Campus Vibe
Known for business
University of Charleston is a private institution in Charleston with particular strength in business and health sciences.
A mid-sized campus of 2.1K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
46% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $55,774 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $22,012.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
University 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
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
66.3%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,666
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
16
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
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 (41)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
69%
- •69% 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 — Golden Eagles
History & Fun Facts
- •History The school was founded in 1888 as the Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church.
- •In 1901, it was renamed Morris Harvey College, in honor of a devoted supporter.
- •The University of Charleston from across the Kanawha River In 1935 the school moved to downtown Charleston and affiliated with the Mason College of Fine Arts and Music.
- •In 1940, it became independent of the Methodist Church.
- •In 1947, the school moved to its present campus in the Kanawha City section of Charleston across the river from the State Capitol.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average