About Charleston Southern University

Founded in 1964, Charleston Southern University. is a Private college. Located in South Carolina, which is a city setting in South Carolina, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 3,204 full time undergraduate students, and 412 full time graduate students.

The Charleston Southern University Academic calendar runs on a Four-one-four plan basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 15:1. There are 203 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Charleston Southern University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate60%
Application Deadline
Application Fee40
SAT Range910-1110
ACT Range20-24

Admissions at CSU are considered Selective, with ,35% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 16 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Charleston Southern University.

10%
“We”re apathetic”
51%
“We know about current events and vote”
36%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
10%
“We save it for the classroom”
28%
“Sometimes, but not often”
49%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
13%
“All the time, including weekends”
5%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
26%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
67%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
36%
“We bought the gear”
61%
“We live for the big game”
16%
“It”s not really our thing”
14%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
57%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
49%
“They keep regular office hours”
44%
“They”re always available”
13%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
46%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
38%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
42%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
42%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
11%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
34%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
55%
“There might be people who do”
8%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
10%
“We”re apathetic”
51%
“We know about current events and vote”
36%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
10%
“We save it for the classroom”
28%
“Sometimes, but not often”
49%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
13%
“All the time, including weekends”
5%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
26%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
67%
“I feel extremely safe”
3%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
36%
“We bought the gear”
61%
“We live for the big game”
16%
“It”s not really our thing”
14%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
57%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
14%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
49%
“They keep regular office hours”
44%
“They”re always available”
13%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
46%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
38%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
42%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
42%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
11%
“We only party on weekends”
5%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
34%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
55%
“There might be people who do”
8%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    72 Students rated on-campus housing 3.2 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    55 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    74 Students rated campus food 3 stars. 8 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    77 Students rated campus facilities 3.8 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    77 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 53 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    77 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    77 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 68 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    77 Students rated academics 4 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

Charleston Southern University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Charleston Southern University?

46 Students rated Charleston Southern University

alajah - 08/19/2024

Charleston Southern University is a great school, not only challenging for the mind but also a safe place for students to get to be with God and be able to have certain conversations and debates. Our football team is also d1, and we have a lot of adamic clubs like African American Society and the Student Government Association, which is for poets and people who are passionate about making films, writing, and drawing. This school also makes me feel safe, and they have a good student plan as far as your meal plan. 

rachel - 05/25/2024

Charleston Southern University is a great school but, with every school, there are always a few things that are falsely advertised and just are not helpful to the college student experience. The school itself has a great community and it is really not hard to make friends as long as you get yourself out there. However there can sometimes be little cliques with students, and the athletes and students are very separated. The cafeteria food was great when visiting as well as the first week I attended, but gradually it became so bad that a couple times I only had ice cream for dinner. As a Graphic Design major, I love the people in everyone of my classes. The people, specifically the students, are what truly make this school great. The art majors (including me), however, have a shack in the back of campus that is behind the quads, which are where the majority of the men live on-campus, and there is a sketchy path near it as well, so it can be a little scary, especially with later class times. I thought, with a women dominated major, they would not put the art students in the most sketchy area of campus, but here we are. The students who live on-campus are not supposed to drive to the shack but are required to walk, so night classes are also very scary to go to. However, I do drive there because I'm too scared, as a women, to walk there in the dark, so if I get a ticket for that, oh well. Another area that graphic design majors have classes is the library basement. The basement is a bit harder to breathe in, especially when one has asthma, like me. On top of all this, the classes in each of these buildings can last up to 2.5-3 hours, two days a week. And that's only for one class (3 credit hours)! This is mostly geared toward Graphic Design and art majors, however it tells a lot about how a school treats art students. A couple positive things about this major however, are extremely helpful advisors! They know what they're doing and are intelligent with their answers. The majority of the classes, at least for freshman year, were pretty challenging but I was taught so much that I will carry into my career!

Christamari - 07/30/2020

The school is very community oriented. Mostly everyone knows someone here.

Carolina - 05/18/2020

I liked how professional everyone was and the occasional chapel meetings that they had. They also made everyone feel welcome and made you feel like they were part of your family in a short amount of time. All the professors are there to help you and they make sure to tell you that they are there by stating their office hours.

Charleston Southern University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Charleston Southern University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Charleston Southern University is 60%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to learn good study skills. This advice would help me to study better, because in high school I didn't really have to study. In college you have to study, you can't just get by without stuyding. So, if I already possessed good study skills coming out of high school it would really benefit me as a college student.

    Read all 44 answers

  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Thre security.

    Read all 12 answers

  4. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    That commuters are rarely informed of anything. That I would have to find out everything for myself.

    Read all 10 answers

  5. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    There isn't any discrimation at the college I am attending. Everybody is welcome, but I will say that if you are ready to begin a journey then CSU is the right place for you.

    Read all 9 answers

  6. What's unique about your campus?

    I love the Christian enviornment.

    Read all 9 answers

  7. Describe the students at your school.

    They are friendly, kind, hardwording, and determine.

    Read all 8 answers

  8. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    its a christian school thats very awesome

    Read all 8 answers

  9. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Charleston Southern University, is a great opportunity for any student who wants to further their education.

