Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Type: Public liberal arts college
About:
Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university and is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities and cutting-edge programs, attracts over 10,000 undergraduates and approximately 1,000 graduate students from across the U.S. and around the world. International students hail from over 60 countries.
USA Today raves about Charleston as a “post-college town brimming with youth, jobs.” The city is ranked No. 14 for a city over 100,000 people with a strong draw for people ages 20-29. Known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants, and mannerly people, Charleston is a popular tourist destination and has received a large number of accolades, including “America’s Most Friendly [City]” by Travel + Leisure in 2011 and in 2013 and 2014 by Condé Nast Traveler, and also “the most polite and hospitable city in America” by Southern Living magazine.
The college offers 59 majors and 75 minors in 9 different colleges and schools:
- Arts
- Business
- Education, Health and Human Performance
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Languages, Cultures and World Affairs
- Professional Studies
- Sciences and Mathematics
- Graduate School
- Honors College
The College of Charleston offers a strong internship program and career support through its Career Center. A Career Fair is held on campus every semester where employers and students can meet and interact. On average 94% of College of Charleston graduates are employed within 6 months from graduating. Employers include: Automated Desk Trading, Bank of America, Berkley and Dorchester School Districts, KPMG, Maersk Sealand, Medical University of South Carolina, Merrill Lynch, Peace Corps, Price Waterhouse Coopers and many more.
College of Charleston handbook for international students: http://international.cofc.edu/documents/4.8.16%20Incoming%20International%20Handbook%20Fall%202016.pdf
Fast Facts:
- Four College of Charleston ‘Cougars’ are competing in the sailing event at the Rio 2016 Olympics
- Strong internship program and support for career development
- Charleston is America’s original artists’ colony with an abundance of painters, jazz musicians and playwrights – the College of Charleston plays a leading role in the cultural life of the city
- The college is located in the heart of the beautiful, historic city of Charleston
- Charleston is 20 minutes from some of the best beaches in the Southeast and the year-round temperate weather makes the Charleston area ideal for surfing, kayaking, climbing, hiking and camping
- More than 200 student clubs and organizations allow you to make new friends, learn from others, serve the community, share your talents, and best of all try something totally new
Athletics:
The College of Charleston athletics team are known as the “Cougars”. They compete in the Colonial Athletics Association, and are members of the NCAA Division I.
Men’s teams: Baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, sailing, soccer, and tennis.
Women’s teams: Basketball, beach volleyball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, sailing, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.
School Information:
Programs:
The College of Charleston offers offer 59 majors and 75 minors to undergraduate students.
College of Charleston program information: http://cofc.edu/academics/majorsandminors/
Housing:
The College of Charleston offers on-campus housing in residence halls and historic homes. First year students are guaranteed housing (provided the deposit and application are submitted on time).
College of Charleston housing information: http://housing.cofc.edu/about-campus-housing/index.php
Entry requirements:
- Submit the College of Charleston online application form
- Submit official high school transcripts for all years of high school in the original language with the school’s official stamp/seal (if transcripts are written in a language other than English, certified, word-for-word English translations of all transcript pages must be submitted)
- Submit scores for standardized tests. Minimum scores from any one of the following examination boards are accepted: TOEFL (iBT) 80, IELTS 6.5, SAT Critical Reading 500, or ACT Reading score 18 and English score 20
- Standardized exams scores are required of each applicant to the College of Charleston. Scores will be used to assess applicant’s academic performance and, when necessary, demonstration of English proficiency
College of Charleston information about entry requirements: http://admissions.cofc.edu/applyingtothecollege/international-students/intl-apps/fresh.php
Tuition:
Estimated expenses for international students for the 2016-2017 academic year:
Tuition: $29,544
Room and board (meals): $11,313
Books and supplies: $1,159
Technology and library fees: $425
TOTAL: $42,441
College of Charleston information about tuition and fees: http://finaid.cofc.edu/financial-aid-information/cost-of-attendance/index.php
Financial Aid / Scholarships:
The College of Charleston offers the International Student Scholarship that provides scholarship funding to the highest qualified international students in the freshman class. Competition is highly competitive based on the academic credentials of the student.
There are several other resources that are also available for international students to assist them with funding their tuition at the College of Charleston.
College of Charleston information on financial aid/scholarships for international students: http://finaid.cofc.edu/students/international-aid/index.php
