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.
Other Cities in South Carolina
Columbia
11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,688
Greenville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,362
Conway
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,140
Clemson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,558
North Charleston
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Mount Pleasant
4 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Rock Hill
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Summerville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Goose Creek
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Sumter
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Hilton Head Island
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Charleston
How we compile Charleston college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Charleston institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Charleston's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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