A brief look at CSU

Charleston Southern University is an independent, comprehensive Christian university grounded in the liberal arts tradition, affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Founded as the Baptist College at Charleston in 1964 upon the principle that students should have an opportunity for a quality education under the guidance of Christian faculty, the institution changed its name to Charleston Southern University in 1990 to reflect the offering of graduate programs. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. 

Charleston Southern University’s vision is to be a “Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving”; the university’s mission is “Promoting Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment.” That excellence is demonstrated throughout the curriculum.  Each undergraduate degree program is built upon a comprehensive liberal arts foundation which develops and strengthens the student’s skills in critical thinking and reasoning. Through their majors students are prepared to enter professions or graduate studies. In the master’s programs, students are exposed to the significant research of their professions and are educated in current trends and developments in their chosen fields. Doctoral students engage in their fields of study at the highest levels, participating in research or intensive clinical placements to develop and demonstrate expert knowledge of their professions.

Mission

Promoting Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment  

Vision

To be a Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving.  

Founded

1964  

Accredited

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)  

Specialized Accreditation

Affiliated 

South Carolina Baptist Convention  

Campus

300 acres — click here to view the campus map or take a virtual tour

Colors

Blue (Pantone 295) and Gold (Pantone 7503)

Academics

Colleges

Full-Time Faculty

188

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

12-to-1

Student Body

3,477 Enrollment (2,893 Undergraduate / 584 Graduate)

38.5% People of color

64% female / 36% male

16% Out-of-state Undergraduates representing 39 states

International students representing 28 countries

28% age 25 or older

97% Receiving financial aid

Tuition, undergraduate full-time

$26,000 (annual)

Room & Board

$10,400 – $12,000 (annual)

Library

  • 568,000+ physical and electronic items
  • 185 databases
  • Selective Depository in the Federal Depository Library Program

Athletics

NCAA Division I, competing in the Big South Conference

  • Men’s teams: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Cross Country, Golf, Track and Field (indoor and outdoor)
  • Women’s teams: Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Cross Country, Track and Field (indoor and outdoor), Volleyball, Golf, Tennis

Mascot

Buccaneers

Accolades

  • America’s 100 Best College Buys
  • America’s Best Christian Colleges
  • US News & World Report #25 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (best in South Carolina)
  • US News & World Report #20 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans
  • US News & World Report Best Colleges
  • VA Yellow Ribbon Program
  • Military Friendly School

Alma Mater

Hail to thee, O Charleston Southern: Fount of God’s great truth and knowledge. We thy children all sing praises ever more to thee. Source of inspiration, beacon of salvation; Honor, Courage, Faith and Justice, These thou hast taught us day by day. Hail to thee, O Charleston Southern, Alma Mater Hail!

CSU Victory

The BUCS will find a way to get it done. CSU will give it’s all until the game is won. The BUCS will FIGHT AND FIGHT (shout it!) till victory. And will not stop till we’re at the top, Champions we’ll be, YO HO!