Join the CSU Family!

Voted to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges list and one of the safest college campuses in South Carolina (Niche.com, StateUniversity.com), here’s what you need to know before your student applies to Charleston Southern University.

CSU at a Glance

  • Founded in 1964
  • Accredited by SACSCOC
  • Affiliated with the S.C .Baptist Convention
  • 300 acre campus
  • 60+ undergrad programs
  • 20 graduate programs
  • 2 doctoral degrees
  • 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • 100% of full-time incoming freshmen receive a merit scholarship

Learn more about CSU here.

What’s the process from start to finish?

We are so excited your student is interested in attending CSU to further his/her education. While we know finding the perfect university can be a daunting process, we are here to help. Your student will automatically be assigned an Enrollment Counselor upon applying, and this counselor will be your point of contact up until your student starts classes! They will be your one-stop-shop for all things admissions and financial aid. Feel free to call the admissions office at 843-863-7050 with any questions!

Our application is FREE, and opens August 1 of your student’s senior year. Once we receive the application, your student will need to send us his/her high school transcript and any SAT/ACT/CLT scores or an Academic Reference Form. We are test optional.

We offer a number of options for you and your student to experience what it is like to be a CSU Buccaneer! Click here to see for yourself, and schedule your visit today! Our favorite is the private visit since you’re able to meet your student’s Enrollment Counselor who is here to guide you throughout the entire process.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens on October 1 of your student’s senior year of high school. You will want to file your FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure that your student is getting the best financial aid available to them! CSU’s school code is 003419.

We host three Registration Days throughout the summer months. This is the day your students will take any placement tests they may need, and sit down with a faculty advisor to plan their schedule. They will also be able to get their ID made and take another campus tour!

Move-in day is one of the most exciting days of the year at CSU! The football team, band, orientation team leaders and Residence Life staff will all be there to help you and your student unload your car and move into their new dorm room! Win prizes at our vendor booths, eat some delicious BBQ with President Costin and pray over your student before you set them loose on their new adventure!

Learn how you can get involved with the CSU Parents Program! Join the private Facebook group just for families of our Bucs, receive monthly eNews, attend events, and so much more.

Is your child a current student?

Join the CSU Parents Program! You’ll have access to information which makes the transition to college easier, and we’ve prepared resources that will be helpful for your student.

Whether this is the first child you are sending to college, or the last, the Parents Program will help you navigate your student’s time at Charleston Southern. Check it out here.

You’ll be able to sign up for the monthly parents enewsletter, get information about the private Facebook Group, find information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities and more.

Have more questions? Email parents@csuniv.edu.