Undergraduate Cost & Financial Aid
Types of Financial Aid
Many scholarship awards are what we refer to as merit-based. They are based on your GPA and do not need to be repaid. 97% of full-time freshmen receive a merit-based scholarship. Additional CSU scholarships, for athletics, fine arts and more are available for students based on eligibility.
Several grant programs are available to qualifying CSU students. Unlike loans, grants are based on need and qualifications, and do not have to be paid back.
Student loans are based on need and determined by the information you submit on the FAFSA. These funds, along with interest, do need to be repaid.
2024-2025 Academic Scholarships
In-State First Time Freshman
| GPA | Annual Award |
|---|---|
| 3.90 or above | Jairy C. Hunter, Jr. ($17,000) |
| 3.89 – 3.50 | Buccaneer ($14,000) |
| 3.49 – 3.00 | Cutlass ($13,000) |
| 2.99 – 2.50 | Gold Rush ($10,000) |
| 2.49 – 2.0 | Blue Crew ($5,000) |
*Commuter student awards will be reduced by $1,000
Out-of-State First Time Freshmen
| GPA | Annual Award |
|---|---|
| 3.90 or above | Jairy C. Hunter, Jr. ($19,000) |
| 3.89 – 3.50 | Buccaneer ($16,000) |
| 3.49 – 3.00 | Cutlass ($15,000) |
| 2.99 – 2.50 | Gold Rush ($12,000) |
| 2.49 – 2.0 | Blue Crew ($7,000) |
*The out-of-state scholarships listed above include a $2,000 out-of-state grant
Transfers and Readmits
| Primary GPA | Annual Award |
|---|---|
| 4.00 – 3.50 | Jairy C. Hunter, Jr. ($12,000) |
| 3.49 – 3.00 | Cutlass ($10,000) |
| 2.99 – 2.50 | Gold Rush ($8,000) |
| 2.49 – 2.0 | Blue Crew ($6,000) |
97% of full-time freshmen receive a merit-based scholarship
Our Buc Promise program covers tuition for all Pell grant-eligible students with a greater-than 3.5 GPA
$88 million in financial aid awarded to students during the 2023-24 academic year
Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
2024-2025 Freshman or Transfer Estimated Tuition
| Undergrad Costs | Per Year |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Accelerated and Regular Sessions, 12-18 hours – includes books) | $31,869 |
| Housing & Food** | $11,590 – $12,880 |
| Fees | Tech Fee: $250 Student Fee: $400 |
| Yearly Total (same for in-state and out-of-state) | $44,109 – $45,399 |
2024-2025 Commuter Estimated Tuition
| Undergrad Costs | Per Year |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Accelerated and Regular Sessions, 12-18 hours – includes books) | $31,869 |
| Fees | Tech Fee: $250 Student Fee: $400 |
| Yearly Total (same for in-state and out-of-state) | $32,519 |
These figures are not comprehensive and do not include the supplies, special fees, transportation, or personal expenses.
*Tuition varies for our nursing, organizational management and criminal justice programs. See individual program pages for information.
**Based on housing preference.
Spotlight on Scholarships
The Tour Treasure Grant
Prospective students may receive the $1,000 Tour Treasure Grant if they attend an official CSU visit such as a personal tour, A Day in the Life, or First Look event with the Office of Admissions. To be eligible, a student must enroll as a first-time freshman or transfer student, submit their FAFSA, and live anywhere in the world outside of the S.C. counties of Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester.
John A. Hamrick Scholarship
New incoming freshmen, who are eligible for the CSU Honors Program, may apply for a John A. Hamrick Scholarship, CSU’s most prestigious academic scholarship. Five students will receive tuition, housing, and food. Five additional students will be named honor fellows and will receive a $5,000 scholarship in addition to their merit award.
“I chose CSU due to its excellence in scholarships, as well as the school’s commitment to academic progression for each student. At the end of the day, what’s better than being surrounded by a Christian atmosphere and local beaches.”
