.

Calculate Your Net Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Charleston Southern University located?

Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC. The main campus address is 9200 University Blvd, Charleston, SC. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Charleston Southern University?

Charleston Southern University has an acceptance rate of 96%, making it accessible. Out of 4,660 applicants, 4,495 were admitted in the most recent year. 2,893 students enrolled.

What ACT score do you need for Charleston Southern University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Charleston Southern University scored between 18 and 24 on the ACT, with a median of 21. About 31% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Charleston Southern University?

For the 2023–24 academic year, Charleston Southern University charges $28,630/year in tuition. Including room and board ($12,200/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $41,130/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use Charleston Southern University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Charleston Southern University?

The undergraduate application fee at Charleston Southern University is $25. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Does Charleston Southern University have college sports?

Yes — Charleston Southern University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Big South. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.

Is Charleston Southern University the right fit for me?

Whether Charleston Southern University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (96% admit rate), cost ($28,630/year out-of-state), campus culture in Charleston, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Charleston Southern University against similar schools side-by-side.

Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Charleston Southern University directly for the most current information.

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Start your application at the official website.

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Quick Facts

Type
Private
Location
Charleston, SC
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
NCAA
NCAA D1
Conference
Big South
School Year Weather
Warm · 62°F avg
App Fee
$25
On Campus Safety Score
58/100
Nearest Airport
Charleston, SC (CHS) · 6 mialso OGB (56 mi), HHH (64 mi)

Location

Charleston, SC

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.