The College of Charleston is a public liberal arts university founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785, making it the oldest university in South Carolina and the 13th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. As the nation's oldest municipal college, the College of Charleston is renowned for its historic downtown campus, blending Georgian and antebellum architecture with modern academic facilities in the heart of one of America's most beautiful cities. With an enrollment of nearly 12,000 students, the college offers more than 100 majors and programs across the arts and sciences, business, education, and professional studies. The Cougars compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). The college is particularly noted for its strong programs in marine biology, international business, arts, and the humanities, and draws students from all 50 states and 56 countries. Its vibrant location in historic Charleston makes it a distinctive destination for students seeking a world-class education in an exceptional cultural setting.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
—
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$$38,844
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $38,296
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
