Chances of Getting Into College of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina • Public University • #145 National • Founded 1770
CofC Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
CofC SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About College of Charleston
The College of Charleston is the oldest municipal college in the United States, located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Known for its stunning campus, strong marine biology program, and vibrant liberal arts tradition, CofC offers a unique combination of Southern charm, academic rigor, and an unbeatable location in one of America's most beloved cities.
Top Programs
What Makes CofC Unique
- Oldest municipal college in the U.S. — founded in 1770, before the American Revolution
- Campus is in the heart of historic downtown Charleston — one of the most beautiful cities in America
- Top-ranked marine biology program with direct access to coastal research
- Strong study abroad participation — over 40% of students study abroad
- Honors College offers an elite liberal arts experience within a public university
CofC Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
CofC Application Deadlines
How to Get Into CofC: Admission Tips
Apply Early Action (November 15) for priority admission and scholarship consideration
CofC is test-optional — GPA and course rigor are the primary factors
Marine biology applicants should highlight relevant research or environmental activities
Demonstrated interest matters — visit campus or attend info sessions
Out-of-state students make up about 35% of the class — geographic diversity is valued
The Brutal Truth About CofC Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 74% acceptance rate, CofC rejected over 3,900 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At CofC, having a 3.7 GPA and 1215 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. CofC doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if CofC genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 74%-acceptance-rate basket.
CofC Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at College of Charleston?
College of Charleston has an acceptance rate of 74% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 15,000+ applicants, approximately 2,200 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into CofC?
The average GPA of admitted students at College of Charleston is 3.7. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.55, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for CofC?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted CofC students is 1130-1300. The average SAT score is 1215. For ACT, the range is 23-29 with an average of 26.
Is CofC hard to get into?
Yes, College of Charleston is selective with an acceptance rate of just 74%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does CofC cost?
Tuition at College of Charleston is $12,838 per year, with total cost of attendance at $29,000. However, 60% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $11,000+.
What are my chances of getting into CofC?
Your chances of getting into College of Charleston depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 74% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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