College Costs in South Charleston, WV 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in South Charleston, West Virginia. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$24,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$400
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
South Charleston Overview
Population
12,820
Student Population
1,943 (15.2%)
Cost of Living Index
69.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for South Charleston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,800
Total After Financial Aid
$85,800
Annual Cost
$21,450
Annual After Aid
$21,450
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,800 |
| Monthly Payment | $974 |
| Total Interest | $31,109 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,909 |
Universities in South Charleston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| South Charleston State University | Public | $9,235 |
| South Charleston Community College | Community | $5,112 |
South Charleston has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in South Charleston vs. National Average
| Category | South Charleston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,800 | $10,940 | -$2,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $400 | $1,050 | -$650 |
| Cost of Living Index | 69.9 | 100 | -30.099999999999994 |
South Charleston's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in South Charleston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,943 students
South Charleston has a total population of 12,820, with approximately 1,943 college students (15.2% of the population). As a major college town, South Charleston offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in South Charleston
$25,805
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in South Charleston earn a median starting salary of $25,805, which is -$9,195 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,800 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,806 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in West Virginia
Charleston
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,944
Huntington
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,700
Morgantown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,504
Parkersburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Wheeling
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Weirton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Fairmont
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Martinsburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Beckley
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Clarksburg
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Teays Valley
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
Cross Lanes
1 colleges · Avg tuition $8,800
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