General - The College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences college with about ten thousand undergrads in beautiful, downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The college was founded in 1770 and it has a combination of old and new buildings, including a new science center which opened this fall. Computer Science is in a separate location about a 10 to 15 minute walk near Charleston start-up companies.
Academics - Students choose from among over 130 majors and the average class size is 26. No classes are taught by teaching assistants. The fastest growing majors are public health, marketing, finance, arts management and exercise science. Students can double major or major and minor. About half the students study abroad in one of 85 locations. Pre-med students get opportunities at the Medical University of South Carolina which is also in Charleston. College of Charleston has an Honors College.
Greek Life - College of Charleston students can rush at the beginning of the freshman year. About 20% of undergrads are involved with Greek life. Greek housing is limited to officers plus a few more.
Sports - There are 19 Division I sports teams. Basketball is popular. The school excels in sailing. Equestrian is available. The sports complex is a drive away.
Clubs and more – There are over 280 clubs and organizations. There are three beaches with a 25-minute drive and three professional sports teams in the vicinity. Charleston is known for arts festivals like the Spoleto festival.
Tuition - Tuition for out-of-state students is $31.6 K and the average room and board is $12.2K. The Net Price Calculator includes a merit aid estimate. Your financial aid package and decision letter come together.
Housing - Freshmen living on campus are in doubles. They can be in traditional doubles with communal bathrooms down the hall (cleaned by the college) or two double rooms can share a bathroom (which the residents must clean). Freshmen who deposit by May 1 can live on campus. Only 20% of upper classmen live on campus.
Dining – College of Charleston has three dining halls, two of which are all-you-can eat. One of the all-you-can-eat dining halls has a station without the most common six food allergens. The third dining hall has vegetarian, vegan and kosher food.
Applying – For out-of-state students, the mid-50% of SAT scores are 1130 – 1290 and the mid-50% of ACT scores are 24 – 29. The school has Early Decision (11/1), Early Action (12/1) and Regular (2/15) deadlines. Students interested in the Honors College should apply by 12/1.
