University of Charleston
University of Charleston has an acceptance rate of 61.5%, an average net price of $23,793, and an overall rank of #1532 (Grade C+). About 46.7% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $66,822 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 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 Biology.
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 65.6%, roughly 15.7 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 46.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 56.2% 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
Est. annual aid gap: $24,363 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $33,990 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,960 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,870 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,156 |
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 33.7% 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 $24,987 to $26,868 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 $23,844/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,868/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $66,822
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,207
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $18,250
- Debt-to-Earnings ~27.3%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.1%
- Employment Rate 85.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Charleston graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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 $66,822 median five years after graduation, 8% 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) 46.7%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 56.2%
- 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 Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 61.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 10.1%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 6.2%
- Security Science and Technology 3.5%
- Biology, General 3.3%
- Accounting and Related Services 2.1%
See more majors
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 1.9%
- Psychology, General 1.9%
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
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree) $88,002
- 2. Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree) $82,399
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree) $80,967
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree) $77,547
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree) $68,813
- 6. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degree) $66,257
- 7. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degree) $60,970
- 8. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree) $41,266
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $136,667
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $134,542
- 3. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $93,575
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $82,043
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $88,002—113% more than Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services ($41,266). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $136,667 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 121 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 42 graduates)
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (26 programs)▼
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Political Science and Government
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Health
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Graphic Communications
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Data Analytics
- Computer Software and Media Applications
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Data Analytics
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 33.7%
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 65.6% ROI. Ranked #1532 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $23,793 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $66,822 median earnings. With 46.7% 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 C+ grade and #1532 ranking, University of Charleston competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $23,793 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 $16,655 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 65.6% ROI and $66,822 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $13,793+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Charleston ranks #1532 of 1955 institutions, with 911 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
- 46.7% graduation rate sits 15.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.8% first-year retention is 2.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 65.6% return on investment is 15.7 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $66,822 run about 8% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $23,793 is roughly $3,912 higher than the national median of $19,881.
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.
- 85.2% employment rate within three years sits 17.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,793 is about $3,912 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 33.7% trails the national share by 4.8 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 C+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #1532 overall Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings 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; 46.7% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 56.2%. Return on investment currently measures 65.6% 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 $23,793 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,156.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,363 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.7% 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 $66,822 five years after graduation. This is roughly 8% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 85.2% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 65.6%, 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of Charleston: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-charleston/
MLA (9th): “University of Charleston: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-charleston/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of Charleston: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-charleston/.
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 admissions data.
How much does University of Charleston cost?
At University of Charleston, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $23,793 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $48,156 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $33,990. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Charleston's ranking?
University of Charleston ranks #1532 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, 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 46.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 56.2%, and first-year retention is 74.8%.
What are University of Charleston's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Charleston report median earnings of $66,822 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Charleston's student population?
University of Charleston enrolls about 2,259 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 2300 MacCorkle Avenue, SE, 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 Rate33.6%