
Christian college
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Baptist
Real cost
Average price after aid $21,666 a year
Median debt at graduation: $26,471 (all students)
Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator
Charleston Southern University is in North Charleston, South Carolina. Its chapel meets weekly on Wednesdays at 11 a.m., and full-time day students need six chapel credits each semester. Student-led Elevate worship meets weekly during the academic year, and Campus Ministries lists small groups, mission programs and a Bucs Serve service initiative. The College of Christian Studies offers Christian ministry majors.
Faith life at a glance
In the college’s own words
Source: charlestonsouthern.edu“Our mission is for Jesus Christ to be glorified by having lives transformed through teaching, discipleship, and immersion (life on mission).”
Source: charlestonsouthern.edu“Small groups are an opportunity for students to gather and study God’s word with the goal of becoming a disciple of Christ”
Questions students ask
Do I have to go to chapel?
Full-time in-person day students need six chapel credits each semester.
Source: charlestonsouthern.eduWhat's a normal week?
Chapel meets Wednesdays at 11 a.m., and Elevate, a student-led worship gathering, meets weekly during the school year.
Source: charlestonsouthern.eduWhere do I find community?
Small groups give students a chance to study God's word and grow as disciples of Christ.
Source: charlestonsouthern.eduCan I serve or go on mission trips?
Each year students take part in CSU Service Day, and GenSend Summer invites them to join God's story in North American cities.
Source: charlestonsouthern.eduAcademic Excellence
Each measure counts for the share shown.
- Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.47%
- First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.63%
- Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,059 · ACT 21
- Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.12 to 1
- Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$9,047
Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.
Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))
Faith scorecard
Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.
Worship and chapel
66 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (One chapel service a week, Wednesdays at 11 a.m., during the semester.)
Sources (1)
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Chapel is held weekly in the Lightsey Auditorium on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. throughout the semester.”
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Chapel attendance is tracked with credits: full-time in-person day students need six chapel credits each semester.)
Sources (1)
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“A full-time in-person day student needs six chapel credits each semester.”
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Elevate worship meets every week during the academic year.)
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Elevate is a student-led worship gathering that meets weekly during the academic year in Lightsey Chapel Auditorium.”
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (A named CSU campus pastor is listed on the chapel schedule; the lower level is recorded.)
Sources (1)
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“October 7, 2026 – Timothy Griffin, CSU campus pastor”
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (2)
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Chapel is held weekly in the Lightsey Auditorium on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. throughout the semester.”
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Elevate is a student-led worship gathering that meets weekly during the academic year in Lightsey Chapel Auditorium.”
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
Bible and theology
Not enough information · 2 of 6 found
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (1)
- College of Christian Studies | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“who major in a Christian ministry degree at Charleston Southern University”
- College of Christian Studies | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A published statement of faithYes
Sources (1)
- What We Believe | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/about/what-we-believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The Bible is the inerrant and infallible record of God’s revelation to humanity, and it is the only sufficient source of appeal on matters relating to the Christian faith.”
- What We Believe | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/about/what-we-believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Christian community
65 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (One named campus pastor appears on the chapel schedule.)
Sources (1)
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“October 7, 2026 – Timothy Griffin, CSU campus pastor”
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Small groups are an opportunity for students to gather and study God’s word with the goal of becoming a disciple of Christ”
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes
Sources (1)
- Church Relations | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/about/church-relations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“If you are a CSU student looking for a church family in the Charleston area, check out local church lists on the following Baptist association sites:”
- Church Relations | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/about/church-relations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (Campus Ministries is the office for student spiritual life, with a named campus pastor.)
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministriescharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Campus Ministries focuses on exposing CSU students to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equipping them to grow and flourish in their calling.”
