Overview
College of Charleston is a less selective public four-year institution in Charleston, South Carolina. The school accepts 75.7% of applicants and enrolls 10,366 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 75.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,215
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,130–1,300
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 27
- Total Enrollment
- 10,366
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
College of Charleston uses the Common Application with a November 1 early action deadline and February 1 regular decision deadline. You need to submit your high school transcript, one letter of recommendation, and either SAT or ACT scores. The application includes a short essay asking about your interest in the school.
Certain programs require additional steps beyond general admission. Education majors must complete a separate application process with interviews and portfolio requirements. The honors college has its own application with additional essays due by December 1. Students planning to study abroad through the direct-enrollment programs in Italy or Spain should apply early since spots fill quickly.
Housing applications open in January for admitted students. Historic downtown Charleston has limited on-campus housing, so submit your housing deposit promptly if you want to live in the residence halls. Most upperclassmen live off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The campus sits in Charleston's historic district with colonial-era buildings mixed with modern facilities. You'll walk on cobblestone streets between classes and deal with occasional flooding during heavy rains. Parking downtown is expensive and limited, so many students bike or walk. The city's tourism industry provides abundant internship and job opportunities, especially in hospitality and business.
Orientation happens during the summer before your first semester. You'll register for classes then, and popular general education courses fill up fast. Plan backup options for your first-semester schedule.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $19,518/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $12,978
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $36,858
- Students Receiving Aid
- 19%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,416/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 82.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does College of Charleston require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
College of Charleston is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What is the application deadline for College of Charleston?
College of Charleston has a regular decision deadline of February 15 and an early action deadline of November 1.
Can you transfer to College of Charleston from another college?
College of Charleston accepts transfer students who have completed at least 30 credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Transfer applications are due March 15 for fall admission and October 15 for spring admission.
Does College of Charleston offer early decision or early action?
College of Charleston offers early action with a November 1 deadline but does not have an early decision program.