University of Charleston
About University of Charleston
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
University of Charleston is a private university in Charleston, West Virginia, along the Kanawha River. It offers programs in business, nursing, biology, and pharmacy, with a downtown campus in the state capital.
Founded
1888
Location
Charleston, West Virginia
Students
2,973
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
61.5%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
45.6%
Below national average
Tuition
$33,800
Per year
Avg Net Price
$22,107
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$55,774
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
61.5 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
With a 61.5% acceptance rate, University of Charleston admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
45.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
74.8%
4-Year Grad
30%
6-Year Grad
42%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
55.1%
$/Student
$5.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 30% graduation rate is below average, but 74.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$33,800
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,280
Books & Supplies
$2,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$46,470
After Financial Aid
$22,107
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$21,427
Receive Grants
31.4%
Take Loans
35.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $46,470/yr, including $12,280 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $22,107.
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 University of Charleston fund their education.
While in School
31.4%
Get Grants
Free money
35.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$44,569
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 35.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. 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 University of Charleston.
Gender
37.8%
Female
62%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,259
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
714
Graduates
43.1%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
52.9%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 43.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 7.8% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
2,259
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Charleston fields 10 varsity teams with 702 student athletes, about 31% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Mountain East
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
702
31% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
62% / 38%
432
Men
270
Women
8
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Charlestonearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$55,774
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$64K
352 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$69K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
—
36 grads
Security Science and Technology
—
20 grads
Biology, General
$29K
19 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$45K
12 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $43K 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 University of Charleston
What is the acceptance rate at University of Charleston?▾
How much does University of Charleston cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Charleston?▾
How much do University 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.