Overview of College of Charleston
The College of Charleston, located in Charleston, South Carolina, is a public liberal arts and sciences university with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1770. Nestled in the heart of one of America’s most charming and historic cities, the College of Charleston offers a distinctive educational experience characterized by academic excellence, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to preparing students for a globalized world.
Academic Programs: The College of Charleston provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and the arts. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and a well-rounded understanding of various fields.
The Honors College at the College of Charleston offers an enriched academic experience for high-achieving students, including honors seminars, independent research opportunities, and a close-knit learning community.
Historic Campus: The College of Charleston boasts a historic and picturesque campus with cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and a vibrant mix of traditional and modern facilities. Randolph Hall, dating back to 1828, is a central feature of the campus and reflects the college’s rich history. The campus is recognized as a National Historic Landmark District, contributing to the unique and charming atmosphere of the college.
Liberal Arts Education: The College of Charleston is committed to providing a liberal arts education that prepares students for a dynamic and evolving world. The curriculum emphasizes a broad-based education that goes beyond specialized training, encouraging students to explore diverse subjects and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for lifelong learning.
The liberal arts focus extends to the General Education Program, which introduces students to a range of academic disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded educational foundation.
Global Education: Recognizing the importance of global perspectives, the College of Charleston encourages students to engage with the world through study abroad programs, international internships, and cultural exchanges. These experiences contribute to students’ understanding of diverse cultures, languages, and global issues, preparing them for success in an interconnected world.
Community Engagement: The College of Charleston values community engagement and social responsibility. Students are encouraged to participate in service-learning initiatives, volunteer work, and community service projects. The college’s commitment to community outreach extends to partnerships with local organizations, contributing to the broader well-being of the Charleston community.
Campus Life: The College of Charleston offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities. From cultural clubs and academic organizations to sports teams and performing arts groups, students have ample opportunities to get involved and connect with peers who share similar interests.
The Stern Student Center serves as a central hub for student activities and features spaces for socializing, studying, and hosting events. The campus also offers recreational facilities, including a fitness center and intramural sports, contributing to a well-rounded student experience.
Athletics: The College of Charleston competes in NCAA Division I athletics, and the Cougars, as the teams are known, participate in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Athletics at the college promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit. The campus facilities, including the TD Arena, provide students with opportunities to support their fellow Cougars in various sports.
Diversity and Inclusion: The College of Charleston is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college recognizes the importance of embracing different perspectives and backgrounds, creating an environment where all students feel valued and respected. Initiatives, programs, and support services are in place to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the campus community.
Career Services: The Career Center at the College of Charleston plays a crucial role in supporting students’ career development. The center provides resources such as career counseling, resume workshops, internship placement, and job fairs to help students explore and pursue meaningful careers aligned with their academic and personal goals.
Sustainability Initiatives: The College of Charleston is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The campus features LEED-certified buildings, recycling programs, and initiatives aimed at reducing the college’s environmental impact. These efforts align with the college’s commitment to responsible and ethical practices.
The College of Charleston stands as a vibrant and historic institution that combines academic excellence with a strong sense of community and a commitment to preparing students for success in a globalized world. With its picturesque campus, diverse academic offerings, and emphasis on community engagement, the College of Charleston continues to provide a transformative educational experience for its students.
66 George Street Charleston, SC 29424-0001
Phone: (843) 953-5670
Email: admissions@cofc.edu
Web site: http://www.cofc.edu
Rankings: College of Charleston
Located in Charleston, SC, College of Charleston is one of the best universities in the state of South Carolina. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for College of Charleston in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is College of Charleston.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 10 |
| Score: | 74 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.6 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 15 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 81.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 60.8% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 56 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 34.5% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 3.2% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 16:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 80.7% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 11 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1140-1300 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 26% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 62% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 64.2% |
| Financial resources rank: | 56 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 17 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 18.9% |
Essential Facts: College of Charleston
- The date is tied to Jan. 30, 1770, when South Carolina Lieutenant Governor William Bull recommended to the colony’s General Assembly the establishment of a college in Charleston.
- Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university.
- College of Charleston typically requires applicants to be in the top 47 percent of SAT test takers. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT’s as low as 980.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 34% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 11% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 16% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 50% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 35% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, honor code, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA I |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, symphony orchestra, yearbook |