- Campus Ministriescharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Missions and service
68 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service or outreach officeYes
Sources (1)
- CSU Bucs Serve Initiatives | Student Community Servicecharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/bucs-serve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“each year students participate in CSU Service Day, which is part of our Week of Service and a Sweet 16 event”
- CSU Bucs Serve Initiatives | Student Community Servicecharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/bucs-serve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable
Sources (1)
- CSU Bucs Serve Initiatives | Student Community Servicecharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/bucs-serve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“each year students participate in CSU Service Day, which is part of our Week of Service and a Sweet 16 event”
- CSU Bucs Serve Initiatives | Student Community Servicecharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/bucs-serve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Missions trips offered to studentsSome
Sources (2)
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“GenSend Summer offers students an opportunity to join God’s great story in some of North America’s greatest cities!”
- CSU Bucs Serve Initiatives | Student Community Servicecharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/bucs-serve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“each year students participate in CSU Service Day, which is part of our Week of Service and a Sweet 16 event”
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome (Service projects are run with outside partners, including the Red Cross and other local organizations.)
Sources (1)
- CSU Bucs Servecharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/bucs-serve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“donation drives for the Ronald McDonald House and March of Dimes, and partnering with the Red Cross for an on-campus blood drive.”
- CSU Bucs Servecharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/bucs-serve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (International service trips are offered through the healthcare programs.)
Sources (1)
- CSU Bucs Servecharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/bucs-serve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The impact extends globally through our healthcare programs, where Nursing, PA, and Physical Therapy students apply their skills during international service trips.”
- CSU Bucs Servecharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/bucs-serve · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Our mission is for Jesus Christ to be glorified by having lives transformed through teaching, discipleship, and immersion (life on mission).”
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Strengths
- Chapel is held every week during the semester, and full-time day students must complete six chapel credits each semester.
Sources (1)
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Chapel is held weekly in the Lightsey Auditorium on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. throughout the semester.”
“A full-time in-person day student needs six chapel credits each semester.”
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- A student-led worship gathering meets every week during the academic year.
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Elevate is a student-led worship gathering that meets weekly during the academic year in Lightsey Chapel Auditorium.”
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- The university's church relations office points students to local church lists to help them find a church.
Sources (1)
- Church Relations | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/about/church-relations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“If you are a CSU student looking for a church family in the Charleston area, check out local church lists on the following Baptist association sites:”
- Church Relations | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/about/church-relations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Students can major in Christian ministry through the College of Christian Studies.
Sources (1)
- College of Christian Studies | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“who major in a Christian ministry degree at Charleston Southern University”
- College of Christian Studies | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Concerns
- Chapel is held once a week, not several times a week.
Sources (1)
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Chapel is held weekly in the Lightsey Auditorium on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. throughout the semester.”
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- The Elevate worship gathering has no published day or time.
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Elevate is a student-led worship gathering that meets weekly during the academic year in Lightsey Chapel Auditorium.”
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.
Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.
Campus ministry home
CSU Campus Ministries and Chapel
- Address: 9200 University Blvd. Charleston, SC 29406
- Distance from campus: 0.6 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
- Facilities: chapel (Lightsey Auditorium)
Source: charlestonsouthern.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, charlestonsouthern.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026
Campus ministry
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministries | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Elevate is a student-led worship gathering that meets weekly during the academic year in Lightsey Chapel Auditorium.”
“Our mission is for Jesus Christ to be glorified by having lives transformed through teaching, discipleship, and immersion (life on mission).”
Christian clubs and student life
4 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 1 off campus, 1 location not published
Service 2
- GenSend SummerOff campusSummer team program of six or eight weeks in North American cities.
- Operation Christmas ChildPacking boxes for children around the world, a long-running university effort.
Clubs and groups 1
- Small groupsOn campusStudent small groups for Bible study; students ask the ministry office for the list of groups.
Worship and prayer 1
- CSU ElevateOn campusWeekly during the academic yearStudent-led worship gathering in Lightsey Chapel Auditorium.
Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.
Chapel, worship and prayer
Confirm with the campus ministry
Chapel 1
- Wednesday11:00 AMLightsey Auditorium · Weekly during the semester (chapel).
Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.
Sources for these times (1)
- Chapel | CSUcharlestonsouthern.edu/student-life/campus-ministries/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Chapel is held weekly in the Lightsey Auditorium on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. throughout the semester.”
Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.
| Family income | Price after aid |
|---|---|
| Up to $30,000 | |
| $30,001–$48,000 | |
| $48,001–$75,000 | |
| $75,001–$110,000 | |
| Over $110,000 |
Full cost of attendance before aid: $44,558 a year.
Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.
Cost and value
Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.
| Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS) | 2,914 |
|---|---|
| Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023 | Men 37% · Women 63% |
| First-generation students College Scorecard | 31% |
| First-year students from another state IPEDS, fall 2023 | 25% |
| Total students | 3,545 |
| Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid | $21,666 |
| Cost of attendance (per year) | $44,558 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $26,471 |
| Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time | 47% |
| Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years | 42% |
| Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years | 40% |
| Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years | 49% |
| First-year retention | 63% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $45,898 |
| Admission rate | 96% |
| Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24 | $25 |
| Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026 | About $1,630 a month for a one-bedroom |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 34% |
| Average SAT | 1059 |
|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 480–600 |
| SAT math | 450–560 |
| ACT composite | 18–24 |
| Test policy | Considered but not required |
Value index: 39 / 100 (how it’s computed)
Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.
Earnings by major
Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).
| Major | Median earnings |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Nursing | |
| Business administration | |
| Accounting | |
| Human resources | |
| Health administration | |
| Marketing | |
| Criminal justice | |
| Communication studies | |
| Secondary education | |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | |
| Biology | |
| Social sciences | |
| Teacher education | |
| Psychology | |
| Design |
Also offered (no earnings published yet): Air Transportation, Allied health, Applied mathematics, Biochemistry, Business (general), Chemistry, Clinical laboratory science, Computing and information science, Economics, Engineering (general), English, Entrepreneurship, Family and human development, Finance, History, Hospitality management, Information science, Liberal arts, Management information systems, Mathematics, Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Military Systems and Maintenance Technology, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Natural Sciences, Pastoral counseling, Philosophy, Political science, Pre-health, Pre-law and legal studies, Public health, Rehabilitation and therapy, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Romance languages, Security science, Sociology, Theatre, Theology, Writing and rhetoric, Zoology/Animal Biology.
What students study most
Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).
| Field | Share of degrees |
|---|---|
| Health professions | |
| Business | |
| Education | |
| Biology | |
| Psychology |
Campus facts
| School colors | |
|---|---|
| Setting | City |
| Part-time undergraduates | 6% |
| Undergraduates aged 25 and older | 12% |
| On-campus room and board (per year) | $12,200 |
| Sports | NCAA Division I · Big South Conference |
| ROTC | Army · Air Force |
| Study abroad | Offered |
| Students per faculty member | 12 to 1 |
| Undergraduates registered with the disability office | About 6%IPEDS, 2023–24 |
| Disability services | Visit the office’s pageThe college’s own page |
| Faculty who are full-time | 58%College Scorecard, fall 2023 |
| Endowment per student | $8,736IPEDS, 2023, per student |
| Dorm space | For about 47% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus |
| Nearest airport with airline service | Charleston International Airport (CHS)About 6 miles away · about 15 minutes by car |
| Town population | 154,338Census, 2020–2024 |
| Nearest city of 250,000 people or more | CharlotteAbout 160 miles away · about 3 hours 40 minutes by car |
| Typical weather | 50°F in January · 83°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Charleston International Airport, SC, about 6 miles away |
Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.
Campus safety reports
On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.
| Category | This campus | U.S. rate |
|---|---|---|
| Rape | 0.00 | 0.07 |
| Robbery | 0.00 | 0.01 |
| Aggravated assault | 0.00 | 0.04 |
| Burglary | 1.57 | 0.08 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 0.00 | 0.15 |
Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.
Christian churches nearby
No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.
Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.
Questions families ask
- Is Charleston Southern University a Christian college?
- Yes. Charleston Southern University is a Christian college.
- What is Charleston Southern University’s Compass Score?
- 63 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
- Where is chapel held at Charleston Southern University?
- Chapel is listed at Lightsey Auditorium. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
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About this school’s data
- IPEDS unit ID 217688
- Carnegie classification: Master's university (medium programs)
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
- Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Baptist
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