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College of Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina 29424-0001

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Campus Vibe

Urban

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.

Established
1770
Motto
Sapientia Ipsa Libertas
Mascot
Cougar
Type
Public university
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

116 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, Apr 10 · Campus Tour
72%Acceptance
1238SAT Avg
10,366Students
16:1Student:Faculty
65%Grad Rate
$56,416Earnings 10yr
$19,518Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

College of Charleston Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate72.0%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1238

Reading & WritingMid: 610
580660
MathMid: 575
550640

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 26
2429

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

72.0%

Trend

SAT Avg

1238

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$12,978
Tuition (out-of-state)$36,858
Room & Board$14,032
Books & Supplies$1,454
Total Cost of Attendance$30,731
Average Net Price$19,518
Median Debt at Graduation$23,250
Monthly Payment (10yr)$246

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$13,017
$30–48K$13,418
$48–75K$18,049
$75–110K$23,178
$110K+$24,730

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$19,518

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

6200.0%

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

Programs (84)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
10,366
Gender Split
68% / 32%
Women / Men
First Generation
20%
Pell Grant Recipients
19%

Race & Ethnicity

White 78%
Black 5%
Hispanic 7%
Asian 2%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate65.0%
Freshman Retention82.3%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$43,821
8 Years$50,232
10 Years$56,416

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$46,100
Men
$53,400

Rankings

U.S. News
#8
Forbes
#294
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#302

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Cougars

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

97Average

Estimated from SC state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 0"Sunny days: 240Rainy days: 85

Nearest Cities

Charlottepop. 880K
177 mi(307 min)
Raleighpop. 470K
220 mi(381 min)
Atlantapop. 500K
265 mi(459 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

College of Charleston Application Checklist

Decision Notifications