Strong internship culture due to Charleston location. Partnerships with local businesses, hospitals, law firms, and tourism industry. Center for Entrepreneurship connects students with startups. Required internships for some majors. Charleston's growing economy provides abundant opportunities.

Average class size is 24 students. 47% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Only 3% of classes have 50+ students.

Primarily teaching-focused institution with emphasis on undergraduate education. Mix of lecture and hands-on learning. Strong emphasis on experiential learning, study abroad (40%+ participation rate), and internships. Less research-focused than major universities.

Excellent support services: Center for Student Learning (tutoring, writing center, supplemental instruction), Academic Advising office, disability services, first-year experience programs. Small class sizes facilitate professor accessibility. Office hours well-attended.

Career Center provides counseling, resume help, mock interviews. Annual career fairs. 2022 data shows 94% of graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Strong regional placement, particularly in Charleston and Southeast.

• No specific pre-law major but Political Science and Philosophy programs feed into law schools. 3+3 program with Charleston School of Law allows completion of BA and JD in 6 years.
• School of Business accredited by AACSB (top 5% worldwide). Strong regional reputation. Marketing concentration available within Business Administration major.
• Well-established program with BA and BS options. Research opportunities available. Not nationally ranked but solid regional program.
• Liberal arts focus with growing professional programs. Known for Marine Biology, Historic Preservation, and Business programs.
• Exercise Science major serves as pre-PT pathway. Biology and Health & Human Performance programs also support pre-PT students. No guaranteed PT school admission program.

14:1

Greek life present but not dominant. Approximately 15-20% of students participate in fraternities/sororities (12 fraternities, 11 sororities). Social scene does not revolve around Greek life. Many social options outside Greek system. Greek students integrated into broader campus community.

Vibrant and diverse social scene. Charleston's downtown (King Street, Market Street) provides restaurants, bars, music venues. Beach access (Folly Beach, Isle of Palms). Active student organizations (200+). Outdoor activities popular. Mix of preppy Southern culture with coastal laid-back vibe. Dating scene active. Strong sense of community.

Moderate to strong school spirit. NCAA Division I athletics (Colonial Athletic Association). Basketball games draw decent crowds. Baseball is popular. Not a football school (no team). Strong traditions include Cistern Yard gatherings, Cougar Walk, and historic campus pride. Students are proud of Charleston location and campus beauty.

81% freshman retention rate (2022 data)

69% six-year graduation rate

Very active campus on weekends. Charleston location means students stay on/near campus. King Street, downtown Charleston, beaches, and local attractions keep students engaged. NOT a commuter school - residential campus with 65% of freshmen living on campus. Weekend events, beach trips, downtown activities common.

Generally moderate to liberal student body, though South Carolina is conservative state. Campus leans more progressive than surrounding state. Mix of perspectives. College town atmosphere in historic Charleston provides liberal enclave. Open dialogue encouraged. Not politically extreme in either direction.

Urban campus in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Campus integrated into city fabric with beautiful historic buildings. Walkable to downtown attractions, restaurants, waterfront. True urban college experience while maintaining defined campus.

Charleston averages 209 sunny days per year (US average is 205). Subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Year-round outdoor activity possible. Average temperature: 66°F.

Excellent nature access. 15 minutes to Folly Beach (popular surf spot). Multiple beaches within 30 minutes (Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms). Harbor walks, waterfront parks. Nearby state parks for kayaking, hiking. Salt marshes and coastal ecosystems. Spanish moss, palmetto trees create scenic environment. Limited mountain access but coastal nature abundant.

CARTA public bus system serves Charleston. Campus shuttle system. Bikes very popular (flat terrain). Uber/Lyft readily available. Walkable downtown campus. Car helpful but not essential for students. Most freshman activities accessible without car.

Charleston International Airport (CHS) - approximately 12 miles from campus, 20-25 minute drive. Direct flights to major US cities.

Charleston is thriving mid-sized city (pop. ~150,000, metro ~800,000). Historic downtown with cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, waterfront. Known for food scene (James Beard award-winning restaurants), arts, culture, history. Tourism-driven economy. Growing tech and business sector. Southern charm with cosmopolitan amenities. Safe downtown area with typical urban precautions needed.

College of Charleston has a Dance Team that performs at basketball games and other athletic events. The team is part of the Spirit Squads under Athletics. Walk-on tryouts typically held in spring semester (April/May). Team competes at UDA College Nationals. Mix of jazz, hip-hop, and pom styles. Not a highly competitive D1 program like major universities, making walk-ons more feasible. Also has strong Dance Department (BA in Arts Management with Dance concentration) separate from spirit squad.

Strong recreation facilities. Newly renovated TD Arena. Patriots Point recreational complex nearby. Intramural sports very popular (flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, etc.). Sailing team (club sport). Beach volleyball. Outdoor recreation program offers kayaking, paddleboarding, camping trips. Fitness center with cardio and weight equipment. Yoga and fitness classes. Active student body takes advantage of outdoor Charleston lifestyle.

Mixed reviews on dining hall food. Three main dining locations: Marketplace (main dining hall), Stern Center food court, and Cougars on the Go. Meal plan required for freshmen. However, Charleston's restaurant scene compensates - hundreds of excellent restaurants within walking distance. Students often eat off-campus. Dining services has improved in recent years with more variety and healthier options.

Exceptionally beautiful campus. Consistently ranked among most beautiful college campuses in America. Historic Cistern Yard with massive live oak trees and Spanish moss is iconic. Randolph Hall (1828) and other historic buildings. Mix of historic and modern architecture. Palmetto trees, magnolias, and lush landscaping. Walking campus feels like historic Charleston neighborhood. Very photogenic and Instagram-worthy.

Housing quality varies significantly. Newer dorms (Liberty Hall, College Lodge, Berry Residence Hall) are much nicer with suite-style living and AC. Older dorms more traditional and basic. Housing guaranteed for freshmen but not all four years. Many upperclassmen live off-campus in Charleston apartments/houses. On-campus housing can be expensive. Campus housing fills quickly. Living in historic Charleston homes popular for upperclassmen.

Spirit Squads contact: (843) 953-5674 or via CofC Athletics website. Dance Department: (843) 953-5604. Recommend contacting Athletics Department directly for current coach information and tryout details.