College of Charleston (CofC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About College of Charleston
Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and a campus tucked into the historic heart of Charleston set the tone. The College of Charleston has a reputation for strong teaching across the arts and humanities, sciences connected to the coast, business and communication, and tech-adjacent fields. Students find hands-on learning in classrooms, labs, studios, and libraries, backed by advising, tutoring, and health and counseling services that feel accessible rather than formal.
Life here blends gallery nights and theater with beach runs, sailing, service projects, and a busy intramural scene. The culture skews friendly, creative, a little coastal-casual. And the city is a living lab, with chances to intern at nonprofits, startups, cultural institutions, and organizations tied to the port and tourism economy. Commencement in the Cistern Yard is a signature moment, often with white attire and live oaks overhead. It is a place where history and salt air nudge you toward what comes next.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
College of Charleston (CofC) offers 77 degree programs across 22 major academic fields, graduating approximately 2,435 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (9 programs, 582 graduates), Biological Sciences (3 programs, 300 graduates), Communication (2 programs, 201 graduates), Social Sciences (7 programs, 200 graduates) and Psychology (1 programs, 189 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (9 programs, 582 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 254 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Marketing Management | 89 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Finance, General | 66 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Accounting | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0301 |
| Real Estate | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1501 |
| International Business and Trade | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1101 |
| Hospitality Management | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0901 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0203 |
| Project Management | 8 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0211 |
Biological Sciences (3 programs, 300 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 168 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 74 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0908 |
| Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography | 58 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26.1302 |
Communication (2 programs, 201 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 191 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Organizational Communication | 10 |
|
Master's
|
09.0901 |
Social Sciences (7 programs, 200 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government | 82 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Sociology | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Archaeology | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0301 |
| Anthropology | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
| Economics | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0601 |
| Urban Studies and Affairs | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
45.1201 |
| Anthropology | 5 |
|
Other Award
|
45.0299 |
Psychology (1 programs, 189 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 189 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Arts (7 programs, 156 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts Management | 57 |
|
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
50.1002 |
| Theatre Arts | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Studio Arts, General | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Music | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Art History and Conservation | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0703 |
| Dance | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0301 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 3 |
|
Master's
|
50.0101 |
Education (11 programs, 150 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 46 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1202 |
| Early Childhood Education | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1210 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1205 |
| Special Education Teaching | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1001 |
| Middle School Education and Teaching | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1203 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development | 8 |
|
Master's
|
13.1299 |
| Foreign Language Teacher Education | 7 |
|
Master's
|
13.1306 |
| Multiple Level Teacher Education | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1206 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1314 |
| English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching | 3 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
13.1401 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development in Specific Subject Areas | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.1399 |
Health (1 programs, 103 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Education and Promotion | 103 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2207 |
Interdisciplinary (5 programs, 102 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.9999 |
| Global Studies | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.2001 |
| Historic Preservation and Conservation | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30.1201 |
| Data Science | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30.7001 |
| Sustainability Studies | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
30.3301 |
Computer & IT (4 programs, 86 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0101 |
| Software and Media Applications | 21 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0899 |
| Information Science | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
11.0401 |
| Computer Science | 7 |
|
Master's
|
11.0701 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at College of Charleston (CofC).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about College of Charleston (CofC)
How much does it cost to attend College of Charleston (CofC)?
The annual tuition at College of Charleston (CofC) is $12,978 for in-state students and $36,858 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $33,096 for in-state students and $56,976 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $14,032 (on) / $13,779 (off) and books and supplies $1,454.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does College of Charleston offer?
College of Charleston (CofC) offers 77 academic programs across 22 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (9 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (3 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (2 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (7 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for College of Charleston?
College of Charleston (CofC) has an 72% acceptance rate and a 13.7% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 26,683
- Students admitted: 19,212
- Students enrolled: 2,637
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at College of Charleston?
College of Charleston (CofC) provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,811 and average loans of $10,072.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,290
- State/Local grants: $5,367
- Institutional grants: $7,020
- Federal loans: $5,228
The university supports 1,788 students with grants and 1,078 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for College of Charleston graduates?
College of Charleston (CofC) graduates earn a median salary of $43,821 after 6 years and $56,416 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $35,817 (25th percentile) to $81,379 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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