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University of Charleston

Charleston, WV·Private nonprofit·2,083 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

65%
Accept
2,083
Students
$22,012
Net Price
46%
Grad Rate
$46,800
Earnings
10 yr
$12,666
Debt

About This School

University of Charleston is a private nonprofit institution located in Charleston, West Virginia with approximately 2,083 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Charleston has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 65%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,012 per year. The graduation rate is 46%, and the typical graduate earns $46,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Charleston (UC) is a private university in Charleston, West Virginia, United States. Founded in 1888, it also has a satellite campus in Beckley, West Virginia. The university enrolled approximately 3,000 students as of fall 2024.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 46% graduation rate and 69% freshman retention suggest that many students don't finish, which is a real concern worth asking about before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $12,666, and the net price of $22,012/year is manageable for a private school. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small campus in Charleston and have a clear plan for a specific program like pharmacy or business, but come with eyes open about the completion rate.

Founded
1888
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing51%
Health Professions30%
Biological Sciences3%
Psychology2%
Education2%
Social Sciences1%
Communications1%
Computer Science0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Robert ByrdStefano Peschiera

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$32,842
Out-of-State Tuition
$32,842
Avg Net Price
$22,012
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants29%
Median debt at graduation$12,666

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
46%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
69%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,666
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,666
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.7x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

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

Student Body

White66%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,083 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Charleston

2300 MacCorkle Avenue, SE

Charleston, WV 25304

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in West Virginia

Browse all West Virginia 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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