College of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina 29424-0001
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
College of Charleston is a public institution in Charleston with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1238, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 10.4K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
65% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $56,416 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,518.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Cougars
History & Fun Facts
- •History The College of Charleston was founded in 1770, making it the 13th-oldest institution of higher education and oldest municipal college in the nation.
- •In March 1785, the South Carolina General Assembly issued a charter to the college, which officially opened in 1790 and hosted its first commencement in 1794.
- •The first president of the college was Robert Smith, who served in the position from 1790 to 1797.
- •Sottile House in 1892 A second charter was issued by the general assembly in 1791 stipulating that the college would not discriminate on the basis of religion.
- •In 1837, the Charleston municipal government assumed control over the college.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1238
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
62.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.7%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,500
Programs (84)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
82%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
80
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from SC state average + city premium