CofC Board of Trustees approves budget and tuition for 2026–27
June 10, 2026
For the seventh consecutive year, the College of Charleston Board of Trustees voted on June 8, 2026, to hold tuition constant for South Carolina students. The board also voted to slightly increase tuition for out-of-state students by 2.5% for the 2026-27 academic year.
Beginning fall semester 2026, full-time undergraduate students from South Carolina will pay $6,259 per semester. Out-of-state, full-time undergraduate students will pay $19,672 per semester. Graduate students’ tuition is based on a program-dependent, two-tiered system.
“By holding tuition flat for South Carolina residents for a seventh consecutive year, we are ensuring that a nationally recognized education remains affordable and accessible to families across our state,” says College of Charleston president Andrew T. Hsu. “Even with a modest adjustment to nonresident tuition, the College of Charleston continues to offer exceptional value for out-of-state students, combining academic excellence, personalized learning opportunities and an unparalleled campus experience in one of the nation’s most distinctive college cities.”
The Board also approved a $125 athletics fee to support the College’s Division I athletics program. Consistent with practices at many institutions across the country, the fee will help ensure the continued strength and competitiveness of a program that contributes significantly to the student experience, campus community and city.
Last academic year, the College implemented the South Carolina Talent Initiative, combining the power of philanthropy and the strength of the university’s financial aid resources to offer the best financial aid program in the state.
Encouraging South Carolina students to Stay Local, Go Far, the initiative reflects the College’s commitment to:
- Rewarding academically talented S.C. students
- Making a College of Charleston education more affordable
- Attracting, enrolling and reta
ining the best students to the College of Charleston
- Providing impactful funding to help meet financial need
“Next’s year budget reflects the strong partnership among the Board of Trustees, the College’s administration and the South Carolina General Assembly,” says Board Chair Renee Romberger. “Together, we are committed to ensuring that the College of Charleston remains both accessible and excellent, providing students with an outstanding educational experience while remaining mindful of affordability. As we look ahead to the coming academic year, we are excited about the opportunities before us and remain focused on delivering exceptional value to our students and their families,” Romberger adds.
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston’s mission is to provide students with a world-class education in the arts and sciences, business and technology, engineering and health sciences. Students have more than 150 majors and minors from which to choose — and they often choose to combine several—and complement their academic courses with overseas study, undergraduate research and internships for a truly customized education.
Nearly 12,000 students choose the college for its unique urban, mid-sized university feel. The College, home to undergraduates from across the country and around the globe, provides a creative and intellectually stimulating environment where students are challenged and guided by a committed and caring faculty of distinguished teacher-scholars. The city of Charleston serves as a living and learning laboratory for student experiences and opportunities for career development. The university bridges the old with the new in a setting that is truly extraordinary — where historic character and forward-looking innovation come together to shape a distinctive and inspiring environment for learning. A College of Charleston education focuses on discovery and personal growth, as well as preparation for life, work, and service to our society.
