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Charleston Southern University vs Southern Wesleyan University

Charleston Southern University is a private university in Charleston, SC, and Southern Wesleyan University is a private university in Central, SC. Charleston Southern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 100% at Southern Wesleyan University. Southern Wesleyan University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,464 a year against $21,666 at Charleston Southern University. About 52% of students graduate at Southern Wesleyan University, compared with 48% at Charleston Southern University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $47,756, against $45,898 for Charleston Southern University.

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC · Private

Southern Wesleyan University

Central, SC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Charleston, SC
Central, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,893
747
Acceptance rate
96%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1160
1040–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
22–28
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,666
$15,464
Full cost / yr
$44,558
$39,914
In-state tuition
$32,520
$29,800
Out-of-state tuition
$32,520
$29,800
Application fee
$25
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,145
$14,084
$30k - $48k
$23,024
$14,218
$48k - $75k
$20,697
$14,230
$75k - $110k
$21,648
$14,899
Over $110k
$23,226
$17,381
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
52%
Freshman retention
63%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,606
$41,489
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,898
$47,756
Median debt at graduation
$26,471
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
43%
First-generation students
31%
39%
International students
3%
1%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Charleston Southern University or Southern Wesleyan University harder to get into?
Charleston Southern University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 100% at Southern Wesleyan 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, Charleston Southern University or Southern Wesleyan University?
Southern Wesleyan University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,464 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 Southern Wesleyan University?
Before aid, Southern Wesleyan University costs about $39,914 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 Southern Wesleyan University?
Southern Wesleyan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,084 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 Southern Wesleyan University?
Charleston Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 2,893 undergraduates against 747 at Southern Wesleyan University.
Does Charleston Southern University or Southern Wesleyan University have a better graduation rate?
Southern Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 52% against 48% at Charleston Southern University.
Do graduates of Charleston Southern University or Southern Wesleyan University earn more?
Southern Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,756 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,898 for Charleston Southern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Charleston Southern University and Southern Wesleyan University require SAT or ACT scores?
Charleston Southern University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Southern Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Charleston Southern University and Southern Wesleyan University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1160 at Charleston Southern University and 1040–1210 at Southern Wesleyan University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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