College of Charleston
About College of Charleston
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
College of Charleston is a public liberal arts university in Charleston, South Carolina. It is one of the oldest colleges in the United States and is known for its historic downtown campus, strong arts programs, and marine biology research.
Founded
1770
Location
Charleston, South Carolina
Students
11,604
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
60%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
65.8%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$12,978
Out-of-state: $38,296
Avg Net Price
$18,960
After financial aid
SAT Average
1247
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$56,416
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
60 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
N/A
Deadline
Jan 15
College of Charleston accepts 60% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1247/ 1600
ACT Scores
26/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
65.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
82%
4-Year Grad
59%
6-Year Grad
67%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
64.6%
$/Student
$10.2K
Class Size
Medium
While 59% finish in 4 years, 82% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$12,978
In-State
$38,296
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,332
Books & Supplies
$1,530
Total Cost of Attendance
$32,362
After Financial Aid
$18,960
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,133
Receive Grants
18.8%
Take Loans
38%
The full cost of attendance is about $32,362/yr for in-state students, including $14,332 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $18,960. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $38,296.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at College of Charleston fund their education.
While in School
18.8%
Get Grants
Free money
38%
Take Loans
Must repay
$58,643
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$246/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 38% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,250. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends College of Charleston.
Gender
67.8%
Female
32%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,558
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,046
Graduates
20.1%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 68% of the student body. 20.1% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
10,558
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
College of Charleston fields 13 varsity teams with 453 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Colonial
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Sailing
Student Athletes
453
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
30% / 70%
135
Men
318
Women
6
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of College of Charlestonearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$56,416
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$41K
178 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
161 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$37K
153 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$31K
133 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Health
$32K
129 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$41K
115 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $56K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about College of Charleston
What is the acceptance rate at College of Charleston?▾
How much does College of Charleston cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at College of Charleston?▾
How much do College of Charleston graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.