Transfer to the College of Charleston


You've learned what matters to you. Now find the place that fits.

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Find Your Academic Fit

You'll find it here: The rhythm of marine biology, the lost stories of historic preservation, the innovation of data science and much, much more. Let us help you continue your college journey with programs that inspire and with mentors who believe in your potential.
Students collaborate at a lab bench, smiling while testing an electrical circuit with wires and a multimeter in a classroom lab.
Find Your Community

The College of Charleston is more than just your next campus address. It's where you'll make meaningful connections with classmates, professors and even the City of Charleston. Transferring here doesn't feel like starting over. It feels like coming home.
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Find Your Next Opportunity

Put what you learn into action through internships, research and hands-on learning with organizations like Boeing, Google, MUSC, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volvo and Bosch. Build the real-world skills for what comes next.


Apply now using the College of Charleston application or Common App.

College of Charleston App   Common App

Plan a Visit


Join us for virtual information sessions, in-person visit opportunities and specialized transfer student events. 

Transfer Application Process


To apply as a transfer student, submit your application, unofficial college transcripts and $60 application fee. As a transfer applicant, you should have a GPA of 2.4 or higher and be in good standing at your current institution.
  • Submit your Transfer Application

    Complete the College of Charleston Application or the Common App

    Select the "Transfer/Second Degree/Readmit" option (College of Charleston application) or "Apply for Transfer" (Common App) to begin your application.

    • Transfer Application (College of Charleston application or Common App)
    • Official transcripts: Official Transcripts are required from all colleges or universities you have previously attended. Unofficial transcripts may be used for admission purposes. We encourage you to upload your unofficial transcripts when submitting your application. 

      If you have fewer than 12 completed college-level credits at the time of review, a high school transcript is also required. In certain cases, we may request mid-term college grades to better understand your current academic progress.

    • Application Fee: You will be prompted to pay your $60, non-refundable application fee when submitting your application.
    • Optional Materials: You may also wish to submit additional information for the admissions committee to consider. You can email us with any supporting documents such as letters of recommendation, résumé or other supplemental information. Be sure to include your full name, birth date and College of Charleston ID number, if available.

     

    Apply as a Transfer Student
  • Transfer Credits

    The College of Charleston accepts up to 90 semester credit hours from regionally accredited 4-year institutions and up to 66 credit hours from 2-year institutions.

    A course from another institution is eligible for transfer credit evaluation when the course is:

    • earned at a school accredited by a regional accreditation association.
    • graded at least a "C" (2.000 on a 4.000 scale).
    • not a duplication of credits already earned.


    Transfer Explorer

    This free, online tool will help you predict how your courses transfer.  You many also use it to search for courses at other universities that will transfer back to the College. This is not a formal transfer credit evaluation. 

    In addition, our team also offers unofficial transfer credit evaluations for students to get a general insight on how their current coursework will transfer to the College

    Visit Transfer Explorer

    Learn More About Transfer Credits
  • Honors College

    When you submit your transfer admission application, you can also apply to the Honors College.

    Transfer applicants interested in the Honors College will need to submit a supplemental Honors statement of intent on their transfer application.

    Your statement should be 250-500 words and should cover the following:

    • why you believe you are a good fit for the Honors College.
    • why you have decided to leave your current/previous school(s).
    • what you hope to gain from participating in the Honors College.
    Applicants must also submit their high school transcript via the application.
    Learn More About the Honors College
  • Next Steps

    Congratulations! Once you're admitted, there are just a few more steps to take on your way to officially becoming a Cougar:

    Sign Up for a Virtual Next Steps Session

    Learn more about your next steps, student life at the College of Charleston, and get your questions answered by our transfer team!

    • April 13, 2027
    • May 11, 2027
    • June 15, 2027
    • July 13, 2027
    Submit your Enrollment Deposit 
    Your nonrefundable enrollment deposit reserves your spot at the College of Charleston. You'll submit your deposit through MyPortal.Apply for Housing
    Transfer student housing is not guaranteed. To join the waitlist, you must submit your enrollment confirmation fee, pay the housing application fee and complete the housing application. 

    Our campus sits right in heart of vibrant Charleston. While on-campus housing is limited for transfers, we offer resources to help you find a great home nearby. 
    Register for Orientation 
    The College provides dedicated orientation sessions for transfer students. You can sign up for orientation through the "Orientation Registration & Confirmation" tile in MyPortal.Submit your Final College Transcripts
    Submit all official, final college transcripts. Official transcripts are sent directly to the College of Charleston from your previous college or institution.  Visit Next Steps: Admitted Students

Scholarships & Financial Aid


Find out how much federal financial aid you are eligible for. Submit a new  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for all need-based aid or loans. Priority deadline is February 1. Go to https://studentaid.gov/. 
  • Scholarships

    Our transfer scholarships are designed to recognize these achievements and help make completing your degree more affordable. Whether you're transferring from a community college or another four-year institution, we're committed to supporting your continued educational journey and helping you reach your goals.

    S.C. Transfer Grant – SC residents who earned an associate degree from a South Carolina technical or community college within a year of enrolling will be considered for a $2,500 merit scholarship, renewable for a second year.

    State Scholarships – South Carolina residents may also be considered for state scholarships. Send your final high school and college/university transcripts to our financial aid office for consideration.

    Meeting Street Charleston Compact – Only students from specific S.C. counties are eligible for this program. The compact covers all eligible education costs including full-time tuition, required fees, housing, and meals.

    Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship - This scholarship is only available to Phi Theta Kappa members. To learn more, please reach out to our transfer advising team.

    Veteran education benefits – Service members may be entitled to VA education benefits earned through the GI Bill®. The GI Bill helps veterans and their family members cover the costs of a college education including tuition, books and housing. 

    International Ambassador Scholarship – F-1 student visa holders are automatically considered for this merit award upon applying. 

  • Tuition Information

    2026-2027 Academic Year*

    In-state = $12,518

    Out-of-state = $39,344

    Weighted average room and board = $15,237

    *Subject to change without prior notice by the Board of Trustees

    View Est. Cost of Attendance

Transfer Application Deadlines


Transfer - Fall Semester 2027

DeadlineAdmission Event
June 30Application due
July 7

Transcript/materials for application due (unofficial transcripts accepted)

July 31Non-refundable deposit due
August 1Orientation registration deadline
August 23Classes begin


*Readmit students and students enrolling in the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree completion program have 
unique deadlines. Please visit these pages for deadlines and application information.


Transfer - Spring Semester 2027

DeadlineAdmission Event
November 16Application Due
November 23

Transcript/materials for application
due (unofficial transcripts accepted)

December 16

Non-refundable deposit due

December 19

Orientation registration deadline

January 11Classes begin

As a transfer student, it was easy to get involved on campus. (And) it’s like the best of both worlds - I’m living an independent life and integrated into the city, but campus is its own area.

Zachary Kronsberg '22, Duke transfer, Honors College, Current JD candidate at Georgetown Univ. Law