Charleston Southern University: what international applicants need

What are Charleston Southern University's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Charleston Southern University admits on a rolling basis for 2026–27: there's no single deadline, and it answers applications as they come in, so applying early is safer.

What is Charleston Southern University's acceptance rate?

96.5% for students who started in fall 2024: Charleston Southern University admitted 4,495 of its 4,660 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Charleston Southern University require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Charleston Southern University is test-flexible for 2026–27: it accepts other exams in place of the SAT or ACT, and its testing page lists which ones.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.

What SAT score do you need for Charleston Southern University?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 450–560 in Math and 480–600 in Reading and Writing (49% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 18–24.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Charleston Southern University's application fee for international students?

Charleston Southern University's application fee is $25 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does Charleston Southern University accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. Charleston Southern University accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does Charleston Southern University accept?

Charleston Southern University lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does Charleston Southern University accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests Charleston Southern University accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does Charleston Southern University require?

Charleston Southern University doesn't require recommendation letters on the Common App for 2026–27.

• Letters that aren't required can still be accepted: the university's site says whether it reads them.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Charleston Southern University require the Common App personal essay?

No. Charleston Southern University doesn't require the Common App personal essay for 2026–27, though you can still send it: the Common App lets you submit it to any university.

How many international students does Charleston Southern University have?

73 of Charleston Southern University's 3,126 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 2.3%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Charleston Southern University cost for international students?

Charleston Southern University's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $32,520, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $12,200. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $47,790 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source