Anderson University vs Charleston Southern University
Anderson University is a private university in Anderson, SC. Charleston Southern University is a private university in Charleston, SC. Anderson University admits about 55% of applicants and Charleston Southern University about 96%, making Anderson University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $21,666 a year at Charleston Southern University after aid, and about $23,544 at Anderson University. About 67% of students graduate at Anderson University, compared with 48% at Charleston Southern University. Ten years after enrolling, Charleston Southern University alumni earn a median of about $45,898, against $42,101 for Anderson University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Anderson, SC
Charleston, SC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,183
2,893
Acceptance rate
55%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1280
930–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,544
$21,666
Full cost / yr
$50,192
$44,558
In-state tuition
$34,970
$32,520
Out-of-state tuition
$34,970
$32,520
Application fee
$40
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,188
$20,145
$30k - $48k
$18,724
$23,024
$48k - $75k
$19,647
$20,697
$75k - $110k
$24,926
$21,648
Over $110k
$27,080
$23,226
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
48%
Freshman retention
82%
63%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,073
$40,606
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,101
$45,898
Median debt at graduation
$26,700
$26,471
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
34%
First-generation students
25%
31%
International students
0%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Anderson University or Charleston Southern University harder to get into?
- Anderson University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% of applicants, compared with 96% at Charleston Southern University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Anderson University or Charleston Southern University?
- Charleston Southern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,666 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,544 at Anderson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Anderson University and Charleston Southern University?
- Before aid, Charleston Southern University costs about $44,558 a year and Anderson University about $50,192. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Anderson University or Charleston Southern University?
- Anderson University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,188 there, against about $20,145 at Charleston Southern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Anderson University or Charleston Southern University?
- Anderson University is the larger of the two, with about 3,183 undergraduates against 2,893 at Charleston Southern University.
- Does Anderson University or Charleston Southern University have a better graduation rate?
- Anderson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 48% at Charleston Southern University.
- Do graduates of Anderson University or Charleston Southern University earn more?
- Charleston Southern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,898 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,101 for Anderson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Anderson University and Charleston Southern University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Anderson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Charleston Southern University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Anderson University and Charleston Southern University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Anderson University and 930–1160 at Charleston Southern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Anderson University vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaAnderson University vs Furman UniversityAnderson University vs Wofford CollegeCharleston Southern University vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaCharleston Southern University vs Furman UniversityCharleston Southern University vs Wofford College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school