Charleston Southern University vs Benedict College
Charleston Southern University is a private university in Charleston, SC. Benedict College is a private college in Columbia, SC. Both admit about 96% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $18,250 a year at Benedict College after aid, and about $21,666 at Charleston Southern University. About 48% of students graduate at Charleston Southern University, compared with 23% at Benedict College. Ten years after enrolling, Charleston Southern University alumni earn a median of about $45,898, against $31,902 for Benedict College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,893
1,536
Acceptance rate
96%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1160
820–1010
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
14–19
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,666
$18,250
Full cost / yr
$44,558
$32,000
In-state tuition
$32,520
$17,440
Out-of-state tuition
$32,520
$17,440
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,145
$17,177
$30k - $48k
$23,024
$18,686
$48k - $75k
$20,697
$19,295
$75k - $110k
$21,648
$20,250
Over $110k
$23,226
$20,328
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
23%
Freshman retention
63%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,606
$24,908
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,898
$31,902
Median debt at graduation
$26,471
$32,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
62%
First-generation students
31%
41%
International students
3%
10%
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 Charleston Southern University or Benedict College harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 96% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Charleston Southern University or Benedict College?
- Benedict College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,250 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,666 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.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Charleston Southern University and Benedict College?
- Before aid, Benedict College costs about $32,000 a year and Charleston Southern University about $44,558. 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, Charleston Southern University or Benedict College?
- Benedict College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,177 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, Charleston Southern University or Benedict College?
- Charleston Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 2,893 undergraduates against 1,536 at Benedict College.
- Does Charleston Southern University or Benedict College have a better graduation rate?
- Charleston Southern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 48% against 23% at Benedict College.
- Do graduates of Charleston Southern University or Benedict College earn more?
- Charleston Southern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,898 ten years after enrolling, against about $31,902 for Benedict College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Charleston Southern University and Benedict College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Charleston Southern University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Benedict College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Charleston Southern University and Benedict College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1160 at Charleston Southern University and 820–1010 at Benedict College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Charleston Southern University vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaCharleston Southern University vs Furman UniversityCharleston Southern University vs Wofford CollegeBenedict College vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaBenedict College vs Furman UniversityBenedict College 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