
66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424, USA


College of Charleston provides a diverse athletics program with participation in NCAA Division I sports. The college's teams, known as the Cougars, compete primarily in the Colonial Athletic Association. Students have access to a variety of men's and women's sports, including basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, and cross country, offering numerous opportunities for both athletes and sports enthusiasts to engage in collegiate competition.
College of Charleston offers a diverse range of student groups and associations that cater to varied interests and promote campus involvement. Among them are the Student Government Association, which provides a platform for student representation and leadership; the Cougar Activities Board, responsible for organizing campus events and activities; and the Black Student Union, fostering a supportive community and cultural awareness.
Additionally, the Charleston Miracle group contributes to community service initiatives, allowing students to engage beyond campus boundaries. Sports enthusiasts can participate in Intramural Basketball, offering competitive yet recreational athletic opportunities.
Regarding student participation, approximately 15% of the student body is actively involved in social organizations, reflecting an engaged campus culture. The student population includes 3,216 men and 6,921 women, with respective active memberships in campus groups and activities.
The student population at College of Charleston is diverse in multiple dimensions, including residency status, enrollment type, age, and ethnicity. A significant majority of students-99%-are from the United States, placing the campus in a relatively high national percentile for domestic enrollment. However, among these students, the proportion of in-state attendees is relatively low at 38%, which ranks in the bottom 15% nationally. Conversely, out-of-state students make up a large portion, 61%, which is considered very high and in the top 10% compared to other institutions.
The college enrolls a high number of freshmen, totaling 2,637, positioning it in the top 20% for freshman class size. Transfer students number 640, categorized as average, while total enrollment stands at 3,277 students, which is also high and in the top 25% nationally. These figures suggest that the institution attracts a substantial number of new students annually, both freshmen and transfers.
Regarding the age distribution, the majority of undergraduate students are traditional college-age, with the largest groups between 18-21 years old-4,403 aged 18-19 and 4,232 aged 20-21. Older undergraduates are present but less common, with decreasing numbers in age brackets above 22, including 1,175 students aged 22-24 and smaller groups beyond that. Graduate students show an older age profile, with notable numbers in their late twenties through fifties, including 232 students aged 22-24 up to 166 aged 50-64.
Ethnically, College of Charleston exhibits an enrollment distribution where white students dominate with 8,335 individuals, placing this demographic in the top 10% nationally in terms of representation. Hispanic and African American students are represented at average levels, with 814 and 563 students respectively, both near the midpoint in national percentiles. Other minority groups, including Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and those identifying with two or more races, are present in smaller numbers, each classified as average in terms of representation. Students with unknown ethnicity constitute a modest portion of the population.
Student life at College of Charleston offers a blend of cultural and recreational opportunities that cater to diverse interests. The campus supports several student-run media and arts organizations, including a newspaper, a radio station, a campus television station, a drama program, and a chorus. However, there is no campus band available for students.
Health and well-being resources are accessible, with the presence of a health clinic, psychological counseling services, and a veterans affairs office to support those who have served in the military. While legal services and a women's center are not provided, the available services cover important aspects of student wellness and support.
The student body size is moderately large, with a total enrollment of 11,926 students, and a strong representation of full-time degree-seeking women, whose numbers are notably high compared to national averages. The student-faculty ratio stands at 17 to 1, which may facilitate more personalized academic interactions.
International diversity is a distinctive feature, with students coming from 69 different countries, reflecting a globally engaged community that likely enriches campus life and academic perspectives.
In terms of athletics, College of Charleston participates in NCAA competitions, offering students the chance to engage with a structured varsity sports environment.
College of Charleston offers access to three libraries, including the main Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library. This number of libraries ranks in the top 30% nationally, indicating a strong library presence on campus. In addition to the main library, students benefit from two other libraries, placing the school in the top 35% for additional library resources.
The library system supports a substantial collection, with approximately 591,443 physical books, which is considered average and falls within the top 45% compared to peer institutions. The digital collections are notably extensive, featuring over 1.3 million eBooks, a figure that ranks highly in the top 20%. Additionally, the college maintains around 145,161 digital subscriptions, situating its electronic periodical access around the midpoint nationally.
Students have access to 428 databases, a moderate offering that falls just below the median tier. Subscriptions to print-based resources number 233, placing this area in the lower 40% nationally, suggesting a greater emphasis on digital materials. The libraries provide a range of study rooms and physical facilities to support student needs, although they do not offer all-day access.
The Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library and its counterparts are staffed by trained personnel, ensuring professional assistance. Established operating hours and digital access options complement students' research and study activities. Access to shared collections further expands available resources, enhancing academic exploration.
With weekly service hours totaling 97, the libraries maintain consistent availability throughout the school week to support student academic work and research endeavors.
Total enrollment
11926Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
2260Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
524 full time, 402 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Marlene and Nathan Addlestone LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
3Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes