Overview of Charleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University (CSU) is a private Christian university located in North Charleston, South Carolina. Established in 1964, the university has grown into a comprehensive institution offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, Christian values, and community engagement, Charleston Southern University provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for successful careers and service-oriented leadership.
History and Founding: Charleston Southern University was founded in 1964 as Baptist College at Charleston. The institution’s origins trace back to the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s vision of establishing a Christian university in the Lowcountry region. Over the years, the university has evolved and expanded its academic offerings while maintaining a strong commitment to its Christian heritage.
Campus and Facilities: The CSU campus is situated on a picturesque 300-acre site, providing a serene and conducive environment for learning. The university’s facilities include modern classrooms, laboratories, athletic facilities, and student housing. The campus architecture reflects a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, creating an inviting atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff.
Academic Programs: Charleston Southern University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The academic structure includes schools such as the College of Business, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Mathematics, and the College of Nursing. The university’s curriculum integrates a Christian worldview into academic studies, encouraging students to explore the intersection of faith and learning.
Christian Values and Faith Integration: At the core of Charleston Southern University’s identity is its commitment to Christian values. The university seeks to provide a Christ-centered education that nurtures spiritual growth, ethical leadership, and a sense of purpose. Faculty members are encouraged to integrate Christian perspectives into their teaching, and students have opportunities for chapel services, mission trips, and other activities that foster spiritual development.
Faculty and Research: Charleston Southern University is home to a dedicated and experienced faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship. The faculty members not only impart knowledge in their respective fields but also serve as mentors, guiding students in their academic and personal development. The university supports research initiatives across disciplines, contributing to advancements in knowledge and providing students with valuable hands-on experiences.
Community Engagement and Service: CSU emphasizes the importance of community engagement and service as integral components of a well-rounded education. Students are encouraged to participate in service projects, internships, and outreach programs that address community needs. The university’s commitment to service aligns with its Christian values, instilling in students a sense of social responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Athletics: Charleston Southern University competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Big South Conference. The Buccaneers, as the university’s teams are known, participate in a variety of sports, contributing to the vibrant campus spirit. The emphasis on both academic and athletic excellence reflects CSU’s commitment to developing students holistically.
Global Engagement: While rooted in its local community, Charleston Southern University recognizes the importance of global perspectives. The university encourages students to explore study abroad opportunities, fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures and preparing students for an interconnected world.
Alumni Success: The success of Charleston Southern University is reflected in the accomplishments of its alumni, who have excelled in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and ministry. The university takes pride in the achievements of its graduates and maintains a strong network to support alumni throughout their professional journeys.
Charleston Southern University stands as a vibrant Christian institution dedicated to providing a high-quality education that integrates faith, academics, and service. With a commitment to fostering a sense of purpose, ethical leadership, and community engagement, CSU prepares students to navigate the challenges of the modern world with a strong foundation of knowledge and values.
PO Box 118087, 9200 University Boulevard Charleston, SC 29423
Phone: (843) 863-7050
Email: enroll@csuniv.edu
Web site: http://www.csuniv.edu
Rankings: Charleston Southern University
Located in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is one of the best universities in the state of South Carolina. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Charleston Southern University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Charleston Southern University.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.6 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 83 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 63.2% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 38.5% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 106 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 40.2% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 5.4% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 17:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 82.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 49 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 890-1150 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 21% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 52% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 62.0% |
| Financial resources rank: | 56 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 55 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 8.2% |
Essential Facts: Charleston Southern University
- Charleston Southern University typically requires applicants to be in the top 57 percent of SAT test takers.
- The university offered the first instruction at a post secondary level in 1965 and awarded its first degree in 1967.
- It is a small institution with an enrollment of 2,804 undergraduate students. Popular majors include Nursing, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | N/A |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 55% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 65% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, honor code, hazing prohibited, other |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA II |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, football, golf, tennis, track and field (outdoor), volleyball |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field (outdoor), volleyball |
| Student activities: | choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, symphony orchestra |