Founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785, the College of Charleston is the oldest university in South Carolina and the thirteenth oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Spanning a 52-acre urban campus in historic downtown Charleston, CofC features pre-revolutionary brick buildings, Spanish moss oaks, and wrought-iron gates. You can examine its founding origins, colonial history, and campus evolution through the College of Charleston Wikipedia historical entry.
When you attend CofC, you step into a historic liberal arts institution situated inside one of America's premier coastal cities. Living in downtown Charleston places you steps away from historic monuments, art galleries, marine research ports, and financial firms.
Premier Academic Programs
CofC organizes its instruction across six specialized schools holding national reputations:
- School of Business: AACSB-accredited business school renowned for hospitality and tourism management, real estate analytics, finance, and entrepreneurship. Explore degree paths on the School of Business portal.
- School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering: Delivers hands-on instruction in marine biology, computer science, physics, and environmental geology.
- School of the Arts: Renowned center for historic preservation, studio arts, theatrical performance, and music.
- School of Education: Prepares compassionate educators, school counselors, and human service specialists.
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences: Serves as the liberal arts core across political science, history, communication, and philosophy.
"Sapientia Ipsa Libertas, translated from Latin as Wisdom Itself Is Liberty, serves as CofC's official motto."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on Cistern Yard, Randolph Hall, and Cougar Mall. School spirit revolves around Clyde the Cougar, the energetic costumed mascot representing College of Charleston Cougars athletic teams in NCAA Division I Coastal Athletic Association sports. You can read about spirit traditions and mascot history on the official College of Charleston Cougars Athletics portal. Attending commencement ceremonies in Cistern Yard, cheering inside TD Arena for basketball games, and joining over 240 student clubs creates an engaging urban culture.
Research Infrastructure and Marine Biology
CofC operates an active research enterprise highlighted by world-class coastal marine laboratories:
- Grice Marine Laboratory: Coastal research facility located at Fort Johnson, conducting studies in marine organismal biology and oceanography.
- South Carolina Space Grant Consortium: NASA-funded statewide research consortium headquartered at CofC, driving space science research. Learn more via CofC Research Operations.
- Riley Center for Livable Communities: Interdisciplinary research center evaluating urban planning, historic preservation, and community health.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of signers of the Declaration of Independence, public servants, actors, and corporate leaders, including:
- Edward Rutledge and Thomas Heyward Jr.: Signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence who attended the College of Charleston.
- Orlando Jones: Actor and comedian best known for MadTV and American Gods who studied at CofC.
- Padgett Powell: Award-winning novelist and professor who earned his degree at CofC.
- Glenn McConnell: Former Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina and university president who earned his law degree after studying at CofC.
CofC provides generous merit scholarship coverage and need-based financial aid for domestic and international applicants. Review full admission standards and application steps on the official CofC Admissions portal.