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Charleston Southern University

North Charleston, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 15,264
  • Tuition Fee From$ 7,000
  • Country Rank#1613
  • Batch Strength2,725
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Charleston Southern University (CSU) is a private Christian university located in Charleston, South Carolina, USA established in 1964. Charleston Southern University courses include a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, education, health sciences, computer science, criminal justice, and more. The university is committed to providing a quality education that integrates faith-based values into academic learning.

 

The university's campus is situated on a picturesque 300-acre tract of land in Charleston, offering modern facilities, dormitories, classrooms, and recreational areas for students.  While CSU has a Christian foundation, it emphasises a welcoming and inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can explore and practise their faith.  CSU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organisations, clubs, and activities, including opportunities for community service and leadership development. The university hosts events and activities that promote spiritual growth and character development.

 

 CSU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student organisations, clubs, and activities, including opportunities for community service and leadership development. The university hosts events and activities that promote spiritual growth and character development. The university's mission is to promote academic excellence in a Christian environment, fostering a supportive community that prepares students to make a positive impact in their chosen careers and communities. CSU has a growing network of alumni who have gone on to succeed in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and ministry.

 

Ranking

CSU was ranked #59 in Regional Universities South by US News and World Report of 2024. The university also appeared in their Top Performers In Social Mobility list at #59. We see the university gaining reputable rankings by USNW over the years.

 

This achievement underscores CSU's commitment to providing its students with valuable resources and an outstanding education. It emphasises the university's dedication to serving the Southern United States by offering a wide array of academic programs and fostering a supportive learning environment, even though its global ranking may not be as prominent due to its regional focus.

 

Charleston Southern University Ranking Data:

  • #1348 - Best Colleges In Nation - College Factual 2024
  • #20 - Best Colleges In South Carolina - College Factual 2024
  • #105 - Best Christian Colleges in America - Niche 2024
  • #365 - Top Private Universities in America - Niche 2024
  • #652 - Most Diverse Colleges in America - Niche 2024

 

Course-wise Rankings: 

  • #93 - Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America
  • #93 - Best Colleges for Public Health in America
  • #113 - Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America
  • #116 - Best Colleges for Design in America
  • #205 - Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
  • #216 - Best Colleges for Biology in America
  • #253 - Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America
  • #288 - Best Colleges for Nursing in America

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

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Facilities

Charleston Southern University facilities encompass a diverse array of resources designed to cater to the academic, recreational, and everyday needs of its students. Multiple dining halls and cafeterias cater to students' dining needs, serving a variety of meal options and providing social spaces for eating and mingling.  CSU's recreation centre is equipped with fitness facilities, sports courts, and areas for intramural sports, fitness classes, and recreational activities. Serving as a central hub for student life, the student centre offers spaces for meetings, events, relaxation, and student organisation activities. Some of the facilities are:

 

  • Campus Recreation
  • Swimming Pool
  • Music Therapy
  • Campus Store
  • Counselling Services
  • Career Centre

Notable Alumni

Tim Scott
Tim Scott
United States Senator
Bobby Parnell
Bobby Parnell
Baseball pitcher
Tyler Thornburg
Tyler Thornburg
Baseball pitcher

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

Charleston Southern University acceptance rate is 87%. While this acceptance rate is relatively high, it does not necessarily imply a lack of rigour or selectivity. Instead, it places Charleston Southern University in the middle ground among universities across the United States. Prospective students can feel confident in their chances of admission while also recognising the institution's commitment to fostering an environment that challenges and nurtures intellectual growth.

 

When we look at the acceptance rate trends, the university experienced a surge in applicants for its undergraduate program in 2021. The number was soaring by 20.5% compared to the previous year. However, the institution adopted a more selective approach, admitting a smaller proportion of applicants. The acceptance rate for 2021 stood at 57.2%, with 2,254 students gaining admission out of 3,940 applications. This marked an increase from the previous year's acceptance rate of 53.8%. Notably, despite the influx of applicants, the university ultimately granted 15.4% fewer admissions in 2021 than in 2020, reflecting a more competitive admission cycle.

 

Entry Requirements

To optimise your chances of meeting Charleston Southern University entry requirements, it is advisable to focus on specific academic criteria. This includes maintaining a high school GPA of 3.24 or higher, and consistently earning B grades in your coursework. Additionally, aiming for a score of 1100 on the SAT or a score of 20 on the ACT can further strengthen your eligibility for admission. It's important to note that the typical unweighted GPA for admitted students at CSU is 3.24 on the 4.0 scale. To attain this average GPA, it is essential to consistently earn B letter grades and aim for test and assignment scores in the range of approximately 83-86 per cent throughout your high school studies.

 

Undergraduate Entry Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • English Proficiency
  • Passport and Visa Documents
  • International Financial Statement

 

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

  • Transcripts
  • GMAT or GRE Scores
  • English Proficiency
  • Passport and Visa Document 
  • International Financial Statement 
  • Additional Requirements for Pre Degree Programme

 

Fees

The annual Charleston Southern University fees for attendance amount to $28,630, and notably, this cost remains consistent for both in-state and out-of-state students. On top of this, there are room and board fees totalling $11,032. In terms of educational materials, students should plan for approximately $0 for books and supplies, in addition to $300 for other school-related fees. To cover miscellaneous expenses throughout the year, a budget of $4,460 is recommended. When factoring in all these fees, the anticipated total expenditure for a full-time enrollment at Charleston Southern University amounts to $44,422 annually.

