Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Online | cofc.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Established in 1770 and chartered in 1785, the College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina. The campus is noted for its beautifully preserved architecture reflecting antebellum and Greek revival styles, contributing to the city's famous aesthetic. This mid-sized institution offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in biology, business, communications, education, and the arts. The college operates on a semester-based academic calendar and exhibits a moderately selective admissions process. Campus life features a blend of residential housing and academic buildings in an urban setting, providing students with the opportunity to live and study within walking distance of the downtown area. While the College of Charleston competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Cougars, it is particularly well-known for its men's basketball and sailing teams.
In the most recent statistical year 22,020 prospective students applied, and 16,666 were granted admission. Of those admitted 2,210 enrolled in the school. 9,464 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,421 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $12,518 plus fees of $460. CofC is ranked 428 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
CofC is rated within the top 42% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for College of Charleston within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#428 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#124 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#7 in Best Colleges in South Carolina
#4 in Best Public Colleges in South Carolina
#552 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Value Colleges in South Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1130/1300 |
| ACT | 24/30 |
| GPA | 3.94 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
South Carolina Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,345 |
| Other Fees | $460 |
| Room and Board | $12,986 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,169 |
| Total One Year Cost | $31,478 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,345 |
| Other Fees | $460 |
| Room and Board | $12,986 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,169 |
| Total One Year Cost | $54,298 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Education | 10% |
| Communication | 10% |
| Biology | 9% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about College of Charleston.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=217819 IPEDS survey data for College of Charleston.
Current students may use the College of Charleston GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024