College of Charleston: 75.7% Acceptance Rate

75.7%Acceptance

$12,978Tuition

10,366Students

65%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$56,416Earnings

#4 in South CarolinaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About College of Charleston

College of Charleston draws 10,366 students to its historic downtown campus where cobblestone streets meet college life. This public liberal arts university sits in the heart of one of America's most beautiful cities, blending academic tradition with Southern charm. The school has produced notable graduates like musician Darius Rucker and news anchor Shepard Smith. Founded in 1770, it's one of the oldest institutions in the South. Students choose from strong liberal arts programs while living steps from the harbor and historic district.

The financial picture looks reasonable for most families. Average net price comes to $19,518 after aid, though this varies by income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,017 on average. Graduates earn a median of $56,416 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $246. Out-of-state families face steeper costs at $36,858 in tuition, but the location and programs often justify the premium.

Women outnumber men at 67.65% to 32.35%. The student body is 48.83% in-state, creating a mix of locals and newcomers drawn to Charleston's appeal. With 19 Division I sports teams and 381 athletes, school spirit runs high, especially during rivalry games against nearby military college The Citadel.

Academics & Faculty

College of Charleston operates as a public liberal arts university, meaning students get broad exposure across disciplines rather than narrow specialization. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though not the intimate setting of smaller private colleges. With a 65% six-year graduation rate, about two-thirds of students finish their degrees within the typical timeframe. The school particularly excels in business, marine science, and hospitality management programs. Its historic downtown location creates unique internship opportunities in Charleston's tourism and port industries. The liberal arts focus means students often double major or combine disciplines. Academic rigor varies by program, with some departments maintaining selective admission standards.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 63.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 64.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.0%
Retention Rate: 82.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,416
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$65,238
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$60,623
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$52,941
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$48,432
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.	Master	$47,260
Mathematics.	Bachelor	$46,478
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$43,519
Marketing.	Bachelor	$43,000
International Business.	Bachelor	$42,930
Economics.	Bachelor	$41,937

View all 84 programs →

Campus Life

Charleston's historic downtown campus puts students right in the heart of one of America's most beautiful cities. Only 3,749 housing spots serve 10,366 students, so about two-thirds live off-campus in converted Charleston single houses or modern apartments nearby. The mild subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round but rarely a heavy coat. Spring temperatures in the 70s make the famous live oak trees and Spanish moss even more picturesque.

Women make up 68% of the student body, creating a active social scene centered around King Street's bars and restaurants just blocks from campus. Weekend trips to Folly Beach are common, and many students embrace Charleston's preppy Southern charm. The 82% retention rate reflects students who fall in love with the city as much as the school. With 48% from out-of-state, the campus draws students seeking that quintessential Charleston experience. Greek life and intramural sports thrive, but the city itself often becomes the biggest draw for socializing and weekend adventures.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 3,749 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1770

Campus Safety (2023)

55 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	13	13	0	0
Fondling	3	3	1	0
Burglary	4	2	0	0
Dating Violence	2	2	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	3
Stalking	2	2	0	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0	3
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 43°–58°F
July Avg: 77°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.3"

Student Demographics

College of Charleston draws students who want a liberal arts education in a historic Southern city. Women make up 68% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in programs like education, arts, and social sciences. The student population splits almost evenly between in-state and out-of-state students, showing both strong local ties and growing national recognition. With only 19% receiving Pell Grants, the college primarily serves middle and upper-middle class families. The predominantly white student body mirrors Charleston's demographics, though diversity has grown as the school's reputation has expanded beyond South Carolina.

Men: 32.4%
Women: 67.7%
White: 78.5%
Black: 5.4%
Hispanic: 7.1%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 48.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.5%

Location

Charleston sits on South Carolina's coast about 115 miles southeast of Columbia, the state capital. The historic port city of 150,000 residents offers a blend of antebellum architecture and modern amenities just minutes from Atlantic beaches. With 67.65% of students being women, the campus culture reflects the city's reputation for Southern charm and hospitality. The college occupies several blocks in Charleston's downtown historic district, where students walk cobblestone streets between classes. Only 48.83% of students come from in-state, drawn by the coastal setting and temperate climate. The nearby Ashley and Cooper rivers create a peninsula setting that defines campus life. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare College of Charleston with similar schools in the region.

Address: Charleston, South Carolina 29424-0001

College of Charleston campus, February 2014 - 7

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $56,416
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,011
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $246/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at College of Charleston?

College of Charleston accepts 75.69% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public liberal arts university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130-1300 on the SAT. This historic institution founded in 1770 attracts students with its downtown Charleston location and strong liberal arts reputation.

How much does College of Charleston cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,518 after financial aid, though only 19.47% receive Pell Grants. Out-of-state students face particularly high costs with tuition at $36,858 compared to $12,978 for South Carolina residents. The school's location in one of America's most desirable cities comes with premium pricing.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Charleston?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 across the university's 10,366 students. This public liberal arts college emphasizes undergraduate education in the heart of historic Charleston. The campus blends colonial architecture with modern facilities just blocks from the Ashley and Cooper Rivers.

What do College of Charleston graduates earn after college?

Graduates earn a median of $56,416 ten years after starting college, with 95.1% finding employment. The typical graduate carries $23,250 in debt with monthly loan payments of $246. Alumni like musician Darius Rucker and news anchor Shepard Smith have found success in entertainment and media industries.

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

The campus sits in downtown Charleston, offering students access to one of America's most beautiful and historic cities. Housing capacity serves 3,749 students out of the total enrollment of 10,366. The Cougars compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 19 varsity sports and a strong rivalry with nearby military college The Citadel.

Is College of Charleston diverse in its student body?

The student body is 67.65% female and 78.45% white, reflecting limited racial diversity for a public university. About half the students (48.83%) come from South Carolina, while the rest travel from across the country. The liberal arts focus and coastal Southern charm attract students seeking a traditional college experience in an extraordinary setting.