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College of Charleston Introduction

The College of Charleston, set in the picturesque Southern city from which it takes its name, is one of South Carolina’s leading centers of higher education. As a public college, it is a smaller institution than the state’s other universities, including Clemson and the University of South Carolina (USC).

Charleston is the 13th oldest higher education institution in the United States (and the oldest south of Virginia). Founded in 1770, nearly 250 years of history come together to provide students with a unique learning experience amidst a gorgeous, historic campus.

College of Charleston Academics

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The College of Charleston holds an accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and offers degree programs in nearly 50 majors, along with 82 minors. Graduate students have access to 18 master’s programs, as well as 10 certificate programs.

The college is divided into 8 distinct academic divisions, including the School of the Arts, School of Business and Economics, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Graduate School of the College of Charleston.

The newest addition to the College of Charleston is the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs. Established in January of 2006, this academic division is responsible for language learning, as well as Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

A limited selection of online distance learning courses is also available during the summer to provide students with additional flexibility in meeting academic requirements.

College of Charleston Unique Programs

One program held in high esteem at the College of Charleston is Historic Preservation and Community Planning. With so many sites of historical importance surrounding the campus, it’s not surprising that many students with interests in architecture, history, and art flock to this program. A joint master’s degree in Historic Preservation is offered in conjunction with Clemson University.

The College of Charleston is also home to the United States First Discovery Informatics program. This major teaches students to use computer technology to reap new findings from existing data. Many graduates of this unique and rigorous program have gone on to careers on the cutting edge of law enforcement, security, and national intelligence.

College of Charleston Admissions

The deadline for early notification for the fall semester is the middle of October. Students with applications submitted by that date are notified of their admission decision by late December.

The requirement for entry are relatively straightforward:

  • A GPA of between an A and a B
  • Approximately an 1160 on the SAT
  • 22-26 on the ACT
  • A class rank in the top 15 percent

College of Charleston Financial Aid

The College of Charleston offers a number of scholarship opportunities for qualified students. These include State Scholarships, Institutional Scholarships (designated by the College itself), and Departmental Scholarships. Additionally, private organizations and donors from the community deliver a substantial offering to students each year.

The College of Charleston also helps students apply for federal and state grants and loans. As a public state institution of higher learning, tuition for residents is considerably lower than it is for non-residents.

College of Charleston Students

The majority of College of Charleston students live on campus in one of nine residence halls or twenty-two historic homes. Other students live nearby off-campus, with plenty of affordable student housing available within the city itself. With a little more than 10,000 undergraduates from every state in the Union (as well as nearly 70 countries), a broad geographic diversity is found in the student body. However, some might wish for more ethnic diversity, as the majority of students here are Caucasian.

Most students are traditional in the sense that they attend the College of Charleston right out of high school, though there is a sizable community of returning students and adults enrolled.

Many students at the College of Charleston list the campus itself as a major reason for their decision to attend. This is truly one of the most beautiful college campuses in America, featuring historic antebellum buildings mixed in with more modern research facilities and dormitories. The result is a well-developed, seamless campus that is a point of pride for students, faculty, and alumni.

Student Activities

With more than 150 student clubs and organizations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the College of Charleston, no matter how eclectic their taste. A broad range of campus recreational sports keep students active, including Aikido, rugby, tennis, and ultimate Frisbee. There are also numerous organizations dedicated to professional advancement, including the Nursing Club, the Club of Hospitality and Tourism, and the Future Educators Association.

There is also a vibrant campus communications scene, which includes both Cougar Television (entirely student-run) and the College of Charleston Radio. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the George Street Observer, available throughout campus.

Greek Life

Fraternities and sororities are an important part of life at the College of Charleston for many students. 25 active Greek organizations count nearly 1500 students (or 15% of the undergraduate population) as members. Examples of fraternities and sororities at the College of Charleston include Alpha Epsilon Pi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Chi Omega, Kappa Delta, and Sigma Delta Tau.

Popular Student Destinations

Students over the age of 21 have no shortage of bars to choose from when the mood strikes. King Street is popular among College of Charleston students, along with St. Phillip and Rutledge streets.

There are also a number of well-attended festivals held each year in the city, including the Piccolo Spoleto arts festival and the Festival of Houses and Gardens, showcasing some of the city’s finest antebellum homes.

Finally, don’t forget that Hilton Head and fantastic beaches are under an hour away. With the temperate climate providing pleasant temperatures nearly year round, the beach is always an option, even if it’s too cold to swim.

Wireless Internet is available throughout campus after the installation of a “WiFi blanket” in 2005. The wider community of Charleston ranks at the 32nd “most unwired” city in America, according to Intel.

College of Charleston Athletics

The College of Charleston Cougars participate in the NCAA Division 1 Southern Conference, along with schools such as Appalachian State, Davidson, and Georgia Southern University.

The College of Charleston fields a number of athletic teams, including basketball, baseball, soccer, and sailing.

The most prominent team on campus is the men’s basketball squad. The team made it to the NCAA Tournament four times in the 1990s under head coach John Kresse. The baseball team also deserves an honorable mention after winning the 2004, 2005, and 2007 Southern Conference Baseball Tournament.

The brand new Carolina First Arena is now the home court for both the men and women’s basketball teams.

College of Charleston Traditions

The College of Charleston has a number of proud traditions, some of which date back almost 250 years. Take graduation, for example: while students across the United States don cumbersome black gowns and funny looking hats, the female graduates of C of C wear white dresses, while the men sport white dinner jackets.

Students also engage in the Rites of Passage. The first day of freshman year, every College of Charleston student passes through the arch at Porter’s Lodge to sign “the book”. Upon graduating, students files through this same arch, symbolically heading out to start their life in the world.

College of Charleston Alumni

The College of Charleston has produced several notable alumni over its long history. Some of the more famous include:

  • John Charles Fremont: Anti-slave crusader and governor of Arizona.
  • Anthony Johnson: Professional basketball player
  • Brett Gardner: Professional baseball player

Information Summary

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University of Phoenix
University of Maryland University College (UMUC)

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (medium programs)

UndergraduateArts & sciences plus professions, some graduate coexistence
GraduatePostbaccalaureate with arts & sciences (education dominant)
Undergraduate PopulationFull-time four-year, more selective, higher transfer-in
EnrollmentVery high undergraduate
Size & SettingLarge four-year, primarily residential

General Characteristics

Highest offeringMaster's degree
Calendar SystemSemester
Years of college work requiredN/A
Variable TuitionYes

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance LearningYes
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force YesNo / No / Yes
Study AbroadYes
Weekend CollegeNo
Teacher CertificationYes

Student Tuition Costs and Fees

What are the typical tuition costs and fees for attending College of Charleston?

Ranks 648th for total cost of attendance

  In District In State Out of State
FT Undergraduate Tuition $70 $70 $70
FT Undergraduate Required Fees $7,708 $7,708 $18,662
PT Undergraduate per Credit Hour $324 $324 $781
FT Graduate Tuition $70 $70 $70
FT Graduate Required Fees $7,708 $7,708 $18,662
PT Graduate per Credit Hour $324 $324 $781
Total Cost of Attendance — On-Campus $20,211 $20,211 $31,165
Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus w/out Family $21,072 $21,072 $32,026
Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus with Family $12,298 $12,298 $23,252

Student Tuition Cost History and Trends

Three year history and trends on the cost of attending

  In District In State Out of State
Published Tuition & Fees $6,668 trend  $7,778 $6,668 trend  $7,778 $15,342 trend  $18,732
  Cost (regardless of residency)
Books & Supplies $933 trend  $999
On-Campus – Room & Board $6,948 trend  $8,495
On-Campus – Other Expenses $2,743 trend  $2,939
Off-Campus w/out Family – Room & Board $7,817 trend  $8,372
Off-Campus w/out Family – Other Expenses $4,520 trend  $3,923
Off-Campus with Family – Room & Board $4,520 trend  $3,521

Admission Details

Application Fee RequiredN/A
Undergraduate Application Fee$45
Graduate Application Fee$45
First Professional Application FeeN/A
Applicants 8,673 (2,748 male / 5,925 female)
Admitted 5,331 (1,637 male / 3,694 female)
Admission rate 61%
First-time Enrollment 1,968 (631 male / 1,337 female)
FT Enrollment 1,968 (631 male / 1,337 female)
PT Enrollment N/A (N/A male / N/A female)
Total Enrollment11,218

Admission Criteria

What criteria does College of Charleston use for admissions?

Required = Required, Recommended = Recommended, Neither required nor recommended = Neither required nor recommended
Open AdmissionsNo
Secondary School GPA / Rank / RecordRequired / Required / Required
College Prep. CompletionRequired
RecommendationsN/A
Formal competency demoN/A
Admission test scoresRequired
TOEFLRequired
Other testsN/A

Admission Credits Accepted

What types of credits does College of Charleston accept?

Dual CreditYes
Life ExperienceNo
Advanced Placement (AP)Yes

Athletics - Association Memberships

Sports / Athletic Conference Memberships NCAA
NCAA Basketball Conference Southern Conference
NCAA Baseball Conference Southern Conference
NCAA Track & Field Conference Southern Conference

ACT Test Admission

Ranks 459th for 75pctl scores

Applicants submitting ACT results 34%
Verbal scores (25/75 %ile) 22 / 28
Math scores (25/75 %ile) 22 / 28
Cumulative scores (25/75 %ile) 23 / 26

SAT Test Admission

Ranks 215th for 75pctl scores

Applicants submitting SAT results 82%
Verbal scores (25/75 %ile) 560 / 650
Math scores (25/75 %ile) 570 / 650
Cumulative scores (25/75 %ile) 1130 / 1300

Student Services

Remedial ServicesNo
Academic / Career CounselingYes
PT Cost-defraying EmploymentYes
Career PlacementYes
On-Campus Day CareNo
Library FacilityYes

Student Living

First-time Room / Board RequiredNo
Dorm Capacity3,461
Meals per WeekN/A
Room Fee$5,885
Board Fee$2,610

Student Financial Aid Details

How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?

College of Charleston Ranks 3150th for the average student loan amount.

  Average Users % of Attendees
Federal Grant Aid $3,044 243 pie   12%
State & Local Grant Aid $5,043 1,077 pie   54%
Institutional Grant Aid $4,166 510 pie   26%
Student Loan Aid $3,613 724 pie   36%
Any financial aid type   1,487 pie   75%

Student Enrollment Demographics

How many students are enrolled at College of Charleston?

  Men Women Total
Non Resident Alien
126141267
Black Non-Hispanic
184629813
Hispanic
76111187
Asian / Pacific Islander
44110154
American Indian / Alaskan Native
111728
White Non-Hispanic
3,1976,0539,250
Race Unknown
180339519
Total 3,818 7,400 11,218

Student Graduation Demographics

How many students graduated at College of Charleston?

  Men Women Total
Non Resident Alien
242650
Black Non-Hispanic
34119153
Hispanic
101525
Asian / Pacific Islander
102131
American Indian / Alaskan Native
N/A55
White Non-Hispanic
5621,1421,704
Race Unknown
8917
Total 648 1,337 1,985

Most Popular Fields of Study

The top 5 fields of study completed at College of Charleston.

  Men Women Total
66 191 257
147 108 255
28 137 165
48 105 153
46 66 112

Student Completion / Graduation Demographics

How many students are successful graduates?

  Non Resident Alien Black Non-Hispanic Hispanic Asian / Pacific Islander American Indian / Alaskan Native White Non-Hispanic Race Unknown Total
Accounting 2 2 1 2 58 65
Anthropology 2 33 3 38
Art History, Criticism and Conservation 2 31 2 35
Arts Management 1 1 31 4 37
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other
Athletic Training/Trainer 1 2 3
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 2 14 2 5 126 4 153
Business Administration and Management, General 10 21 2 3 2 213 4 255
Chemistry, General 2 1 27 1 31
Chemistry, Other 1 1 17 1 20
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General 8 8
Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric 7 16 3 1 218 12 257
Computer Science 2 10 1 13
Computer and Information Sciences, Other 1 1 2
Computer and Information Sciences, General 2 18 2 22
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General 3 26 3 32
Early Childhood Education and Teaching 2 1 1 55 2 61
Economics, General 3 1 1 1 28 2 36
Elementary Education and Teaching 3 1 54 2 60
English Language and Literature, General 4 1 67 2 74
Environmental Studies 1 28 29
Fine/Studio Arts, General 1 2 1 1 51 6 62
Foreign Language Teacher Education 1 2 1 12 16
French Language and Literature 1 16 1 18
Geology/Earth Science, General 14 14
German Language and Literature 1 13 14
Historic Preservation and Conservation 1 1 1 31 34
History, General 1 4 56 3 64
Hospitality Administration/Management, General 1 20 1 22
Information Science/Studies 6 6
International Business/Trade/Commerce 5 1 3 1 1 35 46
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching 3 15 1 19
Language Interpretation and Translation 1 1
Latin American Studies 1 3 4
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography 2 1 32 1 36
Mathematics, General 3 4 1 32 40
Music, General 4 2 18 1 25
Organizational Communication, General 3 3
Philosophy 1 3 1 19 5 29
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 4 9 1 48 1 63
Physics, General 9 2 11
Political Science and Government, General 2 7 3 96 4 112
Pre-Dentistry Studies
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies
Psychology, General 2 11 1 4 2 137 8 165
Public Administration 3 15 1 19
Religion/Religious Studies 1 15 1 17
Sociology 14 1 2 39 1 57
Spanish Language and Literature 1 4 1 54 2 62
Special Education and Teaching, General 2 32 34
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas, Other 1 7 8
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor
Urban Studies/Affairs 5 5
Visual and Performing Arts, General
Total 56 142 34 30 7 1,884 84 2,237

Faculty Compensation / Salaries

College of Charleston Ranks 1098th for the average full-time faculty salary.

Tenure system Yes
Average FT Salary $59,573 ($63,679 male / $53,911 female)
Number of FT Faculty 502 (291 male / 211 female)
Number of PT Faculty N/A
FT Faculty Ratio N/A
Total Benefits $9,148,505
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College of Charleston School Images

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College of Charleston Summary

The following paragraph provided courtesy of wikipedia.

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The College of Charleston (C of C) is a public university located in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The College was founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785, making it the oldest college or university in South Carolina, the 13th oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, and the oldest municipal college in the country. The College is in company with the Colonial Colleges as one of the oldest schools in the United States. In addition to its status as the oldest college or university in South Carolina, founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785, the College of Charleston (C of C) is the 13th oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first municipal college in the country. The College is in company with the Colonial Colleges as one the original and foundational institutions of higher education in the United States. The College’s historic campus, which is listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places, forms an integral part of Charleston’s colonial-era urban center. The College of Charleston lies in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, roughly in the middle of the Charleston peninsula. Built on land given to the College’s founders by Grace Episcopal Church, located to the south of the campus, the College originally held class in one of several buildings that have since been torn down. The College became the nation’s first municipally funded public university in 1826, and was incorporated into the South Carolina State College System in 1970. Although existing as a small liberal arts college for much of its early history, once it became a state supported institution in 1970 the size of C of C’s faculty and student body expanded exponentially, transforming it from a small regional college of about 400 students to a national masters level university with a combined graduate/undergraduate enrollment of over 12,000. As one of the leading institutions of higher education in the Southeastern United States, the College of Charleston is celebrated nationally for its focus on undergraduate education. As the College’s ‘original’ program, today the College’s Department of Classics continues that legacy and boasts the one of the nation’s best undergraduate programs in Classical Languages and Civilizations. According to the 1970 legislative decree that incorporated the College of Charleston in the the South Carolina system, the College was given a mandate to develop the state’s flagship programs in those academic areas that capitalize on Charleston’s and the Lowcountry’s unique natural and cultural strengths: Marine Biology and Fine Arts. The College of Charleston’s Department of Art History is one of an elite few independent art history departments in North America and is the only department that specializes in undergraduate education of the three independent art history departments in the Southeastern United States. With Charleston’s wealth of resources in the performing arts to draw on, not least of which is Charleston’s Spoleto Festival, the College’s Theatre and Music departments form South Carolina’s best undergraduate performing arts programs. In 1992 the University of Charleston, now called the Graduate School of the College of Charleston, was founded as the graduate program for the College. Today, the Graduate School of the College of Charleston offers sixteen degree and six certificate programs in addition to coordinating support for the College’s many nationally recognized faculty research programs. Prior to becoming President of the College of Charleston, Dr. Benson served as the Dean of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. While the College lacks a football program, the College’s student fans are known for their fanatical support. The College of Charleston’s Department of Art History is one of an elite number of independent art history departments in the United States.

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Familiar with this University? We would love to hear about your experience. Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding College of Charleston.

6 months ago

The College also offers a degree in Astronomy. it is the only school in the state that does.

about 1 year ago

Air force ROTC is not available at this school. You can, however, go to this school and take ROTC at CSU accross town, but ONLY for your Junior and Senior years.