University of Charleston
University of Charleston has an acceptance rate of 61.5%, annual tuition of $33,800, average net price of $22,107, and a national rank of #1125 (Grade B-), with a 45.6% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 2,259 undergraduates, and median earnings of $68,945 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Charleston is a private nonprofit university in Charleston, WV. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 74.8% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 70.3%, roughly 20.4 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Charleston Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Charleston graduates 45.6% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 54.3% and keeps 74.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Charleston's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $33,800 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,280 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,870 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $46,470 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.4% of University of Charleston students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $21,427 to $23,795 depending on family income. Use University of Charleston's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,215/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,795/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $68,945
- 10-Year Median Earnings $55,774
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.1%
- Employment Rate 86.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Charleston graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Charleston vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Charleston's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Charleston's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: University of Charleston graduates earn $68,945 median four years after graduation, +14% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,259
- Full-Time Students 54.0%
- Part-Time Students 46.0%
- Retention Rate 74.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 45.6%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 54.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into University of Charleston
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Charleston requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 61.5%, University of Charleston is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 61.5% acceptance rate, University of Charleston is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Charleston undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 58.9%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.2%
- Biology, General 6.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.1%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.0%
- Psychology, General 2.5%
See more majors
- Political Science and Government 2.3%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 2.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $77,267
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $70,557
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $67,888
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $65,136
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $59,447
- 6. Biology, General $59,223
- 7. Accounting and Related Services $45,410
- 8. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $39,938
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $135,002
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $119,113
- 3. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Doctoral Degree) $77,242
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $50,026
- 5. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $49,351
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $77,267—93% more than Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services ($39,938). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $135,002 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Charleston. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 80 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 56 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree, 22 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (14 programs)▼
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Political Science and Government
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Graphic Communications
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Chemistry
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,259
- Full-Time Students 54.0%
- Part-Time Students 46.0%
- Male Students 62.2%
- Female Students 37.8%
- Caucasian 66.0%
- Asian 1.1%
- Hispanic 8.7%
- Black 9.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Charleston's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Charleston's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Charleston support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Charleston, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Men make up 62.2% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Charleston support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Charleston, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Charleston offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 70.3% ROI. Ranked #1125 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,107 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $68,945 median earnings. With 45.6% graduating within 150% of normal time and 74.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of Charleston's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1125 ranking, University of Charleston competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,107 annually, University of Charleston charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 74.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,475 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 70.3% ROI and $68,945 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,107+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Charleston ranks #1125 of 1947 institutions, with 752 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 45.6% graduation rate sits 16.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.8% first-year retention is 2.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 70.3% return on investment is 20.4 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $68,945 run about 14% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $22,107 is roughly $2,028 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 74.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.4% employment rate within three years sits 18.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,107 is about $2,028 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 31.4% trails the national share by 3.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Charleston is a private nonprofit university based in Charleston, WV and earns a B- overall grade. It is currently ranked #1125 nationally Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 74.8% of first-year students return; 45.6% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 54.3%. Return on investment currently measures 70.3% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,107 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $46,470.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,363 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $68,945 four years after graduation. This is roughly 14% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 86.4% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 70.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
61.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Charleston admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other West Virginia campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Charleston's acceptance rate?
University of Charleston's acceptance rate is 61.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Charleston cost?
At University of Charleston, listed tuition and fees are $33,800 per year, and the average net price after aid is $22,107. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Charleston's ranking?
University of Charleston ranks #1125 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Charleston's graduation rate?
At University of Charleston, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 45.6% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 54.3%, and first-year retention is 74.8%.
What are University of Charleston's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Charleston report median earnings of $68,945 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Charleston's student population?
University of Charleston enrolls about 2,259 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Charleston, WV 25304
- Website www.ucwv.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$56.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate31.5%