College of Charleston

School Overview

College of Charleston is located in Charleston, SC, 29424, set within a urban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #9 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

With an acceptance rate of 60%, College of Charleston offers a realistic pathway for students who have maintained a consistent academic record throughout high school. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1140-1310 and ACT scores of 25-30. Applications are due by Jan. 15, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

With 10,880 undergraduates, College of Charleston is large enough to offer a wide range of academic programs yet maintains a sense of campus community that helps students find their place. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 32% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 57%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at College of Charleston include Business Administration and Management, General (9% of students, median early-career salary: $62,689), Speech Communication and Rhetoric (9% of students, median early-career salary: $56,868), and Psychology, General (9% of students, median early-career salary: $48,502). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

Room and board adds approximately $15,653. However, the average net price after financial aid is $18,690, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $18,081 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with College of Charleston's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. College of Charleston combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether College of Charleston is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.