Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

College of Charleston vs University of South Carolina-Columbia

Charleston, SC · Columbia, SC · Source: IPEDS federal database

College of CharlestonUniversity of South Carolina-Columbia
Acceptance Rate72.0%61.5%
In-State Tuition$12,978$12,688
Out-of-State Tuition$36,858$34,934
Average Net Price$20,806$26,068
Graduation Rate65.0%78.0%

GradFax Analysis

College of Charleston accepts 72.0% of applicants. University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 61.5%. Tuition is close: $12,978 at College of Charleston, $12,688 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. College of Charleston graduates 65% of students in 6 years. University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates 78%.

Bottom Line

After aid, the average student pays $20,806/year at College of Charleston and $26,068/year at University of South Carolina-Columbia. College of Charleston is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →College of Charleston profileUniversity of South Carolina-Columbia profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, College of Charleston or University of South Carolina-Columbia?

University of South Carolina-Columbia. It accepts 61.5% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is College of Charleston or University of South Carolina-Columbia more affordable?

College of Charleston, on average. After aid, students pay $20,806/year versus $26,068/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

University of South Carolina-Columbia: 78% of students finish in 6 years. College of Charleston is at 65%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

College of Charleston vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax