College Highlight
College of Charleston
(From the Fiske Guide to Colleges)
A public school one-third the size of the University of South Carolina that blends a small-college feel with the advantages of a midsized, urban university. College of Charleston compares to William & Mary in both scale and historic surroundings but is far less rigorous academically. Offers business, education, and the liberal arts and sciences. Location a feast for history buffs.
Whether sampling the traditional Lowcountry cuisine or delving into the wide range of courses offered at this strong liberal arts and sciences institution, students at the College of Charleston know they are getting a solid education based on creative expression, intellectual freedom, and hands-on learning experiences. Founded in 1770 as Colonial South Carolina’s first college, CofC’s original commitment to the liberal arts and sciences and to the citizens of the region has helped it become a well-respected institution throughout the Southeast. And the location only adds to the experience, providing opportunities for research and internships, and a robust social scene.
The 13th oldest college in the country, CofC was founded as a private college and, after a number of identity changes, became a state university exactly 200 years later. Located in Charleston’s famous Historic District, the campus features many of the city’s most venerable buildings. More than 80 of its buildings are former private residences, ranging from the typical Charleston “single” house to the Victorian, and the clap-clap of horse-drawn carriages bearing tourists is a routine sight. The campus is within easy walking distance of the city’s shopping and restaurant district and offers proximity to beaches. Cistern Yard, the area in front of Randolph Hall lined with moss-draped live oaks, is a student gathering point and the site of May graduation ceremonies. The campus has received countless awards for its design and has been designated a national arboretum and a National Historic Landmark.
The college’s core curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. The focus is on the development of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, as well as taking an entrepreneurial approach to addressing global issues like climate change, social injustice, and economic inequality. Each student is required to satisfy credits in English, history, mathematics or logic, social science, natural sciences, humanities, and foreign language. All new students attend Convocation, where they are introduced to the college’s academic traditions, and freshmen from underrepresented groups can participate in several support programs designed to ensure their successful transition to college. All freshmen take part in the First-Year Experience and choose between seminar and learning community options; sample seminars include Ghost Stories, From Russia with Code: Cybersecurity & Russia, and Feminist Jiu-Jitsu for Self-Defense.
“The academic climate at College of Charleston is very collaborative. I feel surrounded by students, staff, and professors who push me to succeed,” a senior says. Biology and chemistry are two of the strongest programs; many graduates go on to the Medical University of South Carolina, a few blocks down the street. The most popular majors are biology, business administration, psychology, and communication, while public health, arts management, and marketing are among the fastest-growing programs. A new major in systems engineering has been added. Forty-one percent of all classes enroll fewer than 20 students, and a public health major describes the quality of instruction as hit-or-miss, adding, “Some professors really care if you are absorbing the content and help you build career goals.”
About 700 students enroll in the Honors College, where they are given a more demanding workload, including a culminating Bachelor’s Essay that is undertaken with the support of a faculty mentor. The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities program awards competitive grants to fund student/faculty research projects. Thirty-three percent of undergrads study internationally; the college sponsors more than 30 faculty-led study abroad programs, as well as several weeklong spring break trips that are tied to First-Year Seminar courses. Students may also choose from hundreds of additional options through preapproved providers.
According to one student, College of Charleston has “a very open-minded and liberal student body.” Thirty-nine percent of students hail from out of state, and another 1 percent from foreign countries. The college offers merit scholarships averaging $12,800 and 116 athletic scholarships.
“On-campus housing at CofC is very nice, with choices between dormitories, apartments, or historic houses,” says a student. Thirty-three percent of students live on campus, and students say more would stay if there were space to accommodate them. Off-campus housing can get expensive, although the college has acquired multiple housing buildings within walking distance of campus in order to ease the strain. Dining services provide options for all types of eaters, including “homestyle, grill, deli, salad bar, Greek, dessert, and cereal bar” selections, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and kosher fare. “Being in the heart of a city can sometimes be overwhelming, but generally, campus feels safe,” says one student.
Fifteen percent of the men and 24 percent of the women belong to fraternities and sororities, respectively. A recent crackdown on misconduct among Greek groups has resulted in tightened alcohol policies and the suspension of multiple fraternities. Still, says a junior, “Greek groups are the gatekeepers of party culture at CofC.” More than 240 student organizations help provide alternatives, and the Medical University of South Carolina and The Citadel Military College, both in Charleston, also expand the social opportunities. For those who don’t mind a drive, there’s “the Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach, 90 miles north, Savannah and Hilton Head to the south, and Atlanta to the west.
The absence of a football team is a common gripe among students, but other athletic teams are popular, none more so than basketball. The College of Charleston is a Division I school, and several Cougar teams have claimed recent Colonial Athletic Association championships, including men’s basketball and women’s golf. The sailing team is a top performer nationally, winning titles in 2018 and 2019. The intramural program offers eight team sports throughout the year, and basketball and soccer are the most popular, both in terms of participation and competitive fervor; more than 25 club sports are also available.
The College of Charleston has become the finest public liberal arts and sciences institution in South Carolina, propelled by an honors college, opportunities for internships and study abroad, and a healthy social life. A senior says, “Here, you will find faculty and staff who care for your success and great friends who come from all different backgrounds.”