CofC vs. Florida Poly

Comparable Facts

Compare College of Charleston in Charleston, SC with Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Florida on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

College of Charleston is larger than Florida Poly based on total student enrollment (11,926 students vs. 1,769 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Charleston is located in Charleston, SC (Midsize City setting); Florida Polytechnic University is in Lakeland, Florida (Rural Fringe setting).
• College of Charleston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Florida Polytechnic University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Charleston 16:1; Florida Polytechnic University 17:1.

CofC vs. Florida Poly Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CofC or Florida Poly? 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 Florida Polytechnic University than CofC ($13,016 vs. $21,004).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Charleston are 1% lower than at Florida Polytechnic University ($14,332 vs. $14,482).
• College of Charleston is 162.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Florida Poly (about $8,038 more per year; $12,978.00 vs. $4,940.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.3% higher at CofC than at Florida Polytechnic University (about $17,291 more per year; $38,296.00 vs. $21,005.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Florida Polytechnic University than at College of Charleston (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Charleston students is 3.5% larger than aid received by Florida Polytechnic University students ($8,983 vs. $8,681).

CofC vs. Florida Poly Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CofC or Florida Poly? 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 Florida Poly and CofC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Florida Polytechnic University (1260) is 30 points higher than at CofC (1230).
• Incoming CofC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Florida Poly (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Charleston 1140/1310; Florida Polytechnic University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Charleston 25/30; Florida Polytechnic University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CofC - Test optional; Florida Poly - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: CofC Jan 15, 2027; Florida Poly Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CofC students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Florida Poly (3.53).
• CofC has a higher acceptance rate (60%) than Florida Poly (57.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.9% at CofC vs. 20.2% at Florida Poly.

CofC vs. Florida Poly Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CofC and Florida Poly? 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).

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.