University of Charleston, USA: Ranking, Courses, Admission, Tuition Fee, Scholarships

Founded in 1888 as the Barboursville Seminary, University of Charleston got its name in 1978. It is a private university located on the banks of Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia. The university also has its campus in Beckley, West Virginia. The institution is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. It had a total enrollment of 2,620 students out of which 1,882 undergraduates and 738 graduate students. International students representing over 44 countries are a part of the university which is a renowned name for higher education in US.

The university offers undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and certificates through its 4 schools. More than 40 programs are offered in the fields of Arts and Sciences, Business, Health Sciences and Pharmacy. The well-known associate degrees in healthcare are offered at Beckley.

Students are prepared to be career-ready and about 98% of the ones who appear for professional licensing and board exams pass in their first attempt itself. Compared to other universities in the state, students from Charleston graduate with less debt. The university makes efforts to award financial aid to 100% of the students. University of Charleston has turned out to be one of the largest and fastest growing private higher education institutions in West Virginia.

University of Charleston Rankings

According to the U.S. News and World Report 2023, University of Charleston ranks:
- #298-#389 in National Universities
- #379 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

Highlights

University Type	Private
Establishment Year	1888
Location	West Virginia
Campus Setting	Urban
Mode of Program	Full-time/ Part-time/ Online
Campus Accommodation	Available
Total Enrollment	2,620
Student-faculty ratio	15:1
Graduation Rate	38%
Retention Rate	65%
Mode of Application	Online
Financial Aid	Scholarships, loans, grants, work-study

University of Charleston Campus

The campus of University of Charleston is located on the banks of Kanawha River in Charleston, West Virginia.
The location of the campus is conveniently located close to downtown Charleston across the river from the state capitol building.
The campus features Innovation Centre, Sports Arena, Welch Athletic Complex, School of Pharmacy building, classrooms, residence halls, riverbank lawn and iconic Clay Tower building.
The University has a second location in Beckley, West Virginia which is around 58 miles south of Charleston.
The University of Charleston has venues to organize functions and ceremonies like weddings, events at Erma Byrd Gallery, Riggleman Rotunda, U.C Riverbank, The Ballroom, Geary Auditorium, The Frankenberger Art Gallery and Appalachian Art Room.

University of Charleston Residence

University of Charleston offers on-campus accommodation to students in the form of residence halls and an apartment.
The residence halls available on campus are Brotherton Hall, Middle Hall, Ratrie Hall and are meant for undergraduate students.
Freshers are assigned rooms in the Brotherton Hall.
Graduate students have an option of living in the East Apartments which has an attached parking garage.
The residence halls have many facilities available including laundry, vending machines, internet access, TV access, ice machines, phone services and others.
Each room has cable TV connection, phone jack, internet access, electronic access, phone services, mattresses, linens, etc.
Students can apply for housing through the online housing portal available on the university’s official website.

University of Charleston Courses

University of Charleston offers 40+ programs including various undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as associate and doctoral programs.
The university offers programs to its students through its 4 schools namely School of Arts and Sciences, Bert Bradford School of Health Sciences, School of Business and Leadership, UC School of Pharmacy.
The School of Arts and Sciences is the largest division of the university.
The School of Health Sciences is known for its Associate Degree in Nursing which is offered on the weekends at 2 locations at West Virginia and Berkeley.
Programs provided by the university include online, on-campus as well as hybrid study options.
Some of the popular undergraduate majors include Business, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Biology, Accounting among others.
Out of the graduate programs offered, the most popular ones are Business Administration, Physician Assistant, Strategic Leadership, etc.

Top Masters Programs at University of Charleston

The tuition fees for various graduate programs are as follows:

Program	Tuition Fee (in USD)
MBA/ MS in Business Administration	19,470-23,010
MS in Strategic Leadership	15,300
MS in Business Analytics and Applied Artificial Intelligence	18,900
MS in Cybersecurity	12,750
Doctor of Executive Leadership	20,600

University of Charleston Application Process

University of Charleston invites applications from students all around the world. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. International applicants must submit applications at least 6 weeks before the commencement of the semester.

How to Apply?

International applicants must note the details discussed below for admission to University of Charleston:

Application Portal: University of Charleston Application

Application Fee: 25 USD

Application Deadline: Rolling

Admission Requirements: The following requirements must be fulfilled for admission:

Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
Transcripts must be scanned and sent via email including translations.
Average high school GPA of 3.333
SAT or ACT scores (Average SAT score: 935; Average ACT score: 21)
Copy of passport information and photo page.

