Charleston Southern named Best for Vets College, number one independent in SC

Military Times has named Charleston Southern University to its 2026 Best for Vets: Colleges ranking announced on Nov. 9. Charleston Southern ranked No. 38 nationwide out of 370 colleges and No. 2 in South Carolina, making it the top-ranked independent college in the state. 

“The military-connected student today looks different than many people imagine,” said Jon Simkins, editor-in-chief of Military Times. “The schools on this year’s list understand that, and they’re building support around the real lives of the people they serve.” 

Nearly one in six Charleston Southern students is military-connected. CSU President B. Keith Faulkner, a U.S. Navy veteran and 1998 CSU alumnus, said, “Charleston Southern has a proud tradition of serving those who have served our country, and we are excited to announce this honor from Military Times on Veterans Day. Our military-connected students are a vital part of our university family.” 

Military Times reports that several schools are considered schools on the rise. Charleston Southern was one of four schools who moved up the list dramatically, according to the news source. 

Located in the heart of the Charleston military hub anchored by Joint Base Lindsey Graham, Charleston Southern has served veteran and military-associated students for more than 50 years. CSU’s U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 772 has graduated military leaders since the 1970s, and CSU is currently fundraising to build the P. Cecil Patrick Jr. Family Veterans Center, further strengthening support for military-connected students. 

The Military Times, Best for Vets: Colleges list is based on a detailed survey of each school’s policies, programs, and outcomes, covering university culture, student support services, academic policies, costs and financial assistance, and military-connected student success rates.