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College of Charleston

Charleston, SC · Public · 10,558 students

You'll pass through the arch way at Porter's Lodge during convocation and then again when you graduate.

Acceptance rate

60.0%

SAT (mid 50%)

1140–1310

Avg net price

$18,960

after aid

Testing

optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and College of Charleston’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. College of Charleston admitted 60.0% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 11401310 on the SAT and 2530 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what College of Charleston actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Carve Out Something Different Here

No matter your area of interest, we have the program for you.

The College offers approximately 150 undergraduate majors and minors, 22 master's degree programs, nine graduate-level certificate programs, and robust interdisciplinary programs.

  • Majors and Minorsapproximately 150 options
  • Master's Degrees22 programs
  • Certificate Programs9 programs

Verified from charleston.edu and charleston.edu and charleston.edu and charleston.edu and charleston.edu and charleston.edu and charleston.edu and charleston.edu and charleston.edu.

Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from https://www.charleston.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • Consider the following individual identity descriptors: creator, doer, explorer, change agent, seeker. Choose one of these descriptors that best encapsulates your core identity. Provide 2-3 concrete examples of how the descriptor you chose reflects your identity. This is your opportunity to share a meaningful experience, a particular interest, or your involvement in a unique community. How might this core identity translate into action as a scholar-citizen at the College of Charleston? In what ways do you hope to develop your core identity during college?

    Up to 500 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.charleston.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $32,362, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $18,960.

Scholarships are financial aid awards that can help you pay for college and do not have to be repaid, often renewable with minimum requirements.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $56,416.

Verified from https://www.charleston.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

There's never a dull moment on our campus, plus downtown Charleston is just minutes from some of the best beaches in the Southeast and boasts year-round temperate weather.

Charleston is a perfect-sized city, big enough for a vibrant cultural life yet small enough to feel like home, with downtown just minutes from some of the best beaches in the Southeast.

Historic CityUrbanCoastalTight-knit community

Quick answers

College of Charleston FAQ

Is College of Charleston test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at College of Charleston is optional.
How hard is it to get into College of Charleston?
Very hard. College of Charleston admits 60.0% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1140 to 1310 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does College of Charleston cost?
The list price is about $32,362, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $18,960.
Is College of Charleston worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $56,416 ten years after enrolling, and 65% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about College of Charleston.

Spike answers from College of Charleston’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.