Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total cost to live and learn at the College for one academic year. It includes direct costs billed directly by the College (like tuition and fees) as well as estimated indirect costs (such as housing, food, books and personal transportation).
Your Cost of Attendance will ultimately depend on your individual circumstances. Still, the estimated average costs we provide matter for two key reasons:
Your total financial aid cannot exceed your COA. This means the combined amount you receive from all sources—grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment—cannot be greater than the cost of attendance.
Our figures are based on averages. Your actual expenses may be lower or higher than the estimated COA. Even so, these estimates are an essential tool for planning ahead and creating a realistic college budget.
2026-27 Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
For the 2026-27 academic year, the estimated total Cost of Attendance (COA) is $35,270 for in-state undergraduate residents and $63,856 for out-of-state undergraduate non-residents. *Based on anticipated enrollment of 12 hours per semester. Tuition includes fall and spring semesters. All rates are subject to change without notice. Visit the Treasurer's Office for a complete list of charges.
| Name of Fee | In-State (Resident) | Out-State (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition* | $12,518 | $39,344 |
| Tech/Athetic/Library Fees | $710 | $710 |
| Housing & Food | $15,237 | $15,237 |
| Personal Miscellaneous | $2,365 | $2,365 |
| Transportation | $2,760 | $4,520 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,590 | $1,590 |
| Loan Fees | $90 | $90 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $35,270 | $63,856 |
2026-27 Graduate Cost of Attendance
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for graduate students (both in-state and out-of-state) is $9,513. *Based on anticipated enrollment of 6 hours per semester. Tuition includes fall and spring semesters. All rates are subject to change without notice. Visit the Treasurer's Office for a complete list of charges.
| Name of Fee | In-State (Resident) | Out-State (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition* | $7,920 | $7,920 |
| Tech & Library Fees | $230 | $230 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,060 | $1,060 |
| Loan Fees | $303 | $303 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $9,513 | $9,513 |
Terms and Definitions
Weighted Average Room and Board
Campus Housing has the complete list of on-campus residence halls/houses and costs. For a complete list of meal plans and costs, visit Campus Dining Services. If you choose a residence hall or meal plan that varies from the average, it will not affect your cost of attendance (remember, the COA is a standard amount set to determine the maximum amount of aid you can receive).
Transportation
Transportation costs include expenses for commuting to campus, parking on/near campus and travel for four round trips home annually. Read the College's parking policies and learn about transportation options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuition & Fees
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What is the in-state undergraduate tuition & fees cost at College of Charleston?
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for an in-state (resident) undergraduate student is $35,270. This includes $12,518 for tuition, $710 in technology/athletic/library fees, $15,237 for housing and food, $2,365 for personal/miscellaneous expenses, $2,760 for transportation, $1,590 for books and supplies, and $90 in loan fees.
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What is the out-of-state undergrad tuition & fees cost at College of Charleston?
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for an out-of-state (non-resident) undergraduate student is $63,856. This includes $39,344 for tuition, $710 in technology/athletic/library fees, $15,237 for housing and food, $2,365 for personal/miscellaneous expenses, $4,520 for transportation, $1,590 for books and supplies, and $90 in loan fees.
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What is the graduate student cost of attendance at College of Charleston?
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for graduate students (both in-state and out-of-state) is $9,513. This is based on $7,920 for tuition, $230 in tech/library fees, $1,060 for books and supplies, and $303 in loan fees.