College of Charleston
The Vibe Check
College of Charleston offers a vibrant, historic campus vibe where cobblestone streets and colonial architecture blend with a lively student body. It feels like stepping into a Southern gothic novel with a modern twist, where the energy is both academically focused and socially engaging. The proximity to the harbor and downtown creates a unique, picturesque atmosphere for student life.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The college is particularly strong in business, biology, and the humanities, offering a robust liberal arts education with a Southern focus. Taught by accessible faculty rather than graduate assistants, students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on research opportunities, especially in marine biology and historic preservation. The Honors College provides an additional layer of rigorous, interdisciplinary study for motivated students.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Charleston
Student life in Charleston is heavily influenced by the city's renowned food scene, vibrant arts community, and beautiful waterfront parks. Students enjoy weekend trips to nearby beaches like Folly Island, exploring the historic French Quarter, and attending festivals such as the Spoleto Festival USA. The social scene is rich with outdoor activities, given the city's mild climate and coastal location.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($56,416):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus itself is generally considered safe with active campus police, but its urban integration requires standard city awareness. The surrounding downtown area is well-patrolled and popular with students, though it's wise to stay in groups at night near the periphery.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Prime location in a historic, vibrant, and safe city with a rich cultural scene.
- ✓ Strong academic programs in business, biology, and the arts with accessible faculty.
- ✓ Beautiful, traditional campus architecture integrated directly into downtown.
- ✓ High retention rate indicates strong student satisfaction and community.
Cons
- ✗ Significantly higher out-of-state tuition can be a financial burden.
- ✗ The urban setting means the campus is not a traditional, insulated college town.
- ✗ Graduation rate, while decent, is lower than some flagship public universities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
College of Charleston is renowned for its historic campus located in the heart of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. It is particularly known for strong programs in Business, Marine Biology, Historic Preservation, and the Arts, leveraging its coastal location and Southern heritage.
With an acceptance rate of 72%, the College of Charleston is selective but accessible. The middle 50% SAT range is typically between 1160 and 1340, so applicants should aim for a score around the average of 1238 to be competitive.
Campus life is deeply connected to the city of Charleston. Students enjoy a mix of studying in historic buildings, socializing at nearby cafes and bars, and participating in outdoor activities like kayaking and beach trips. The vibe is pre-professional yet social, with a strong emphasis on internships and networking.
For in-state students, the value is excellent due to low tuition and strong post-graduation earnings. Out-of-state students must weigh the higher cost against the unique location and program strengths, but the median 10-year earnings of $56,416 suggest a solid return on investment.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 10,794
- In-State Tuition $12,978
- Out-of-State $36,858
- Zip Code 29424
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
For in-state students, the tuition of under $13,000 offers a strong value for a reputable public liberal arts education, making the return on investment highly favorable. Out-of-state students pay significantly more, but the 10-year median earnings of $56,416 and the school's location in a growing economic hub help justify the cost. The average net price of roughly $19,500 is competitive for a school with such a prime location and strong academic programs.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.