Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.0%
- Retention Rate
- 82.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $56,416
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $65,238 | $23,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,623 | $20,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $48,432 | $36,116 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $46,478 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,519 | $25,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $43,000 | $19,500 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $42,930 | $19,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,688 | $21,798 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $39,729 | $40,493 |
| Historic Preservation and Conservation. | Master | $39,369 | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $23,323 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $37,568 |
Outcomes Overview
College of Charleston graduates earn a median of $56,416 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $23,250. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 41%, which falls within the manageable range recommended by financial experts. Monthly loan payments of $246 represent about 5% of gross income for median earners. The school's 95.1% employment rate reflects strong job placement in Charleston's growing tourism, healthcare, and business sectors. Many graduates leverage the city's coastal location for careers in hospitality management, marine science, and historic preservation. The combination of reasonable debt levels and solid earning potential makes this a strong return on investment for students seeking liberal arts education in the Southeast.