English Language Requirements

Proof of English language proficiency (if SAT/ ACT scores are not submitted)

Test	Minimum Requirements
TOEFL (PBT)	550
TOEFL (IBT)	61
IELTS	6.0
PTE	54
Duolingo English Test	2.6

University of Charleston Cost of Attendance

The cost of studying in the U.S. includes the tuition fee, room and board, books and supplied, transportation and personal expenses.
Room and board fee differs depending on the type of residence hall chosen. Students also have the flexibility to choose from different meal plans.
The cost of attendance for University of Charleston is given as follows:

Expense	Living on-campus Amount (in USD)	Living off-campus Amount (in USD)
Tuition	30,900	30,900
Residence Hall - Standard	6,000	-
Board	4,500	-
Fees	1,200	1,200
Books and Supplies	1,800	1,800
Personal Expenses	1,400	900
Transportation	1,200	1,500
Average loan fees	72	-

University of Charleston Admission Deadlines

Admissions at the University of Charleston take place on a rolling basis, all year round. In view of the visa application process, international students should apply at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the intended semester start.

University of Charleston Scholarships/ Financial Aid for International Students

100% students at the University of Charleston receive financial aid in some form.
The University awards several types of financial aids such as scholarships, grants, loans and work-study.
Most financial aid is a combination of university, federal, state and outside aid and awarded on the basis of FAFSA.
Funding opportunities for international students is limited.
International students can take advantage of external scholarships to study in the U.S.

University of Charleston Alumni Network

Alumni of University of Charleston work actively towards the development and welfare by making donations for various academic programs, scholarships, faculty support to name just a few.
The UC Alumni Association provides benefits to its members that include career services, discounts at UC Bookstore, volunteering experience along with other facilities.
Rewards and recognition like Alumni Gallery of Achievement and Alum of the Year is an integral part of alumni association to recognise and commemorate achievement by alumni members.
Few notable alumni members include:
- Bill Bolling: former Lieutenant governor of Virginia
- Ed Rabel: renowned politician
- Robert Byrd: U.S. Senator till 2010

University of Charleston Placements

85% of students graduating from the University of Charleston are employed or are seen in graduate schools within 6 months of graduating the university. According to Payscale, the potential average salaries for students graduating from Charleston is 68,186 USD. Early graduates can earn around 46,200 USD. Students are offered internship and placement opportunities with organizations such as Arnett Foster Toothman, West Virginia State Auditor’s Office, Real Corp Inc., Fripp Island Resort and other companies.

The Center for Career Development extends its services to current students as well as alumni. It serves as a link between employers and students. Services of the university include individual career coaching, guidance in selection of graduate schools, access to job search tools such as Quinncia for resumes and mock interviews, Handshake for job and career management, Career One Stop to assist in career pathways, etc. The CCD engages in organizing various events such as the Annual Career Fair, Graduate School Fair, Career Development Week and Etiquette and Networking Dinner.

FAQs

Ques. Where does University of Charleston rank in the U.S.?

Ans. University of Charleston ranks #298-#389 in National Universities in the U.S. News and World Report 2023.

Ques. How much is the tuition at the University of Charleston?

Ans. The tuition fee for undergraduates at the University of Charleston is 30,900 USD. The tuition fee for graduates varies from program to program and ranges between 12,750-23,010 USD.

Ques. What GPA is required to get into University of Charleston?

Ans. The average GPA required for admission to University of Charleston is 3.33.

Ques. Is it hard to get into the University of Charleston?

Ans. University of Charleston has a moderately selective admission policy. It has an acceptance rate of 50% in fall 2023.

Ques. What is the application deadline for international students applying to the University of Charleston?

Ans. The University of Charleston has a rolling admission policy. International students are encouraged to apply at least 6 weeks before the program start date.

Ques. What are the average SAT/ ACT scores for admission to University of Charleston?

Ans. The average SAT score of 935 or ACT score of 21 is recommended for admission to the University of Charleston.

Ques. What division is the University of Charleston?

Ans. University of Charleston is a NCAA Division II school and has 19 athletic teams.

Ques. Is University of Charleston test-optional?

Ans. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission, scholarship or placement purposes at the University of Charleston.

Ques. What are some of the organisations accepted for evaluations by the University of Charleston?

Ans. International students are required to send in their documents to the university with course by course evaluation from one of the following bodies: