Public Institution

College of Charleston — Charleston, South Carolina

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Annual Tuition $12,978

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 72%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 10,366

Active Students

Avg. Salary $56,416

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Charleston, South Carolina

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"College of Charleston stands as a pillar of higher education in Charleston, providing a robust academic foundation for 10,366 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does College of Charleston offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at College of Charleston. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

22.9%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

11%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

8.9%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

7.8%

Enrollment Share

Communications

7.4%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

6.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at College of Charleston provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at College of Charleston provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at College of Charleston provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at College of Charleston provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at College of Charleston?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 72%

Difficulty Low

College of Charleston maintains an acceptance rate of 72%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 32.4%

Women Enrollment 67.7%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 580 - 660

SAT Mathematics 550 - 640

ACT English 23 - 31

ACT Mathematics 22 - 27

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does College of Charleston cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $12,978

Out-of-State Tuition $36,858

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 19.5%

Median Student Debt $23,250

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $12,978, graduates see a median starting salary of $56,416, making it one of the most affordable pathways in South Carolina.

What salary can College of Charleston graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $56,416

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 65%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $19,518

Median Salary (6yr) $43,821

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at College of Charleston in Charleston?

10,366 Students

Gender Comparison

32.4% Men

67.7% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

82.3%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

Black

5.4%

White

78.5%

Unknown

2.1%

Hispanic

7.1%

Two or More Races

International

0.8%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 20

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First-Generation 20.1%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 49.2%

🎖️

Veterans 0.3%

💍

Married Students 3.2%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 50%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$66,962
Average Family Income	$84,026
Median Family Income	$58,643

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.1%

47.9%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Charleston Campus Environment

Located at 66 George St, College of Charleston offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of South Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does College of Charleston compare?

Direct Comparison College of Charleston vs Charleston Southern University →

Direct Comparison College of Charleston vs Charleston Cosmetology Institute →

Direct Comparison College of Charleston vs Citadel Military College →

Direct Comparison College of Charleston vs Medical South Carolina →

Common Questions about College of Charleston

Is College of Charleston a good college in Charleston, South Carolina?

College of Charleston is a recognized institution in Charleston with an enrollment of 10,366 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in South Carolina.

Is College of Charleston worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $56,416 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does College of Charleston cost for South Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at College of Charleston is approximately $12,978. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $36,858. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of College of Charleston after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending College of Charleston for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 49.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is College of Charleston good for Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs?

College of Charleston reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending College of Charleston?

Graduates of College of Charleston often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $56,416, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for College of Charleston?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on College of Charleston's official admissions website.

Does College of Charleston require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on College of Charleston's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can College of Charleston graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of College of Charleston earn a median salary of $56,416 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is College of Charleston a good investment compared to other SC colleges?

Compare College of Charleston's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in South Carolina to judge value for your goals.

Where is College of Charleston located and what is the campus like?

College of Charleston is located at 66 George St in Charleston, SC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 10,366 learners.

Who typically attends College of Charleston in Charleston, SC?

The student body at College of Charleston is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 20.1% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: South Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare College of Charleston with other leading institutions in South Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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