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College of Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina · Public

Ranked #9 US News
$20k/yearCost after aid

FindU Grade

A-Value
N/ACampus
A-Academics
B-Admissions
AStudent Life
A-Overall

About

College of Charleston is located in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a public institution. The university enrolls approximately 10,366 students.

cofc.edu

Cost and aid

True cost

$20kper year

Compared to $17k national average

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$12,978
Out-of-state tuition$36,858
Room & board$14,032
Avg aid package$18,081
Students receiving aid20%
Pell grant recipients19%

The College of Charleston offers a range of financial aid options to help students manage tuition costs. Merit scholarships are available, with amounts varying based on academic achievement. For South Carolina residents, state programs like LIFE and Palmetto can further reduce expenses, making the college accessible to a wide range of students.

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Admissions

Test scores

SAT · middle 50%1130–1300
4001600
ACT · middle 50%24–29
136

Application info

Acceptance rate72%
Average GPA4.00
Student–faculty ratio16:1
Common AppYes
Application fee$60

The College of Charleston has a relatively accessible admissions process with a moderately high acceptance rate. The college looks for students with strong academic records and a demonstrated commitment to learning. The Honors College has a more competitive admissions process, seeking students with exceptional academic credentials and leadership experience.

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Academics

Graduation rate65%
Retention rate82%
Student–faculty ratio16:1
Full-time faculty63%

The College of Charleston provides a personalized and rigorous education with a focus on academic excellence. Small class sizes and accessible faculty create a collaborative learning environment. The college emphasizes the development of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, preparing students to address global issues.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$56,416
Avg starting salary$46,750
Job placement rate70%
Internship rate70%
Earn more than HS grad73%
Economic mobility95%
Loan default (3 yr)4%
Loan repayment (3 yr)60%

College of Charleston graduates benefit from strong career services and a robust alumni network. A significant percentage of graduates report being employed or enrolled in graduate school shortly after graduation. Top employers include Boeing, Blackbaud, and Google, reflecting the college's focus on preparing students for diverse professional fields.

Student life

Demographics

Large School
10,366Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 68%Male 32%
78% WhiteRacial diversity
White 78%Hispanic 7%Black 5%Asian 2%Other 7%
Campus housingYes

Campus life

Homecoming at CofC🔥🐾 #Collegeofcharleston #CofC #CharlestonSC #Homecoming

@collegeofcharleston

It’s timeeeee 🤩🤩🤩 #Collegeofcharleston #CofC #CharlestonSC #southcarolina #mariahcarey #holiday #itstime

@collegeofcharleston

Good vibes for Homecoming🐾#Collegeofcharleston #CharlestonSC #Kingstreet #CofC #charleston #SC

@collegeofcharleston

+7 moreWatch every campus video. FreeShow me all

Campus life at the College of Charleston is vibrant, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events. The integration of the campus into the historic city offers a unique cultural experience. While Greek life is present, diverse social scenes cater to various preferences, ensuring an inclusive atmosphere for all students.

Student reviews

Professors

Senior

It’s been pretty hard to put my experience here at CofC into words. As a student-athlete, it has been equally rewarding and challenging. I think I was lucky to land on my major, Environmental Geosciences. I’ve had a really positive experience with my professors, especially in major-specific classes like Geochemistry and Hydrogeology.

Campus and vibes

Freshman

I am a Freshman at the College of Charleston, I find that the campus is a very beautiful. Seated in the heart of downtown, the college is a window into the past with beautifully lined brick sidewalks and pathways that you will pass over every day. Being at the College, the lines between it and downtown are vague to nonexistant, with you as a result getting the benefits of being at the college and also in a lively downtown area. The people and staff are nice and usually responsive, and the people are pretty nice too.

Alum

Academics overall are great, but the advising system needs some work. With regards to the student life, the campus is right in a city, which poses its pros and cons. The city is at your disposal, but involvement in student life is dependent on you. Greek life and clubs are a huge part of being involved and finding friends.

Freshman

I like the people and atmosphere at Cofc. They offer a variety of major and classes for different interests. It's right near the beach and a very fun area.

Freshman

The College of Charleston's city scenery is perfect for my dream living experience. Especially living on campus, all resources are in very close proximity. It's also super easy to find your group - you'll never feel left out!

About College of Charleston

The College of Charleston is located in an urban setting, and the Department of Public Safety is committed to maintaining a safe environment. Security measures include 24-hour emergency phone/alarm devices and security patrols. The college also emphasizes personal responsibility for safety by practicing good crime prevention habits.

The Honors College at the College of Charleston offers a challenging academic community for motivated students. It provides smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and early access to research opportunities. Students in the Honors College benefit from priority registration, dedicated advising, and exclusive funding for research and study abroad.

The College of Charleston welcomes students from numerous foreign countries, fostering a diverse educational environment. The college provides resources and support for international students, though specific details on visa support and ESL programs were not prominent in the provided documents.

Endowment$128,592,068
Avg faculty salary$120,780

College of Charleston FAQ

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College of Charleston admits about 72% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

76%Your chances
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Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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