Head to head · South Carolina
College of Charleston costs less than University of South Carolina-Columbia at every income band federal data covers — between $501 and $4,389 less per year, depending on what you earn.
| Household income | College of Charleston | University of South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $30k | $12,133 | $12,634 | $501 |
| $30–48k | $13,406 | $14,953 | $1,547 |
| $48–75k | $16,797 | $19,859 | $3,062 |
| $75–110k | $20,089 | $24,478 | $4,389 |
| Over $110k | $24,996 | $28,125 | $3,129 |
Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.
Early Decision: when the binding bet is worth it →
Why three likely admits is the floor for a safe season →
Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.
Listed College of Charleston first, then University of South Carolina. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.
Again College of Charleston first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.
These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.
College of Charleston — every income band · University of South Carolina-Columbia — every income band · All South Carolina public colleges