Guides & Rankings
The College of Charleston is consistently recognized by national outlets for academic excellence, student value and career outcomes. View some of our most recent rankings and accolades:Best Universities
The College of Charleston is consistently ranked as one of the nation's top public universities for excellence in academic quality, student experience and overall value.
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Top Public Schools - South | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| 9 | Regional Universities - South | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Best | Best Regional Colleges - South | Princeton Review, 2027 |
| Best | Best 392 Colleges | Princeton Review, 2027 |
Career Outcomes
Rankings that highlight our graduates' proven success, marketability and earning potential.
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Producer of Fulbright Students | Fulbright Program, 2025-26 |
| Top | Colleges That Create Futures | Princeton Review, 2027 |
Student Life
Student-rated accolades for campus culture, active student organizations and a strong Greek community.
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Top 23% | Colleges with the Best Student Life | Niche, 2027 |
| Top 20% | Best Greek Life College in America | Niche, 2027 |
Hands-On Experience
Internships, research, study abroad and other experiential learning opportuntities
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Study Abroad Participation (Short Term) | IIE OpenDoors Report, 2025 |
| 2 | Study Abroad Participation (Overall) | IIE OpenDoors Report, 2025 |
Affordability
National recognition for delivering a high-quality education with exceptional value and lower student debt.
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | Best Value Schools | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
Academics
National distinction for primier academics programs and exceptional classroom instruction.
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Best Undergraduate Teaching - South | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Best | Best Undergraduate Business | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Best | Best Undergraduate Psychology | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Best | Best Undergraduate Computer Science | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
Innovation & Impact
Programs and intitiatives recognized for driving societal change and future-focused education.
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 15 (Tie) | Most Innovative Schools | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Top | Top Performers on Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
Graduate School
High-rankinng honors for advanced degree programs that advance careers and industry research.
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Best | Best Business Schools | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Best | Best Executive MBA | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Best | Best Public Affairs Programs | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Best | Best Accounting Programs | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
Campus & Community
Recognitions celebrating Charleston, our coastal setting, campus environment, city backdrop and strong regional job opportunities.
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Best Cities in the U.S. | Travel + Leisure, 2025 |
| 7 | Best Places to Start a Career | WalletHub, 2026 |
| 7 | Happiest Places to Live | WalletHub, 2026 |
| Top 14% | Best College Locations in America | Niche, 2027 |
| 19 | Best College Towns | Business Insider, 2025 |
| Top | 35 Beautiful Campuses | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Top | Green Colleges | Princeton Review, 2027 |
Veterans & Military
Leading designations that demonstrate the College of Charleston and Veteran & Military Services dedicated support for military-connected students.
| Rank | Category | Ranking Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Best Colleges for Veterans - South | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
| Gold | Military Friendly® Schools | Viqtory, 2026-2027 |
| Designated | Military Friendly® Spouse Schools | Viqtory, 2026-2027 |