News

Charleston County School District (CCSD) and Charleston Southern University (CSU) today announced a new direct admission partnership that will provide qualifying CCSD high school seniors with a streamlined path to college acceptance, removing barriers, and simplifying the college application process for students across the district.

The partnership is effective immediately and will first serve students in the graduating Class of 2027. Through the agreement, Charleston Southern will extend direct admission offers to CCSD seniors who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• A cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.00 or higher through the end of junior year
• Good standing with their high school, entering senior year
• On track to earn a South Carolina high school diploma

CSU will waive application fees for students at all CCSD high schools who receive a direct admission offer. Students who choose to accept an offer must submit an in-progress transcript to confirm their eligibility and, once enrolled, will be subject to CSU's student policies and code of conduct.

“This partnership is a powerful example of what’s possible when our community comes together to create more opportunities for students,” said Anita Huggins, superintendent of Charleston County School District. “Our goal is for every CCSD student to graduate with a strong plan for what comes next, whether that is college, a career, or another opportunity that prepares them for long-term success. We are grateful to Charleston Southern for partnering with us to expand access and opportunity for students across CCSD.”

“Charleston Southern is proud to strengthen our partnership with Charleston County School District and create a more direct path for local students to pursue higher education,” said B. Keith Faulkner, president of Charleston Southern University. “Direct admission gives qualified students confidence early in their senior year that they have a place at CSU and an opportunity to continue learning, growing, and preparing for their future right here in the Charleston community.”

This direct admission partnership supports CCSD’s strategic goal of increasing opportunities for students to graduate college or career-ready and will be available to eligible seniors at all CCSD high schools beginning this school year, with the graduating class of 2027.