About
The University of Charleston, situated in Charleston, West Virginia, is a privately funded, non-profit educational institution. Established in 1888, it consists of five distinct colleges and offers a range of bachelor's and master's programs. The student body comprises 2,602 individuals, both undergraduate and graduate, hailing from 40 different states and 44 countries.
What is the Acceptance Rate at the University of Charleston?
The University of Charleston has an acceptance rate of 76%.
UC operates within NCAA Division II and is a proud member of the Mountain East Conference (MEC). Additionally, its men’s volleyball team is affiliated with the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA). The university boasts 19 NCAA Division II athletic teams, encompassing 9 men’s and 10 women’s programs. The admissions process at the University of Charleston is discerning, resulting in a 70% acceptance rate.
Prospective students are required to maintain a minimum academic grade point average of 2.50 on a 4-point scale. In the 2018 US College Rankings by Times Higher Education, the university held the 482nd position. For those pursuing undergraduate studies, the estimated tuition fee is $32,342, while graduate students can anticipate costs ranging from $19,800 to $23,400.
Top Reasons to Study in the University of Charleston
- Exceptional academics: UC is a private university with a strong academic reputation. It is ranked #331-440 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. UC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and its faculty are passionate about teaching and student success.
- Small class sizes: UC has a student body of just over 2,000 students, which means that class sizes are small and students have plenty of opportunities to get to know their professors and classmates. This can be a great advantage for students who want to get the most out of their education.
- Beautiful campus: UC is located in the heart of Charleston, West Virginia, a charming city with a rich history and culture. The university's campus is just steps away from the city centre, and it is home to a variety of historic buildings and beautiful gardens.
- Active student life: UC has a vibrant student life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities to get involved in. Students can participate in sports, Greek life, intramurals, student government, and much more.
- Opportunities for research and internships: UC students have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty members and to participate in internships with local businesses and organizations.
- Global learning opportunities: UC offers a variety of study abroad programs that allow students to experience different cultures and learn new languages.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
69%
Application Fee
$25
How to Apply at University of Charleston
Here are the steps on how to apply to the University of Charleston as an international student for both undergraduate and graduate programs:
- Visit the University of Charleston website and click on the "Admissions" tab.
- Click on "Apply Now" and select the "International Student" option.
- Complete the online application form and pay the application fee.
- Submit your official transcripts from your previous schools.
- Take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exam and submit your scores.
- Write two letters of recommendation from teachers or professors who know you well.
- Submit a personal statement that explains why you want to attend the University of Charleston.
- Submit a resume that lists your education, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
Once you have submitted all of your application materials, the University of Charleston will review your application and let you know if you have been admitted.
For more information
- On the undergraduate admission process for international students: https://www.ucwv.edu/uc-life/international-student-services/international-admissions-requirements/
- On the graduate admission process for international students: https://gradschool.cofc.edu/prospective-student/international-students/how-to-apply/index.php
Documents Required to Apply to University of Charleston
Here is the list of documents you will need to submit to the University of Charleston as an international student.
Undergraduate student
- Completed application and application fee of $25
- Official high school transcript
- SAT or ACT score (optional)
- English proficiency test score
- Proof of financial resource
- SEVIS fee and submissions of corresponding documentation
- Copy of current passport
Graduate student
- Completed application and application fee of $25
- Official bachelor’s degree transcript
- GRE or GMAT score
- English proficiency test score
- Resume or Cv
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Copy of current passport
Exams Accepted By University of Charleston
Below given are the minimum requirement for the exam accepted by the University of Charleston:
For undergraduate students
- TOEFL (iBT): 68
- IELTS: 5.5
- Duolingo: 90
- PTE: 46
- SAT: 985
- ACT: 19
For graduate students
- TOEFL (iBT): 80
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 105
- GRE: 310
- GMAT: 600
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
There are a few different ways to get around the city of Charleston if you are a student at the College of Charleston.
- Public transportation: The Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (CARTA) provides bus service throughout the city. Students and employees of the College of Charleston can ride CARTA buses for free by showing their CofC ID. There are also a few DASH shuttle routes that serve popular destinations in downtown Charleston. These shuttles are also free for everyone to ride.
- Taxis: Several taxi companies in Charleston can be hailed on the street or called for pickup. Taxi fares in Charleston are typically on the higher end, so this may not be the most budget-friendly option for students.
- Ride-hailing services: Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in Charleston. These services can be a more affordable option than taxis, but they can also be more unpredictable in terms of wait times and pricing.
Services offered by the university
The University of Charleston offers a variety of services to its students, faculty, and staff. Here are some of the most notable services:
- Academic Advising: The university offers comprehensive academic advising to all students. Advisors can help students choose the right courses, develop a plan to graduate, and navigate the college experience.
- Financial Aid: The university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education. These options include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study.
- Health Services: The university offers a full-service health centre to students, faculty, and staff. The health centre provides primary care, urgent care, and mental health services.
- Career Services: The university offers career counselling and job placement services to students and alumni. Career counsellors can help students develop their resumes, practice their interviewing skills, and find jobs.
- Library: The university has a large library with a variety of resources for students, faculty, and staff. The library offers books, journals, databases, and electronic resources.
- Athletics: The university has an NCAA Division II athletics program with 14 varsity sports. The university also has a recreation centre with a variety of fitness facilities.
Student life at University of Charleston
- Join a club or organization: There are over 200 student organizations on campus, so there is sure to be something that interests you. Whether you're interested in Greek life, athletics, arts, or service, you'll find a place to belong at UC.
- Get involved in the community: UC students are very active in the community. There are many opportunities to volunteer your time and make a difference in the lives of others.
- Attend sporting events: UC is a member of the Big South Conference, and the school's athletic teams compete in a variety of sports. There are always exciting games to watch, and the student section is always rowdy and supportive.
- Explore Charleston: Charleston is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. There are delicious restaurants, shops, and historical sites to visit. UC students are well-positioned to take advantage of everything that Charleston has to offer.
On campus accomodation at University of Charleston
The University of Charleston offers three residence halls for undergraduate students:
- Brotherton Hall is the newest residence hall on campus and is home to first-year students. It is a four-story, co-ed hall with elevator access. Brotherton Hall offers double rooms, single rooms, and suites.
- Ratrie Hall is home to upperclassmen students. It is a four-story, co-ed hall with elevator access. Ratrie Hall offers double rooms, single rooms, and apartment-style living.
- Middle Hall is home to upperclassmen students, including UC Honors College students. It is a five-story, co-ed hall with elevator access. Middle Hall offers double rooms, single rooms, suites (without cookstove) and apartment (with cookstove) style living.
Graduate students can live in the East Apartments, a four-story apartment building attached to the on-campus parking garage. East Apartments offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.
All residence halls on the University of Charleston campus offer a variety of amenities, including:
- Laundry facilities
- Study rooms
- Lounges
- Recreation areas
- Foodservice
- Security
Students who live on campus are also required to participate in the residence hall's programming, which includes activities such as:
- Floor meetings
- Resident assistant programs
- Club sports
- Intramural sports
- Cultural events
- Social events
Faculty
University Faculty Stats
- Total faculty: 3,568
- Full-time faculty: 2,097
- Part-time faculty: 1,471
The University of Charleston has a relatively small faculty for its size, with just over 3,500 faculty members. However, the student-to-faculty ratio is very good at 15:1, which means that students have plenty of access to their professors. The majority of faculty members at UC are full-time, with over 50% having tenure or being on the tenure track. This means that students can be confident that their professors are experienced and committed to their teaching.
Career Opportunities
Internship opportunities at University of Charleston
There are many internships and part-time job opportunities available at the University of Charleston (CofC). Some of the most popular industries for internships at CofC include:
- Business: CofC has a strong business school, and many businesses in the Charleston area are looking for interns to help with marketing, finance, and other business-related tasks.
- Education: CofC is a teacher's college, and there are many opportunities for students to intern in local schools. Interns can help teachers with lesson planning, classroom management, and other tasks.
- Healthcare: Charleston is a major healthcare hub, and there are many opportunities for students to intern in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations. Interns can help with patient care, research, and administrative tasks.
- Nonprofit: Many nonprofit organizations in the Charleston area are looking for interns to help with their mission. Interns can help with fundraising, event planning, and other tasks.
- Technology: Charleston is home to a growing technology industry, and there are many opportunities for students to intern at tech companies. Interns can help with software development, web design, and other tech-related tasks.
In addition to these popular industries, there are also many other internship and part-time job opportunities available at CofC. Students can find internships in a variety of fields, including marketing, public relations, communications, graphic design, and more.
Placement of University of Charleston
Job placements
According to the University of Charleston's website, 92% of its graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation.
Hiring companies
The top hiring companies for University of Charleston graduates include:
- West Virginia University Health System
- Charleston Area Medical Center
- United Bank
- Wells Fargo
- PNC Bank
- Morgan Stanley
- KPMG
- Deloitte
- Ernst & Young
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
Salaries
The average salary for a University of Charleston graduate is $40,704 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the job title, industry, and experience level. For example, graduates with degrees in engineering and business tend to earn higher salaries than graduates with degrees in education and the arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum GPA requirement of the University of Charleston?
What is the acceptance rate of the University of Charleston?
What is the graduation rate of the University of Charleston?
Do the University of Charleston provide any financial aid to the students?
What are the average SAT/ ACT scores for admission to University of Charleston?
Last updated June 10, 2026