HPU vs. CofC

Comparable Facts

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

College of Charleston is larger than HPU based on total student enrollment (11,926 students vs. 6,331 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• High Point University is located in High Point, NC (Midsize City setting); College of Charleston is in Charleston, SC (Midsize City setting).
• High Point University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Charleston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: High Point University 21:1; College of Charleston 16:1.

HPU vs. CofC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HPU 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 College of Charleston than HPU ($21,004 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Charleston are 24.3% lower than at High Point University ($14,332 vs. $18,924).
• High Point University is 249.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CofC (about $32,334 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $12,978.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.3% higher at HPU than at College of Charleston (about $7,016 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $38,296.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at High Point University as at College of Charleston (95% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by High Point University students is 152.3% larger than aid received by College of Charleston students ($22,664 vs. $8,983).

HPU vs. CofC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HPU 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 HPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Charleston (1230) is 10 points higher than at HPU (1220).
• Incoming HPU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at CofC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 1110/1320; College of Charleston 1140/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 24/33; College of Charleston 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HPU - Test optional; CofC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: HPU Mar 1, 2027; CofC Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CofC students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at HPU (3.4).
• HPU has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than CofC (60%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at HPU vs. 11.9% at CofC.

HPU vs. CofC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HPU 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).

• Graduates from College of Charleston earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than HPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Charleston graduates have a $921 lower median loan debt than HPU graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,421).
• Among borrowers, CofC graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HPU graduates ($222 vs. $231).
• More HPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CofC students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.