Campus Vibe
Close-knit campus
American College of the Building Arts is a private urban institution in Charleston, South Carolina. The school is accessible to a wide range of students, with an average SAT of 1137.
A small campus of 140 undergraduates with a 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
64% of students graduate within four years. Net price after aid averages $26,389.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
American College of the Building Arts Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1137
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
62.4%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$10,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
0
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (3)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
100%
- •100% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •The Jail was originally constructed in 1802 and expanded in 1855 to include living quarters for the warden and jailers on the street side and an octagonal rear wing.
- •Although it had no electricity or running water, the jail housed prisoners until it was decommissioned in 1939.
- •In September 2018, the college received national accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average