
9200 University Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29406, USA


Charleston Southern University offers a variety of athletic programs that compete at the NCAA Division I level, primarily within the Big South Conference. The university supports both men's and women's sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and cross country, among others. Student-athletes have access to facilities designed to support their development and competition at a high collegiate level.
Participation in these sports provides opportunities for students to enhance their physical fitness, teamwork skills, and leadership abilities while representing their university in regional and national competitions. The athletic department emphasizes balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments, aiming to foster well-rounded individuals.
Charleston Southern University offers several student organizations that contribute to campus life and community engagement. Among these are the Student Government, which provides a platform for student representation and leadership, the Baptist Student Union, which supports students interested in faith-based activities, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, catering to students who combine athletic pursuits with Christian fellowship. These groups represent some opportunities for students to connect with peers who share similar interests and values.
Charleston Southern University hosts a diverse student population with a total enrollment of approximately 963 new students each year, including 725 freshmen and 238 transfer students. Both groups fall into an average size category but rank in the lower 45th percentile compared to other universities, indicating a moderately sized intake of new students annually.
The university's undergraduate body spans a wide age range. Most undergraduates are young adults: 1,112 students are aged 18 to 19, 943 are between 20 and 21, and 334 students fall within the 22 to 24 age group. There are also older students, with smaller numbers aged 25 and above, including 147 students aged 25 to 29 and 53 students between 40 and 49. The graduate student population also reflects a broad age distribution, from 10 students aged 20 to 21 up to 56 students aged 50 to 64.
Regarding residency status, the majority of students are from within the state, with 73% considered in-state students. This figure places Charleston Southern University in the upper 45% percentile for in-state representation. Out-of-state students make up about 24% of the student body, ranking in the lower 45 percentile.
The university also enrolls a largely domestic student base, with 97% identified as U. S. students, a proportion that ranks above the national average and within the top 35 percentile. Students from foreign countries represent about 3%, falling slightly below the median range nationally.
In terms of ethnic diversity, Charleston Southern University maintains an average representation across various groups. African American students are the largest minority group, numbering 476 and falling near the midpoint compared to peer institutions. Hispanic and Native American students account for smaller portions-212 and 3 students respectively-while Asian and Pacific Islander students represent minority shares with 32 and 8 students. The number of students identifying with two or more races is 105. The white student population totals 1,514 but ranks in the lower 45 percent nationally. Notably, about 299 students' ethnicity is unknown, which is higher than average and within the top 40 percentile in that category.
Student life at Charleston Southern University includes various cultural and artistic activities that cater to diverse interests. The campus supports a newspaper, drama productions, a band, and a chorus, providing students with multiple creative outlets to engage in. Although there is no campus radio or television station, the available options allow for meaningful involvement in campus culture.
The university offers psychological counseling services, which can support students' mental health and well-being during their studies. However, there are no on-campus health clinics or legal services for students.
Charleston Southern University's athletic programs compete within the NCAA, reflecting its integration into intercollegiate sports. The student-faculty ratio sits at about 13 to 1, pointing to moderately sized classes and potentially close interactions with instructors. The total enrollment is around 3,545 students, which provides a medium-sized campus community for prospective students to consider.
International diversity is somewhat limited, with students representing approximately 17 countries, which is a relatively low level of global representation. The campus size measures roughly 500 units, though the exact unit of measure is unspecified.
Charleston Southern University offers its students access to the L. Mendel Rivers Library as the primary campus library. In addition to this main facility, there is one other library available, placing the university slightly above average in terms of total library count compared to similar institutions. Together, these two libraries provide a range of physical collections and resources.
The university's holdings include approximately 114,000 books, which is somewhat modest relative to peer institutions, falling in the lower 40th percentile. Subscriptions to journals and periodicals number just under 400, also on the lower side in comparison. However, students benefit from substantial digital resources, including over one million ebooks and more than 215,000 digital subscriptions, positioning the university well in the upper percentiles for digital access.
Library services at Charleston Southern University extend beyond collections. Students have access to study rooms, and the physical facilities support established hours of operation with trained staff available. While the library does not offer all-day access, it does provide opportunities for accessing shared collections with partner institutions, enhancing the range of available materials.
Overall, while the number of physical books and subscriptions is moderate, the strong provision of digital resources and well-supported library facilities contribute to a functional academic support system for students.
Total enrollment
3545Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
721Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
362 full time, 223 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
L. Mendel Rivers LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes