At $19,518/yr net price, College of Charleston graduates earn $56,416/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,416/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,518 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,072 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,416/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,416/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,017/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,418/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,049/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,178/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,730/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
65.0% of students at College of Charleston graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
College of Charleston delivers mediocre financial returns, with graduates earning $56,416 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $19,518 annually. The school's 65% graduation rate means one in three students never finish their degree, making the investment particularly risky.
Computer science majors see the strongest returns at $65,238, while accounting graduates earn $60,623 with lower debt loads of $20,500. Finance majors earn $52,941, also with manageable debt. Business administration graduates face a concerning mismatch with $48,432 in earnings but $36,116 in debt. Liberal arts majors should expect significantly lower returns given the school's overall median.
Your biggest financial risk is not graduating. The 82% retention rate shows students leave frequently after freshman year, and those who stay face a one-in-three chance of never completing their degree. Charleston's tourism-heavy job market limits high-paying opportunities outside of finance and technology sectors.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing computer science, accounting, or finance and can handle the graduation risk. Out-of-state students should look elsewhere given South Carolina's limited merit aid for non-residents. The low 19% financial aid rate means most students pay close to full price.
Charleston works best for in-state students with strong academic records who want a solid business or computer science education in a desirable location. If you're considering liberal arts, education, or other lower-earning majors, the combination of graduation risk and limited regional job market makes this a poor financial choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Charleston worth the cost compared to other schools?
College of Charleston graduates earn $56,416 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $19,518 annually and median debt of $23,250, the return on investment is modest but reasonable for students who graduate.
What are the highest paying majors at College of Charleston?
Computer and Information Sciences leads with $65,238 in median earnings, followed by Accounting at $60,623. Business and finance programs also perform well, while liberal arts majors typically see lower returns on their investment.
How much debt do College of Charleston students graduate with?
The median debt load is $23,250, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with only a 65% graduation rate, about one-third of students leave without a degree but may still carry debt.
Does College of Charleston have good financial aid?
The net price of $19,518 represents significant aid for many students since the sticker price is higher. Students should compare aid packages carefully, as the relatively high acceptance rate of 76% means less competitive merit aid than at more selective schools.