Campus Vibe
Known for business
College of Charleston is a public institution in Charleston with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1238, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 10.4K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
65% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $56,416 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,518.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
College of Charleston 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: 1238
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
61.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
80
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass 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 (84)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
82%
- •82% 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
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Cougars
History & Fun Facts
- •History The College of Charleston was founded in 1770, making it the 13th-oldest institution of higher education and oldest municipal college in the nation.
- •In March 1785, the South Carolina General Assembly issued a charter to the college, which officially opened in 1790 and hosted its first commencement in 1794.
- •The first president of the college was Robert Smith, who served in the position from 1790 to 1797.
- •Sottile House in 1892 A second charter was issued by the general assembly in 1791 stipulating that the college would not discriminate on the basis of religion.
- •In 1837, the Charleston municipal government assumed control over the college.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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