ASU vs. CofC

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with College of Charleston in Charleston, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Appalachian State University is larger than CofC based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 11,926 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); College of Charleston is in Charleston, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Charleston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; College of Charleston 16:1.

ASU vs. CofC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or CofC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Appalachian State University than CofC ($14,978 vs. $21,004).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 10.2% lower than at College of Charleston ($12,868 vs. $14,332).
• College of Charleston is 71.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $5,399 more per year; $12,978.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.9% higher at CofC than at Appalachian State University (about $13,084 more per year; $38,296.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Charleston than at Appalachian State University (95% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Charleston students is 12.1% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($8,983 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. CofC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or CofC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CofC and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Charleston (1230) is 30 points higher than at ASU (1200).
• Incoming CofC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at ASU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; College of Charleston 1140/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; College of Charleston 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; CofC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; CofC Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at CofC (3.94).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than CofC (60%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 11.9% at CofC.

ASU vs. CofC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and CofC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than College of Charleston's (63%).
• Graduates from College of Charleston earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than CofC graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CofC graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CofC students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.