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College of Charleston

Charleston, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 16,932
  • Tuition Fee From$ 30,620
  • Country Rank#285
  • Batch Strength11,942
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university located in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1770, it is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. The campus is located in the heart of the historic district of Charleston, which is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. With its beautiful campus, exceptional academics, and a strong sense of community, the college has become a top choice for students seeking a unique college experience.

 

Academics at the College of Charleston are rigorous and challenging, with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The university offers over 70 majors and minors in a variety of fields, including business, education, the arts, sciences, and social sciences. The Honours College, which is available to high-achieving students, provides a more intensive academic experience with smaller classes, independent research opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

 

Students at the college have the opportunity to engage in research projects, internships, service learning, and study abroad programmes, which allow them to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. The university also offers a variety of interdisciplinary programmes, such as the Environmental Studies Programme, which combines coursework in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to address environmental issues from multiple perspectives. In addition to its academic offerings, the college is known for its vibrant campus life. With over 200 student organisations, including academic clubs, service organisations, sports teams, and cultural groups, there is always something happening on campus. The university also offers a wide range of campus events, such as concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions, which are open to the public.

 

The College of Charleston is also committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The university has established a number of initiatives to promote these values, including the Office of Institutional Diversity, the Centre for Student Diversity and Inclusion, and the Gender and Sexuality Equity Centre. These programmes provide a range of resources and support for students from diverse backgrounds and help to create a welcoming and inclusive campus community.

University Name College of Charleston
Official Website https://www.cofc.edu/
Year of Establishment 1770
Average Living Cost $ 18,684
Total Students Enrolled 10,885
University Type Public
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Ranking

US News and World Report of 2024 ranked C of Charleston #9 in Regional Universities South. The other two lists the university appeared in were #4 in Top Public Schools and #41 in Best Value Schools. This is a huge honour for the university which boasts a high quality of education for its students. 

 

College of Charleston has received a number of rankings and awards in recognition of its academic excellence, commitment to student success, and outstanding campus resources. The college has also been recognised for its sustainability efforts. The university has received several awards for its green initiatives, including a Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). Below are a few recent rankings of the college -

 

  • #699 - Best Colleges In Nation - College Factual 2024
  • #8 - Best Colleges In South Carolina - College Factual 2024
  • #616 - Best Colleges in America - Niche 2024
  • #290 - Top Public Universities in America - Niche 2024

 

Course-wise Rankings As Per Niche 2024

  • #74 - Best Colleges for Public Health in America
  • #153 - Best Colleges for International Relations in America
  • #247 - Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Physical Therapy in America
  • #282 - Best Colleges for Political Science in America
  • #295 - Best Colleges for History in America
  • #306 - Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America
  • #309 - Best Colleges for Biology in America
  • #309 - Best Colleges for Computer Science in America
  • #312 - Best Colleges for Anthropology and Sociology in America
  • #370 - Best Colleges for Business in America

 

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

#1723

Facilities

The College of Charleston offers a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide an enriching and conducive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Below are some of the widely used facilities at the institution -

 

Libraries: The Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library is the main library on campus, providing extensive collections of books, journals, and online resources. The library offers study spaces, computer labs, multimedia facilities, and research assistance. There are also specialised libraries like the Avery Research Centre for African American History and Culture.

 

Academic Buildings: The college has numerous academic buildings that house classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and departmental facilities. Some notable buildings include the Robert Scott Small Building, BellSouth Building, Maybank Hall, and the School of Sciences and Mathematics Building.

 

Campus Recreation Centre: The Campus Recreation Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that offers various fitness and recreational amenities. It features a fitness centre with cardio and strength training equipment, group exercise studios, an indoor pool, basketball and racquetball courts, an indoor track, and outdoor fields for sports activities.

 

Athletics Facilities: The college is home to several athletic facilities, including the TD Arena, which hosts basketball games and other events. The Patriots Point Athletics Complex is another facility that includes baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, and soccer fields. Additionally, there is the J. Stewart Walker Sailing Complex for the college's sailing team.

 

Art Facilities: The college has dedicated spaces for its art programmes. The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art features galleries for exhibitions and installations. The Albert Simons Centre for the Arts houses studios, classrooms, and exhibition spaces for the School of the Arts.

 

Student Centre: The Stern Student Centre is a hub for student activities and services. It offers a variety of amenities, including meeting rooms, dining options, a game room, study spaces, and the Cougar Card Office.

 

Residence Halls: The college provides on-campus housing options in various residence halls. These halls offer a supportive living environment and amenities such as communal lounges, study areas, laundry facilities, and computer labs.