    Read all 8 answers

  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    A person that is looking for a really good teacher student bond and a place that isn't too far from anything he or she will ever need.

    Read all 6 answers

  11. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    there is a not alcohol policy for all students

    Read all 6 answers

  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Our school is best known for our Christian environment and the way that our campus revolves around Christ.

    Read all 5 answers

  13. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    At St.John's university you have so much diversity and a huge campus. I love the quiet friendly atmosphere and the different options of food locations.

    Read all 5 answers

  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Charleston Southern University is a wonderful school. It is not perfect by any means but definitely worth spending four years of your life at. The education here is great. The student body is wonderful. However, the fact that almost half the students commute can seem to hinder unity. I believe that college is what you put into it. You don't make friends by never talking to anyone. Those who are lonely and miserable here are ones who have made it that way for themselves. I, on the other hand, have found many very wonderful and fun students who I am proud to call my friends. The majority of the students are driven, excited about what career they are pursuing, and hold to Christian values (whether they are Christians or not). Another important aspect is that it is a Christian school. Because of this, it has required chapels, many christian activities, required Christian classes, and no tolerance for alcohol and tobacco. If you don't want any of this, then don't go here. Its not for everyone and those who hate it here are probably the ones that never should have decided to go here. Dubbing it a Christian college does not make it perfect by any means but it certainly raises the level of excellence in many areas. Sure, you'll have professors you don't agree with and meet people you dislike, but college is what you make of it. Now, you have to choose a college you'd be comfortable with, but in general, Charleston Southern University is a school that you'll be happy at. Not to mention that the campus is beautiful. I love it here.

    Read all 3 answers

  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    Charleston Southern University is a wonderful school. It is not perfect by any means but definitely worth spending four years of your life at. The education here is great. The level of education is excellent but can depend on teacher. But like every college, you have to ask around and find out how certain teachers do different things. Many of the teachers genuinely care about you and if they don't know you by name, they will gladly know it if you introduce yourself and talk to them. Some majors are stronger than others. Biology, Nursing, Christian Studies, Music, and Education are a few of the very best ones. The student body is wonderful. However, the fact that almost half the students commute can seem to hinder unity. I believe that college is what you put into it. You don't make friends by never talking to anyone. Those who are lonely and miserable here are ones who have made it that way for themselves. I, on the other hand, have found many very wonderful and fun students who I am proud to call my friends. The majority of the students are driven, excited about what career they are pursuing, and hold to Christian values (whether they are Christians or not). Another important aspect is that it is a Christian school. Because of this, it has required chapels, many christian activities, required Christian classes, and no tolerance for alcohol and tobacco. If you don't want any of this, then don't go here. Its not for everyone and those who hate it here are probably the ones that never should have decided to go here. Dubbing it a Christian college does not make it perfect by any means but it certainly raises the level of excellence in many areas. Sure, you'll have professors you don't agree with and meet people you dislike, but college is what you make of it. Now, you have to choose a college you'd be comfortable with, but in general, Charleston Southern University is a school that you'll be happy at. Not to mention that the campus is beautiful.

    Read all 3 answers

  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    What can you do on a weekend that does not involve drinking, you ask above. You had better NEVER drink or you have sinned before the almighty Hunter, or the Himmler- Herr Dr. Coleman - COLDMAN - like ice in the veins. He will suck the life out of you and smile as he shakes your hand.

    Read all 1 answers

  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    At this college, you are either with Jesus or not. If you join the jesus freak community, then you get little scholarships and possibly graduate. If you hold any free opinion, it WILL be held against you by your professors by grades, enrolling in Junior programs such as school of Ed, and ostracizing by other student who WILL rat on you. Scholarships with not be renewed, but you will NOT be told the reason why.

    Read all 1 answers

  18. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Yes, all know of these, but since many truly are among the believers, they do not care. In addition, it is true that the lower end students are accepted at this school where they cannot get in other schools because of grade point average or SAT scores. Generous awards are offered at 'open house' sessions for incoming Freshmen, and students disenchanted with the system are told to 'Stay Away' from the perspective students.

    Read all 1 answers

  19. Where is the best place to get work done on campus?

    The Library is a great quiet place to get work done. Java city is also a great place to study at certain times of the day and great to meet friends to hang out. During the warmer weather, the benches around the pond are really wonderful

    Read all 1 answers

  20. What do people really wear to class?

    Anything. A lot of sweatpants and sweatshirts. Some people somewhat dress up, others don't at all. The teachers dress nicely though.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

62%

female

38%

male

3,204

Total Undergrad Enrollment

412

Total Grad Students

22%

Out-Of-State

77%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

152

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

38%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
26%
% Hispanic/Latino
4%
% White or Caucasian
62%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

99% of students attending Charleston Southern University receive some sort of financial aid. 46% were awarded federal grants. While 66% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$24,140

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,400

Books and Supplies

$9,600

Room and Board

35,140

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$14,034
$30 - $48K
$14,893
$48 - $75K
$16,180
$75 - $110K
$17,775
$110K & UP
$20,274

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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