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College of Charleston

Charleston, SC·Public·10,366 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state South Carolina residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 10,366 students.

72%
Accept
10,366
Students
$19,518
Net Price
65%
Grad Rate
$48,700
Earnings
10 yr
$17,500
Debt

About This School

College of Charleston is a public institution located in Charleston, South Carolina with approximately 10,366 undergraduate students enrolled. College of Charleston has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 72%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,518 per year. The graduation rate is 65%, and the typical graduate earns $48,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

The College of Charleston is a public university in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785, it is the oldest university in South Carolina, the 13th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, and the country's oldest municipal college.

Founded in 1770 and set in one of America's most beautiful cities, this public university offers a genuinely affordable option at $19,518/year average net price with a manageable median debt of $17,500 at graduation. The numbers tell a mixed story, though — a 65% graduation rate means roughly 1 in 3 students don't finish, which is worth taking seriously, and median earnings of $48,700 a decade out are modest. Worth considering if you're drawn to the location, want a mid-sized school with a historic character, and have a clear academic plan to keep yourself on track to graduate.

Founded
1770
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Biological Sciences11%
Social Sciences9%
Psychology8%
Communications7%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Health Professions6%
Education6%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John C. FrémontOrlando JonesThomas GibsonMatt CzuchryErick AvariMargaret GardinerAndrew GoudelockTabetha S. BoyajianAllison MunnBrett GardnerDontaye DraperCasey DeSantis

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1238
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile640

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$12,978
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,858
Avg Net Price
$19,518
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$17,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
65%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
82%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White78%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino7%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (10,366 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

College of Charleston

66 George St

Charleston, SC 29424-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Carolina

Browse all South Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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