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 gives you a solid but uneven financial return. A median debt of $23,250 against $56,416 in median earnings ten years out keeps your debt below your annual pay, which is the line you want to stay under. The 65% graduation rate is the risk you carry: leave without the degree and you still owe the loans without the salary that justifies them.
Your major decides almost everything here. Computer and Information Sciences pays $65,238, the clear winner, and it carries the same $23,250 debt as the school median, so the extra earning power comes at no extra cost. Finance sits at $52,941 with lower debt of $20,500, another strong bet. Below that, the numbers thin out. Accounting pays $43,519 but saddles you with the highest debt on the list at $25,000, the worst pairing of the top five. Mathematics ($46,478) and Marketing ($43,000) land in the low-to-mid $40Ks, fine but not the return that justifies the sticker price if you borrow heavily.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. Under $48k in family income, you pay around $13,000 a year. Cross $75k and the price jumps to $23,178, then $24,730 above $110k, nearly double the low-income rate. Middle and upper-income families are paying close to full freight here.
This school fits you if you enter aiming at computing or finance and can finish in four years. If you plan to major in marketing or accounting, borrow the full amount, and come from a family above $75k, the math gets tight fast. Weigh a cheaper in-state option before committing to those paths.
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.