Private not-for-profit

Medium

Big South Conference

Charleston Southern University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range940 to 1170

ACT Range18 to 24

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate96.5%

With a 96.5% acceptance rate, your strategy at Charleston Southern should be confirming fit and readiness, not treating admission as the finish line. Since scores are required and SAT submissions are more common, aim for the upper half of the 940-1170 SAT range, with 1170 as a strong target.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Charleston Southern University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Charleston Southern University enrolls about 3,126 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Charleston Southern has a 63% freshman retention rate and a 47% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, and the university is test-required for admissions.

Location

Charleston, SC

Undergrad Enrollment3,126

Freshman Retention63%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio12:1

Graduation Rate47%

Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at Charleston Southern?

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Key Charleston Southern University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because Charleston Southern requires SAT or ACT scores, take your first test by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes to improve your superscore. For the March 1 financial aid priority deadline, December is typically the last retake whose scores will arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Charleston Southern’s tuition and fees are $32,520, with 82% of students receiving aid. The average merit award is $14,278, and students should submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

Tuition and Fees$32,520

Room and Board$11,590

Average Merit Award$14,278

Application Fee$25

Students on Aid82%

Average Aid Package$16,210

Average Debt at Grad$20,252

Charleston Southern’s estimated cost of attendance is $44,110, including $32,520 in tuition and fees and $11,590 for room and board. Financial aid is common, with 82% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $16,210. Merit awards average $14,278, which can significantly reduce the billed cost for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $20,252.