 

Dining Facilities: The college has several dining options across campus, including dining halls, cafes, and food courts. Students can choose from a range of cuisines and meal plans to meet their preferences and dietary needs.

 

Performance Venues: The college hosts numerous performances and events throughout the year. The Sottile Theatre is a historic venue that presents plays, concerts, and lectures. The Cistern Yard, an outdoor space surrounded by historic buildings, is often used for outdoor performances and gatherings.

 

Outdoor Spaces: The college campus features beautiful outdoor spaces for students to enjoy. The Cistern Yard, Randolph Hall, and Cougar Mall are popular gathering spots for studying, socialising, and events. There are also green spaces, gardens, and walking paths throughout the campus.

Notable Alumni

Anthony Johnson
Anthony Johnson
American former professional basketball player
Brett Gardner
Brett Gardner
Baseball outfielder
Dontaye Draper
Dontaye Draper
American-Croatian former professional basketball player

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The College of Charleston acceptance rate is 76%. This makes it a relatively accessible institution for prospective students. This high acceptance rate provides ample opportunity for individuals seeking higher education to consider the College of Charleston as a viable option. Prospective students can feel encouraged by the College's inclusive admissions process, fostering a welcoming environment for academic pursuit.

 

The College of Charleston accepted 75.69% of applicants in 2023. This is slightly below its 77.37% average acceptance rate over the past 10 years. However, the 2023 yield (enrolled students) of 13.26% fell well below the 21.44% average period. The number of College of Charleston applicants increased by 1,536 (7.50%) compared to the prior year.

 

Entry Requirements

The College of Charleston is a popular choice for many students. Its admissions process can be moderately competitive. The entry requirements vary depending on the programme selected. Applications for undergraduate students are open in the Fall and Spring semester. Graduate students can apply for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.  The acceptance rate of the college stands at 72% and it follows a moderately selective admission process. Students may also have to pay an application fee pf $50. Below are the supporting documents required for admission - 

 

  • Completed application form
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Copy of passport.
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • SAT/ACT scores  - 1090/22
  • GRE/GMAT scores - 510/310
  • Certificate of Finance for the visa process
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose

 

Accepted English proficiency test scores

  • TOEFL iBT  - 80
  • IELTS - 6.5
  • Duolingo English Test - 105

 

Fees

College of Charleston offers several programmes at different levels. Listed below are the fees based on popular courses offered by the institution -

 

  • Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] - $20,019 /Yr
  • Master of Science [M.S] Computer and Information Sciences - $20,019 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Science [B.S] Biochemistry - $36,398 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Chemistry - $36,398 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Philosophy - $36,398 /Yr

 

Note: The specific minimum fee structure requirements may vary depending on the programmes and level of study.

 

Placement

The College of Charleston has a strong record of career placement for its graduates. The college's Career Centre provides comprehensive career services to students and alumni, including career counselling, resume and cover letter assistance, job search strategies, and interview preparation. According to Charleston's most recent graduation outcomes report for the Class of 2022, 79% of graduates reported being employed, enrolled in graduate school, or participating in a service programme within six months of graduation. Some of the top employers of college graduates include Boeing, Blackbaud, Medical University of South Carolina, Amazon, and Google.

 

Many college graduates pursue advanced degrees after completing their undergraduate studies. In the Class of 2022, 14% of graduates reported enrolling in graduate school within six months of graduation. Some popular graduate programmes for Charleston alumni include law, business, education, and healthcare. The college also has a strong alumni network that provides opportunities for mentorship, networking, and career advancement. The college also hosts career fairs, networking events, and employer information sessions throughout the year to connect students with potential employers.

 

Scholarship

UniScholars serves as a vital resource for students pursuing academic excellence. Dedicated to democratising higher education, UniScholars offers a diverse array of scholarship opportunities tailored to various fields and backgrounds. By providing accessible and comprehensive support, UniScholars aims to empower aspiring scholars worldwide in their pursuit of educational success.

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at college. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the College of Charleston. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the college halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the college, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the college, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Charleston is a historic city located on the coast of South Carolina and is home to several colleges and universities. For students, Charleston offers a variety of resources and activities, including a range of academic programmes, clubs and organiszations, and athletic teams. The overall cost of living in Charleston is 3% higher than the state average and 2% lower than the national average. Prices of houses and rent are about 3% cheaper compared to the national average. This makes the city a good option for students planning to study in the USA. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind -


 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$711

On-Campus Accommodation

$634

Transportation

$74

Food Cost

$411

Utility Cost

$144

Entertainment

$48

Groceries

$40

Clothes

$127

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1,634

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation 

$1,557

Annual Cost of Living

$18,684

FAQs