
66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424, USA


College of Charleston holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which authorizes the institution to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This regional accreditation ensures that the college meets established standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education.
The accreditation covers all academic programs offered, reflecting the institution's commitment to maintaining rigorous academic and operational standards. Students considering College of Charleston can be assured that their degrees will be recognized and respected by employers and other educational institutions.
Prospective students seeking admission to College of Charleston must have a General Educational Development (GED) or an equivalent high school completion. Submission of secondary school records, including class rank and grade point average, is required. The university mandates that applicants prepare a college program of study as part of their application. Additionally, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a required component for non-native English speakers.
While specific recommendations for other competencies and tests are suggested, they are not mandatory. College of Charleston does not offer open admission and does not accept dual credit or general college credit, although Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized.
The average admitted student scores a mean SAT composite of 1185, with a 575 average in the math section and 610 in writing, placing most within an average range at national percentiles. The typical ACT score is 26, ranking in the upper 40%. The acceptance rate is approximately 72%, reflecting a moderately selective admissions process. Computer access is required for applicants, with options for computer leasing available.
The College of Charleston requires an application fee from prospective students, which helps cover the administrative costs of processing applications. The current application fee applies uniformly to all applicants submitting their materials. However, the college recognizes that this cost may be a barrier for some students and offers fee waivers under specific circumstances.
Students who demonstrate financial need or fall within certain eligibility criteria may request a fee waiver to avoid paying the application fee. The process to obtain a waiver typically involves submitting documentation supporting the financial situation or qualifying status. Additionally, the College of Charleston may provide fee waivers to applicants through designated programs or via standardized testing organizations that include fee waiver provisions on their reports.
It is important for prospective students to review all available guidance on fee waivers early in the application process to ensure they comply with any deadlines and requirements. This approach helps make the application process more accessible without imposing unnecessary financial strain on applicants.
College of Charleston offers ROTC opportunities through its affiliation with cooperating host institutions that provide branch units. While the university itself does not host an on-campus ROTC branch unit, students can participate in ROTC programs by enrolling in nearby cooperating institutions where these units are established. This arrangement enables prospective students to pursue military training and leadership development alongside their academic studies, despite the absence of a directly operated ROTC unit on the College of Charleston campus.
College of Charleston permits transfer students to enroll in multiple terms throughout the year, including fall, spring, and summer sessions. Prospective transfer applicants can take advantage of credit acceptance policies that support transferring coursework into their academic programs.
The college accepts credits earned through CLEP examinations, both subject-specific and general tests, as well as credits from DANTES exams. This flexible credit policy facilitates the transition for students coming from other institutions or military education programs.
Additionally, College of Charleston considers recommendation letters as part of the transfer application process, providing an opportunity for applicants to strengthen their admission credentials.
College of Charleston offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance global learning and cultural experiences for its students. The college provides semester-long, summer, and short-term programs that allow students to immerse themselves in different countries while earning academic credit. These programs cover diverse regions including Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa, catering to a broad range of academic disciplines.
The institution supports both faculty-led programs and exchanges with partner universities worldwide, enabling students to choose experiences that align closely with their academic interests and career goals. Additionally, College of Charleston offers customized internships and service-learning projects abroad, which combine practical work experience with international exposure.
To facilitate these programs, the college has established collaborations with reputable institutions and study centers globally, ensuring that students receive quality instruction and support throughout their time abroad. Participants benefit from pre-departure orientations and on-site resources, which prepare them for cultural adjustment and academic success during their overseas studies.
Median composite SAT score
1185Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
11%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
18%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer