Charleston, SC · Private University
Is College of Charleston Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$56,416
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,978
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,858
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$147,432
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.53x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
65.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,250
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$19,518
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
College of Charleston graduates earn $11,416 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at College of Charleston ranked by graduate earnings
52 graduates
73 graduates
42 graduates
49 graduates
31 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at College of Charleston
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At College of Charleston, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $94,025) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $32,560) is $61,465/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $94,025 | 2.5x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $82,260 | 2.2x |
| International Business | $67,678 | 1.8x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $65,244 | 1.8x |
| Information Science/Studies(1yr data) | $63,069 | 1.7x |
| Marketing | $56,514 | 1.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,793 | 1.5x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $50,262 | 1.4x |
| Political Science and Government | $46,124 | 1.3x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $45,859 | 1.2x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $45,772 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $45,718 | 1.2x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $45,715 | 1.2x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $45,613 | 1.2x |
| Public Health | $45,192 | 1.2x |
| Historic Preservation and Conservation | $44,915 | 1.2x |
| Sociology | $44,831 | 1.2x |
| Psychology, General | $43,319 | 1.2x |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $41,932 | 1.1x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $40,564 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,792 | 1.1x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $39,600 | 1.1x |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $38,817 | 1.1x |
| History | $38,464 | 1.0x |
| International/Global Studies | $38,167 | 1.0x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $35,183 | 0.9x |
| Anthropology | $35,159 | 0.9x |
| Computer Software and Media Applications(1yr data) | $34,166 | 0.9x |
| Chemistry | $32,994 | 0.9x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest | $32,560 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
College of Charleston offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $56,416 10 years after starting — $11,416 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.9 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.