College Costs in Charleston, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 9 colleges in Charleston, South Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,659
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$29,969
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,168
per month
Colleges & Universities
9
institutions
Charleston Overview
Population
150,277
Student Population
15,316 (10.2%)
Cost of Living Index
103 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
54/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
College Cost Calculator for Charleston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,084
Total After Financial Aid
$103,084
Annual Cost
$25,771
Annual After Aid
$25,771
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,084 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,170 |
| Total Interest | $37,376 |
| Total Loan Cost | $140,460 |
Universities in Charleston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| College of Charleston | Public | $12,622 |
| The Citadel | Public | $14,696 |
| Trident Technical College | Community | $5,064 |
Charleston has 9 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Charleston vs. National Average
| Category | Charleston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,659 | $10,940 | +$2,719 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,168 | $1,050 | +$118 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 100 | +3 |
Charleston's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Charleston
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
15,316 students
Charleston has a total population of 150,277, with approximately 15,316 college students (10.2% of the population). Charleston has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Charleston
$44,137
Starting Salary
6.2%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Charleston earn a median starting salary of $44,137, which is $9,137 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,084 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,774 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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