Most
Affordable Colleges in Charleston in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Charleston, SC, combines practical training with access to a vibrant coastal economy. Programs commonly cover accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and data analysis. Students may pursue the major at the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, or The Citadel, depending on degree offerings and admission requirements. Graduates often work as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, account managers, operations supervisors, or entrepreneurs, applying communication, budgeting, and problem-solving skills.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Charleston, South Carolina, offers coursework in human development, cognitive psychology, research methods, statistics, social behavior, and abnormal psychology. Students build skills through labs, internships, and community experiences. Popular Charleston colleges include the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, and The Citadel, which offer psychology programs. Graduates may pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources assistant, market research analyst, or youth services worker. Advanced study is needed for licensure.

Computer Science

Studying a computer science program in Charleston, SC offers training in programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The College of Charleston, The Citadel, and Charleston Southern University are options for undergraduate study. Students build skills through projects, internships, and team assignments, using languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, web developers, cybersecurity analysts, or database administrators, supporting employers across the region.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Charleston, SC combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, psychological assessment, group counseling, and supervised practicum experience. Popular local options include Charleston Southern University, which offers clinical mental health counseling training, and the College of Charleston, with a school counseling program. Graduates may pursue licensure as professional counselors, work as school counselors with appropriate credentials, or serve in community agencies, hospitals, college counseling centers, and substance use treatment programs locally.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Charleston, SC offers pathways from practical nursing to bachelor's and advanced degrees. Students typically study anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, community health, and clinical care. Popular options include the Medical University of South Carolina, Trident Technical College, and Charleston Southern University. Graduates may become registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse educators, care coordinators, or public health nurses, working in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health settings in the region.

Best Colleges in Charleston, SC Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is $31,870, compared with $36,116.8 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure $4,246.8 higher.
• An average of 97.8% of students receive financial aid, compared with 55.75% at top 10% schools, a difference of 42.05 percentage points.
• The average acceptance rate is 55.75%. Schools receive an average of 9,929.5 applicants, compared with 23,574 at schools in the top 10%. The median number of male applicants is 2,054, while the median number of female applicants is 1,897.5.
• The average SAT score is 1,133.33 and the average ACT score is 23.67.
• The average number of enrolled students is 4,578.4. On average, 377.0 enrolled students are men and 569.25 are women.
• The average graduation rate is 62.5%, compared with 72.3% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 62.5% for men and 59.0% for women.
• Among the institutions counted, 1 offers associate's degrees, 5 offer bachelor's degrees, 4 offer master's degrees, and 3 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 5 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial aid availability, and consider how acceptance rates, applicant numbers, test scores, enrollment, graduation rates, degree offerings, and school type align with your priorities. The reported averages and medians provide useful comparisons, but individual institutions may differ.

How much does studying at a college in Charleston, SC cost?

The average total cost of studying in Charleston, SC, is about $30,429.20, a useful planning benchmark for students considering a degree in the city. This figure gives you a starting point for budgeting, though your actual expenses will depend on the college, program, living arrangements, and financial aid.

At the College of Charleston, students can enjoy a historic downtown campus and access to the waterfront, while Charleston Southern University offers another local option with a residential campus setting. Trident Technical College may also appeal if you want career-focused programs and your intended career path or a more flexible route into higher education. Compare tuition and fees, housing, meal plans, books, transportation, and course costs for each school rather than assuming one citywide price will match your situation. Ask colleges about scholarships, grants, payment plans, and transfer credits; these can make a meaningful difference to what you pay out of pocket.

How long does it take to finish college in Charleston, SC?

Most students in Charleston, SC, take about four years to complete a bachelor's degree; an associate degree at Trident Technical College takes two. A major or part-time schedule can extend that timeline. At the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, or The Citadel, completion depends on courses and credits earned each term.

Graduation rates offer a snapshot: average graduation is 62.5%, or roughly 63 of 100 students; among the top 10% of schools, it is 72.3%. The data also report averages of 60.75% for men and 54.75% for women. These figures provide context, not a guarantee for any Charleston campus or student.

To finish sooner, consider bringing AP or dual-enrollment credits, transferring eligible coursework, taking summer classes, or enrolling in an accelerated program. Ask admissions advisers at Charleston-area colleges which credits count and map courses early. A well-planned schedule can shorten your path and make progress feel exciting.

Salary

Graduates in Charleston, SC, can use $46,783 as a median alumni salary benchmark; graduates of top-10% schools have a median alumni salary of about $66,106. These figures offer a helpful sense of potential earnings, though your salary will depend on factors such as your degree, occupation, experience, and employer.

Charleston students attending institutions such as the College of Charleston, The Citadel, Charleston Southern University, or the Medical University of South Carolina may pursue many different career paths. Comparing likely jobs and starting salaries in your intended field can help you estimate where your own earnings might fall - and make planning for a rewarding career feel more concrete.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Charleston?

It depends on the school, your South Carolina residency, and whether you mean tuition alone or the full cost of attendance. As a rough guide, full-time tuition at Charleston-area public colleges can range from about $5,000 a year at a technical college to around $13,000 at a four-year public university for in-state students. Housing, meals, books, and fees add to the total.

What college in Charleston has the lowest tuition?

Trident Technical College is generally among the lowest-tuition options in the Charleston area, especially for local students paying the in-district rate. A full-time student can expect tuition to be roughly $5,000-$6,000 per academic year, before some additional costs. It can be a practical, affordable way to start a degree or train for a career close to home.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Charleston, SC Ranking in 2026-2027

At College of Charleston, students can pursue a public liberal arts education in the heart of historic Charleston, SC. Its 11,726 enrolled students benefit from a broad campus community and access to the city's cultural and coastal setting. The school reports a 66% graduation rate and 60% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $37,836, while median alumni salary is $43,278. For local students, downtown study combines city life with varied academic options and nearby internships and community activities.

The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina offers a distinctive military-style college experience in Charleston, SC. Its 3,933 enrolled students study in a structured environment emphasizing leadership, discipline, and service. The college reports a 75% graduation rate and a 23% acceptance rate, making admission comparatively selective. Total study cost is $33,538, and median alumni salary is $52,388. Students seeking a regimented campus and strong traditions can earn a degree while living in Charleston and accessing its professional community.

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a Charleston-based institution focused on health professions and biomedical education. Its 3,246 enrolled students make it a specialized option for those pursuing healthcare-related degrees in the city. Graduation and acceptance rates are not available in the supplied data. Total study cost is $29,030, and median alumni salary is $75,251. For aspiring clinicians and researchers, studying in Charleston, SC, offers proximity to regional healthcare settings and a campus centered on medical and scientific fields.

American College of the Building Arts is a small Charleston college dedicated to traditional building crafts and the applied arts. With just 155 enrolled students, it offers an intimate learning environment for students interested in hands-on work and the built environment. The school reports a 62% graduation rate and 44% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $19,872, while median alumni salary is $38,788. Studying in Charleston, SC, places students among historic architecture and preservation projects, complementing practical instruction with context.

Charleston Southern University is a private Christian university in Charleston, SC, offering students a faith-oriented campus and a range of academic programs. Its enrollment is 3,832, with a reported graduation rate of 47% and an acceptance rate of 96%. Total study cost is $31,870, and median alumni salary is $46,783. For local students, the university provides an accessible admission option while keeping college life close to Charleston's internships, churches, and coastal community activities and opportunities for service and connection.