Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

University of South Carolina-Columbia vs College of Charleston

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

University of South Carolina-ColumbiaCollege of Charleston
Acceptance Rate61.5%72.0%
In-State Tuition$12,688$12,978
Out-of-State Tuition$34,934$36,858
Average Net Price$26,068$20,806
Graduation Rate78.0%65.0%

GradFax Analysis

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

Bottom Line

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

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →University of South Carolina-Columbia profileCollege of Charleston profile

Common Questions

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

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

Source: IPEDS

Is University of South Carolina-Columbia or College of Charleston 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.

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