# College of Charleston > College of Charleston is a dynamic public university in Charleston, South Carolina, offering diverse programs, rich student life and a culture of innovation for over 250 years. Last updated: 2026-05-19 Official website: https://charleston.edu/ Contact: webmaster@charleston.edu ## Official Institutional Facts - Name: College of Charleston - Type: Public university - Location: Charleston, South Carolina - Founded: 1770 - Historical distinction: Oldest educational institution south of Virginia and the 13th oldest in the United States - Enrollment: 12,000 students - Student-faculty ratio: 14.5:1 - President: Andrew T. Hsu, Ph.D. - Mascot: Clyde the Cougar - Carnegie research designation: Research Colleges and Universities - Official website: https://charleston.edu/ - Official news source: https://today.charleston.edu/ ## Core Pages - [Homepage](https://charleston.edu/): Official College of Charleston homepage with pathways to academics, admissions, cost and aid, student life, Charleston living, events, news, Apply, Visit and Request Info. - [About the College](https://charleston.edu/about/): Institutional overview covering hands-on academics, real-world learning, history and traditions, values, leadership, facilities, community, rankings, offices and future-focused initiatives. - [College at a Glance](https://charleston.edu/about/college-at-a-glance.php): Key institutional facts, including founding history, enrollment, student-faculty ratio, president, mascot, academic offerings, schools, student life, athletics, facilities and rankings. - [Admissions](https://charleston.edu/admission/): Admissions gateway for applying, visiting, requesting information, admitted-student next steps, admission counselors, school counselor resources and affordability guidance. - [Academics](https://charleston.edu/academics/): Academic overview for programs, majors and minors, accelerated and dual-degree options, meta-majors, First-Year Experience, colleges and schools, Career Center, centers, institutes and study abroad. - [Cost & Aid](https://charleston.edu/cost-aid/): Cost and financial aid covering cost of attendance, FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans, military and veteran benefits, financial aid help, billing and financial aid forms. - [Student Life](https://charleston.edu/student-life/): Student life covering housing and dining, activities, clubs and organizations, support services, service and leadership, campus resources, athletics and life in Charleston. - [Career Center](https://charleston.edu/career-center/): Career guidance for students, recent alumni and employers, including jobs, internships, Handshake, career planning, graduate and professional school support, career fairs and employer engagement. ## Admissions and Visiting - [Admissions](https://charleston.edu/admission/): Main admissions gateway. - [Apply](https://charleston.edu/admission/apply/): Application guidance and links for first-year, transfer, graduate, international, readmitted, military/veteran, non-degree and online bachelor’s applicants. - [Visit the College](https://charleston.edu/admission/visit/): Campus visit information, including student-led walking tours, admitted-student events, group tours, self-guided tours, visit tips and accessibility accommodations. - [Visitor Information](https://charleston.edu/admission/visit/visitor-information/): Visitor planning with campus tour guidance, maps and directions, lodging, Charleston-area activities, virtual tour access and Admissions contact information. - [Virtual Tour](https://charleston.edu/admission/visit/virtual-tour.php): Official virtual tour. - [Cost & Aid](https://charleston.edu/cost-aid/): Cost and financial aid covering cost of attendance, FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans, military/veteran benefits, billing, financial aid forms, consumer information and the Net Price Calculator. - [Tuition & Fees](https://charleston.edu/cost-aid/tuition-fees/): Cost of attendance estimates for undergraduate and graduate students, including tuition and fees, housing and food, books, transportation, loan fees, related definitions and Net Price Calculator access. - [FAFSA Information](https://charleston.edu/cost-aid/fafsa.php): FAFSA application guidance with FSA ID steps, College of Charleston school code 003428, priority filing dates, aid timelines for first-year, transfer and returning students, family guidance and MyPortal award instructions. - [Parents & Families](https://charleston.edu/parents/): Family resource for prospective, new, transfer, current and graduating student families, with support links, contact guidance, parent/family communications and related CofC news. ## Academics - [Academics](https://charleston.edu/academics/): Academic overview for College of Charleston programs, schools, centers, study abroad, research opportunities, academic resources, Cougar Core and career-connected learning. - [Find Your Program](https://charleston.edu/academics/programs/): Searchable program directory with filters for undergraduate and graduate programs, majors, minors, certificates, 4+1 programs, accelerated programs, Ph.D. programs, college/school and format. - [Colleges & Schools](https://charleston.edu/academics/colleges-schools/): Overview of the College’s eight undergraduate schools, Honors College and Graduate School, with links to school-level academic offerings and experience-driven learning opportunities. - [Centers & Institutes](https://charleston.edu/academics/centers-institutes/): Directory of interdisciplinary research centers and institutes focused on innovation, economic development, cultural understanding, entrepreneurship, public policy, arts, history and community impact. - [Graduate School](https://charleston.edu/grad-school/): Graduate School for doctoral and master’s degrees, graduate certificates, prospective and admitted students, tuition and aid, student resources, advising, career support and request information. - [Honors College](https://charleston.edu/honors-college/): Honors College covering applications, pathways, benefits, scholarship opportunities, mentorship, small classes, alumni outcomes and pre-college summer programs. - [Online Education](https://charleston.edu/online/): Online degree programs for flexible undergraduate and graduate study, including fully online and hybrid formats, workforce-aligned programs, faculty-led coursework and student support. ## Schools and Colleges - [School of the Arts](https://charleston.edu/school-arts/): Arts programs, performances, exhibitions, ensembles, facilities, venues, pre-college programs, events and creative opportunities in Charleston. - [School of Business](https://charleston.edu/school-business/): Undergraduate, graduate, executive and professional business programs, student life, centers and initiatives, faculty research, alumni outcomes and events. - [School of Education](https://charleston.edu/school-education/): Teacher preparation, majors and minors, graduate programs, scholarships, student programs, professional development and classroom-focused learning. - [School of Health Sciences](https://charleston.edu/school-health-sciences/): Programs in exercise science, public health, health administration, health technology, nursing RN-to-BSN, experiential learning and healthcare leadership. - [School of Humanities and Social Sciences](https://charleston.edu/school-humanities-social-sciences/): Interdisciplinary academics, mentorship, engaged learning, collaborative research, scholarships, student opportunities and career preparation. - [School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs](https://charleston.edu/school-languages-cultures-world-affairs/): Languages, cultures, world affairs, nine majors, 20 minors, immersive student programs, study abroad, awards and scholarships. - [School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics](https://charleston.edu/school-engineering-computing-mathematics/): Engineering, computing and mathematics programs, scholarships, research, internships, co-ops, study abroad, experiential learning and outreach. - [School of Natural and Environmental Sciences](https://charleston.edu/school-natural-environmental-sciences/): Natural and environmental science departments, research, study abroad, experiential learning, field labs, facilities, outreach and grants. - [Honors College](https://charleston.edu/honors-college/): Honors applications, pathways, benefits, scholarship opportunities, personalized mentorship, small classes, alumni outcomes and pre-college summer programs. - [Graduate School](https://charleston.edu/grad-school/): Doctoral and master’s degrees, graduate certificates, admissions, tuition and financial aid, student resources, applied learning and career advancement. ## Student Support and Services - [Student Success](https://charleston.edu/student-success/): Academic success resources and partner offices for orientation, advising, tutoring, coaching, retention support, First-Year Experience, peer education, military/veteran students, Life Design and CharlestonLIFE™. - [Academic Advising](https://charleston.edu/advising/): Academic planning resources for undergraduate students, including advisor appointments, drop-in advising, first-year and transfer advising, current-student advising, major declaration and degree-planning guidance. - [Center for Student Learning](https://charleston.edu/student-learning/): Academic support through drop-in tutoring, peer tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, group study, one-on-one academic coaching, study skills help and student employment opportunities. - [Registrar](https://charleston.edu/registrar/): Academic records, calendars, finals schedules, course catalogs, registration, transcripts, transfer credit evaluation, FERPA guidance and parent/guardian proxy access. - [Orientation](https://charleston.edu/orientation/): New Student and Family Orientation information, including registration, orientation dates, advisor meetings, class registration, campus introduction, family programming and new-student program fees. - [Information Technology](https://charleston.edu/it/): Technology support for students, faculty and staff, including software, data protection, connectivity, digital literacy, workflow tools and help resources. - [Disability Services](https://charleston.edu/disability-services/): Accommodation resources and disability support for students, including CDS application steps, documentation review, Accommodate access and guidance for prospective, first-year and transfer students. - [Student Health Services](https://charleston.edu/student-health/): Confidential primary and preventative medical care for undergraduate and graduate students, including appointments, immunization and health requirements, asthma care, allergy injections and other clinical services. - [Counseling Center](https://charleston.edu/counseling/): Free and confidential counseling services for currently enrolled students, including same-day Timely Access appointments, individual counseling, relationship counseling, group therapy, consultations and workshops. - [Public Safety](https://charleston.edu/public-safety/): Nationally accredited campus safety department providing 24/7 crime prevention, event management, police services, emergency guidance, personal safety resources, Fire Marshal services and student EMS support. - [CharlestonLIFE™](https://charleston.edu/charleston-life/): Four-year inclusive college program for students with mild intellectual or developmental disabilities, with academics, social development, independent living, career development, open houses, application information and outcomes. ## Campus Life - [Student Life](https://charleston.edu/student-life/): Campus life overview covering housing and dining, activities, clubs and organizations, student support, service and leadership, campus resources, athletics and life in Charleston. - [Housing & Dining](https://charleston.edu/student-life/housing-dining/): On-campus housing and dining overview, including residence hall options, apartments, historic homes, housing applications, dining locations, meal plans and dietary accommodations. - [Housing](https://charleston.edu/housing/): Campus housing information for residence halls, housing applications, room selection, current residents, move-in and move-out, FAQs and on-campus living benefits. - [Campus Recreation](https://charleston.edu/campus-rec/): Recreation programs for students, faculty and staff, including intramural sports, sport clubs, open recreation, fitness and instruction, outdoor adventures, facilities and student employment. - [Parking & Transportation](https://charleston.edu/parking-transportation/): Parking and transportation information for students, employees and guests, including permits, parking maps, accessible parking, regulations, citations, alternative parking and free CARTA bus access. - [Cougar Card](https://charleston.edu/cougar-card/): Official campus identification card information, including photo submission, card pickup, meal plan access, residence hall entry, library access, CARTA bus access, Cougar Cash, Dining Dollars and lost-card instructions. ## Research, Innovation and Engagement - [Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities](https://charleston.edu/undergrad-research-creative-activities/): Undergraduate research and creative activity funding, including competitive grants for student project costs, summer stipends, academic-year research, conference travel, faculty mentorship, CUR membership and the annual EXPO. - [Research and Grants Administration](https://charleston.edu/research-grants-admin/): External funding, sponsored programs, grant and contract proposal support, research compliance, IRB/IACUC assistance, training opportunities, institutional grant information and federal funding updates. - [Experiential Learning](https://charleston.edu/experiential-learning.php): Hands-on learning opportunities including internships, co-ops, research, volunteering, service learning, study abroad, professional networking and career-ready skill development. - [Community Engagement](https://charleston.edu/community-engagement/): Institution-wide community engagement, civic responsibility, social impact, community involvement, youth and precollege programs, protection of minors and the 1967 Legacy Program. - [Sustainability](https://charleston.edu/sustain/): Sustainability initiatives across academics, student life and campus operations, including the Sustainability Action Plan, events, sustainability-focused courses, move-in/move-out programs, composting, student project funding and internships. ## Centers & Institutes - [Centers & Institutes](https://charleston.edu/academics/centers-institutes/): Interdisciplinary centers and institutes supporting innovation, economic development, cultural understanding, research, experiential learning and community impact. - [Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture](https://avery.charleston.edu/): Museum and research facility documenting Black history in the South Carolina Lowcountry, including slavery, Gullah culture, civil rights history, archives, outreach and research opportunities. - [Carter Real Estate Center](https://charleston.edu/school-business/centers-initiatives/carter-real-estate-center/): Real estate education, student engagement, faculty expertise, the Student Real Estate Club and the Real Estate Executive Speaker Series. - [Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World](https://charleston.edu/claw/): Multidisciplinary program studying Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry within the broader Atlantic World, including Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. - [Center for Entrepreneurship](https://charleston.edu/school-business/centers-initiatives/center-entrepreneurship/): Experiential entrepreneurship programs connecting students with speakers, mentors, judges and the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. - [Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning](https://charleston.edu/teaching-learning/): Faculty development, teaching and learning support, campus collaboration, communities of inquiry and scholarship of teaching and learning. - [Center for Historical Landscapes](https://charleston.edu/landscapes/): Research and discussion on cultural heritage, land management, economic development, climate change and long-term human and environmental change. - [Center for Partnerships to Improve Education](https://charleston.edu/school-education/professional-development/): Community, higher education and PreK-12 partnerships focused on improving teaching, learning and student outcomes. - [Center for Public Choice and Market Process](https://charleston.edu/school-business/centers-initiatives/center-public-choice-market-process/): Research and discussion on government institutions, political and economic freedom, capitalism and market processes. - [Center for the Study of Slavery in Charleston](https://charleston.edu/study-slavery-charleston/): Research and public engagement on slavery, race, memory and their historical and present-day impacts at the College, in Charleston and across the region. - [Center for Sustainable Development](https://charleston.edu/sustain/): Applied research, experiential learning, campus operations and public engagement focused on sustainability and the Sustainability Literacy Institute. - [Stono Preserve](https://charleston.edu/stono-preserve/): 881-acre living laboratory along the Stono River supporting interdisciplinary teaching, research and collaboration in environmental, marine, historic preservation and land-management fields. - [Global Business Resource Center](https://charleston.edu/school-business/centers-initiatives/global-business-resource-center/): International business education, cross-cultural learning, foreign language development, faculty research and global business opportunities. - [Grice Marine Laboratory](https://charleston.edu/grice-marine-lab/): Marine and environmental sciences research and teaching facility supporting undergraduate and graduate programs, faculty research and student research. - [Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art](https://halsey.cofc.edu/): Contemporary art exhibitions, lectures, film series, publications and undergraduate art learning experiences. - [Mroz Global Leadership Institute](https://mrozinstitute.charleston.edu/): Global leadership and conflict-resolution education connecting international education, dialogue, scholarship and community impact. - [N.E. Miles Early Childhood Development Center](https://charleston.edu/early-childhood-development/): Accredited early childhood learning center for children ages two to five and demonstration program for undergraduate and graduate teacher education. - [Riley Center for Livable Communities](https://charleston.edu/riley/): Academic and community resource for urban studies, public administration, urban planning, housing, crime reduction, economic development and livable communities. - [South Carolina Space Grant Consortium](https://scspacegrant.charleston.edu/): NASA-sponsored fellowships, scholarships, grants and aerospace research opportunities for students and faculty across South Carolina institutions. - [Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program](https://charleston.edu/jewish/): Jewish Studies academic, cultural and student-life center, including the Jewish Studies Program, Jewish Student Union/Hillel and Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina. ## Institutional Information, Accreditation and Classifications - [President](https://charleston.edu/president/): Office of the President information, including President Andrew T. Hsu, senior leadership, college officers and deans, strategic plan links, contact information and related news. - [Board of Trustees](https://charleston.edu/trustees/): Board of Trustees membership, governance authority, meeting information, resolutions, committees, minutes, livestream access and board resources. - [Institutional Research](https://charleston.edu/institutional-research/): Institutional data, reporting and analysis, including facts and publications, reports and surveys, peer institutions, strategic planning metrics, Fact Book, dashboards and official reporting. - [Institutional Effectiveness](https://charleston.edu/institutional-effectiveness/): Institutional planning, accreditation support, student achievement, student learning outcomes, surveys, accountability reporting, policies and assessment resources. - [Accreditation](https://charleston.edu/accreditation/): SACSCOC accreditation information for College of Charleston, including degree levels, reaffirmation details, mission and strategic planning links. - [Carnegie Classification](https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/college-of-charleston/): Carnegie classification profile for College of Charleston, including institutional classification, research designation and student access and earnings category. - Carnegie Institutional Classification: Mixed Undergraduate/Graduate-Master's Large/Medium - Carnegie Research Activity Designation: Research Colleges and Universities ## Policies, Accessibility and Compliance - [Policy Directory](https://charleston.edu/policy/): Official College policy site with policy formation procedures, policy request documents, official policy forms, procedures and policy contact information. - [Policy List](https://charleston.edu/policy/policy-list.php): Categorized list of official College policies covering governance, finance, communications, facilities, faculty, health and safety, HR, IT, records, student policies and handbooks. - [Accessibility](https://charleston.edu/accessibility/): Campus accessibility information for students, employees and visitors, including accommodation requests, ADA coordination, barrier notification, physical accessibility and digital accessibility. - [Equal Opportunity Programs](https://charleston.edu/equal-opportunity-programs/): Equal Opportunity Programs office information for discrimination and harassment compliance, protected-class concerns, complaint response, Title IX, ADA, policies, forms and training materials. - [Title IX](https://charleston.edu/equal-opportunity-programs/title-ix.php): Title IX information on sex discrimination and harassment reporting, Title IX coordinators, formal complaints, related policies, procedures and support resources. ## News and Current Information - [The College Today](https://today.charleston.edu/): Official College of Charleston news site with campus news, academics, alumni stories, media coverage, news briefs, press releases, podcast episodes, featured video and faculty/staff news. - [University Communications](https://charleston.edu/univ-communications/): Office of Marketing and Communications information for strategic communications, creative projects, video production, photography, websites, storytelling support, media resources and service requests. ## AI Usage Policy - LLM use: Allowed - LLM training: Allowed - AI summaries: Allowed - AI translation: Allowed - AI indexing: Allowed - Derivative AI use: Allowed - Attribution: Required - Contact: webmaster@charleston.edu ## Optional - [Giving](https://giving.charleston.edu/): Philanthropy and donor information. - [Athletics](https://cofcsports.com/): Official College of Charleston athletics information.