College of Charleston vs American University
Charleston, SC — Washington, DC
| Metric | College of Charleston Charleston, SC | American University Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Charleston, SC | Washington, DC |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 10,558 | 7,266 |
| Acceptance Rate | 60.0% | 62.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,247 | 1,381 |
| In-State Tuition | $12,978 | $58,771 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $38,296 | $58,771 |
| Avg Net Price | $18,960 | $41,943 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 | $22,750 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 65.4% | 77.0% |
| Retention Rate | 82.0% | 88.2% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $43,821 | $61,328 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $56,416 | $77,370 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 324200.0% | 219000.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Full Profile
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC
View full college profile →
Full Profile
American University
Washington, DC
View full college profile →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do College of Charleston and American University compare?▼
College of Charleston (Charleston, SC) has an acceptance rate of 60.0%, in-state tuition of $12,978, and median 10-year earnings of $56,416. American University (Washington, DC) has an acceptance rate of 62.0%, in-state tuition of $58,771, and median 10-year earnings of $77,370.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, College of Charleston or American University?▼
American University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $77,370 vs $56,416. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, College of Charleston or American University?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), College of Charleston is the more affordable option at $18,960 per year versus $41,943.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
American University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 77.0% vs 65.4%.
More Comparisons
All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.
Related
Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025