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Colleges / SC / Charleston
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College of Charleston

Public Charleston, SC · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
65%
Graduation Rate
$56,416
Earnings (10yr)
$18,960
Net Price
60%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, College of Charleston caters to those seeking a vibrant campus life in a historic city. It’s an appealing choice for students interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Biology, Communications, Psychology, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 60% suggests that while it’s competitive, there’s room for many to join this community.

After graduation, students can expect to earn around $56,416 within ten years. This figure is significant because it indicates the potential for a comfortable lifestyle, especially for graduates who enter high-demand fields. Affordability is also a factor; with a net price of $18,960, it becomes more accessible for many families, especially given the 19% of students receiving Pell Grants.

On the financial side, the median debt upon graduation stands at $23,250. This is a manageable figure compared to the earning potential, which can make the prospect of repayment less daunting. Students who thrive here often embrace a community-focused mindset and take advantage of Charleston's rich cultural and academic opportunities, which can enhance their educational experience and career readiness.

Rankings

How College Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation65%Earnings 10yr$56KNet Price$19KRetention82%Median Debt$23KPell Grant Rate19%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$12K$0-30K$13K$30-48K$17K$48-75K$25K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%421.5%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2261.6%MOBILITY95.32%

Cost & Financial Aid

$12,978
In-State Tuition
$38,296
Out-of-State
$18,960
Avg Net Price
$23,250
Median Debt
19%
Pell Grant Rate
38%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$12,133
Family Income $0–$30K
$13,406
Family Income $30K–$48K
$16,797
Family Income $48K–$75K
$24,996
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$43,821
6 Years After Entry
$50,232
8 Years
$56,416
10 Years
0.41x
Debt-to-Earnings
67%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$43,821 6yr $50,232 8yr $56,416 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

95.32%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2261.6%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
421.5%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$119,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.66
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 60%
Retention Rate 82%
SAT Average 1247
ACT Midpoint 26
SAT Range 1140–1310
ACT Range 25–30
Full-Time Faculty 65%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,384
Diversity Index 0.37
First-Gen Students 20%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 24%
Biology & Biomedical 13%
Communications 9%
Psychology 9%
Social Sciences 9%
Visual & Performing Arts 7%
Health Professions 5%
Education 5%