College of Charleston Overview

College of Charleston is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Charleston, SC. It has an enrollment of 9,770 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 76.11%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,394. Tuition is $12,978.00 without financial aid.

College of Charleston is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At College of Charleston, 82.72% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

College of Charleston has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

College of Charleston Website

College of Charleston Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 76.11%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1211.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 26.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

College of Charleston Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,394. The in-state tuition is $12,978.00. Out-of-state tuition is $34,438.00

The average tuition is:

• $12,945, when family income is less than $30,000

• $14,215, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $17,784, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $21,464, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $23,932, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 37.62% of students received a federal student loan and 21.09% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $34,438.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

College of Charleston Net Price Calculator

College of Charleston Majors/Salaries

College of Charleston has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at College of Charleston here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Master’s Degree) – $47,260
• Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,460
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,238
• Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,828
• Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $37,568
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,738
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $37,343
• Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,459
• Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,421
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,997
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,799
• Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,458
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,478
• Historic Preservation and Conservation. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,228
• Historic Preservation and Conservation. (Master’s Degree) – $39,369
• International/Global Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,485
• Religion/Religious Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $19,455
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,284
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,848
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,657
• Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $39,729
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,532
• Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,937
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,988
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,162
• Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,781
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,340
• Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,822
• Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,495
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,688
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $48,432
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,519
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $60,623
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,941
• Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,009
• International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,930
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,000
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598

College of Charleston Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at College of Charleston

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.16%
• Asian: 2.04%
• Black: 6.27%
• Hispanic: 7.08%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.04%
• Non-resident alien: 0.74%
• Two or more races: 3.60%
• Unknown: 1.08%
• White: 78.98%

At College of Charleston, 6.72% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

College of Charleston Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at College of Charleston?

The College of Charleston has a strong school spirit culture. The campus community is proud of its academic achievements as well as its athletic programs. The college’s mascot is the Cougar, and students can often be seen at games wearing school colors of maroon and white. The college holds various events and traditions to foster school spirit, such as annual homecoming events, pep rallies, and tailgates. The student body is also involved in community service and volunteer work, showcasing a strong sense of camaraderie and pride in their school.

What are some popular extracurriculars at College of Charleston?

At the College of Charleston, some popular extracurricular activities include student organizations, athletics, volunteering opportunities, study abroad programs, and research opportunities. These extracurricular activities are designed to allow students to explore their interests, meet new people, develop leadership skills, and give back to the community. Some of the most popular extracurricular activities at College of Charleston include A Cappella groups, sailing and water sports clubs, service organizations, club sports, and intramural sports. The college also has over 200 other clubs and organizations, so students have a wide range of options to choose from.

How are the food choices at College of Charleston?

The College of Charleston offers a variety of dining options for students. There are multiple on-campus dining facilities that provide a range of food choices, including vegan and vegetarian options. The dining halls also feature different stations such as pizza, salads, sandwiches, and international cuisine. Additionally, there are vendors around campus providing snacks, grab-and-go meals, coffee, and smoothies. The College of Charleston is committed to providing healthy, tasty, and sustainable food options for students.

Is there Greek life at College of Charleston?

Yes, the College of Charleston has a Greek Life system with over 20 Fraternities and Sororities on campus. The Greek Life community is active and involved in various philanthropic events and activities throughout the year. If you are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority at the College of Charleston, you can visit the Office of Greek Life on campus for more information.

What is College of Charleston known for?

The College of Charleston is known for its historic campus located in Charleston, South Carolina and its strong liberal arts education. It is consistently rated as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the United States. The College of Charleston is also known for its excellent programs in business, education, and the arts. The campus is home to the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, and the Jewish Studies Center. Additionally, the College of Charleston has a robust study abroad program that offers students the opportunity to study in more than 60 countries around the world.

What are the most popular school clubs at College of Charleston?

The College of Charleston has a pretty vibrant student life and there are several school clubs available on the campus that cater to the diverse interests of its students. Some of the most popular school clubs at the College of Charleston include: 1. Student Government Association (SGA) 2. College of Charleston Dance Team 3. Club Volleyball 4. Club Baseball 5. Club Soccer 6. Club Ultimate Frisbee 7. Black Student Union 8. The Wildlife and Fisheries Society 9. College of Charleston Model United Nations 10. College of Charleston Equestrian Team There are many others and students are always encouraged to explore their interests and join clubs that relate to their passions.

Is the campus at College of Charleston safe?

According to the College of Charleston’s Department of Public Safety, the campus is generally safe. However, like any other urban campus, students are still advised to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions. The Department of Public Safety provides 24-hour patrol on campus, emergency response services, and safety escort services. They also offer safety training and awareness programs throughout the year. It is recommended that students familiarize themselves with the campus emergency procedures and keep the emergency numbers handy.