  • Bachelor of Science [B.S] Chemistry-Biology Dual Major - $32,342 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Political Science - $32,342 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Science [B.S] Chemistry - $32,342 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Integrated Communication - $32,342 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Science [B.S] Accounting - $32,342 /Yr

 

English Proficiency Requirements

Charleston Southern University has specific English proficiency requirements for international students. To meet these requirements, international applicants must demonstrate their English language proficiency through one of the following methods. 


 

Exam

Minimum Score

IELTS

6.0

TOEFL

71

PTE

51

Duolingo 

100

 

Placements

The Charleston Southern University placements team plays a pivotal role in guiding students towards making crucial career decisions. Our dedicated experts work closely with students to uncover and harness their innate passions, skills, and talents. We collaborate with faculty members to facilitate career exploration, hands-on learning, and community service ventures, all while providing access to a wide spectrum of employers spanning various industries. Whether through online or in-person sessions, our career counselling services are available to assist students in mastering essential skills such as conducting mock interviews, navigating job searches, securing internships, and refining their resumes, cover letters, reference pages, and graduate school essays. At the heart of our commitment is the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI), which originated as a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and endures as an ongoing avenue for students to partake in enriching experiential courses and tangible real-world experiences. ELI opens doors to enhanced educational opportunities encompassing internships, practicums, clinical placements, field courses, travel-based learning, and other practical applications of classroom theories.

 

Scholarship

Scholarships represent a form of financial assistance, typically provided in the form of a grant or aid that doesn't require repayment, to support students in their educational endeavours. Scholarships are typically awarded to students based on two primary criteria: academic achievement and financial need, or sometimes a combination of both. Institutional scholarships at Charleston Southern University adhere to CSU's Max Free Aid Policy. The university provides a range of scholarships to help students pursue their academic aspirations. Below are some notable scholarships offered by CSU:

 

  • Academic Merit Scholarships
  • Leadership Scholarships
  • Fine Arts Scholarships
  • Athletic Scholarships

 

UniScholars stands as an accessible platform for prospective students, offering specialised tools to help them pinpoint the most fitting scholarship opportunities. This platform delivers comprehensive support along every step of a student's global academic journey, with a devoted team of UniScholars experts determined to furnish invaluable insights for elevating students' academic profiles.

Finances

To obtain a more realistic understanding of the potential out-of-pocket expenses associated with attending Charleston Southern University, we've created a ten-year student loan model. In this model, we consider an initial loan amount of $61,448, which is equivalent to four years of the average net price of $15,362 per year. 

 

This estimate provides insight into what you might owe upon graduation, assuming you qualify for average financial aid, and offers a more accurate representation of the true cost of obtaining a degree. If you do not qualify for financial aid, your post-graduation debt could be considerably higher. Based on these assumptions, you may be required to make monthly loan repayments of approximately $651 to settle your student loan.

 

It's important to note that financial aid eligibility is not guaranteed and is contingent upon meeting specific criteria. Federal Student Loans, including Stafford loans, are not grants and must be repaid with interest. As of now, the Stafford loan interest rate stands at 4.99%.

 

UniCreds provides student loans characterised by efficient approval procedures and competitive interest rates, streamlining the process of applying for a loan. UniCreds stands as the optimal platform to investigate possibilities for international student loans. Students who apply through UniCreds can secure loans without the need for collateral and with minimal processing fees, making it a convenient choice for financing their education.

Accommodation

Charleston Southern University, situated in Charleston, South Carolina, boasts a picturesque 300-acre campus renowned for its beauty. The campus is not only aesthetically pleasing but also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, expansive green spaces, and modern amenities, creating a tranquil and inviting environment conducive to learning.

 

CSU offers a variety of on-campus housing options to accommodate its students. These housing options range from apartment-style living to traditional residence halls. The costs associated with housing may vary depending on the type of accommodation and meal plan selected. For the most up-to-date information regarding housing expenses, it is advisable to visit the university's official website or get in touch with the housing department directly. UniAcco presents a selection of options and assists students in discovering cost-effective off-campus housing while empowering them to make well-informed decisions. A considerable number of students choose the option of off-campus living through UniAcco, appreciating the opportunity it provides for independent living and the cultivation of self-reliance.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in North Charleston, United States, can vary depending on various factors such as housing, transportation, food, and personal expenses. North Charleston is generally considered to be an affordable place to live compared to many major cities in the United States. The cost of living in North Charleston, South Carolina, is 16% below the national average, making it an affordable place to reside. In the Charleston area, healthcare expenses are notably more budget-friendly compared to other regions within the state.


 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$711

On-Campus Accommodation

$634

Transportation

$74

Food Cost

$411

Utility Cost

$144

Entertainment

$48

Groceries

$40

Clothes

$127

Health

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1634

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation 

$1557

Annual Cost of Living

$18684

FAQs