College of Charleston vs American College of the Building Arts
College of Charleston is a public college in Charleston, SC. American College of the Building Arts is a private college in Charleston, SC. American College of the Building Arts admits about 44% of applicants and College of Charleston about 60%, making American College of the Building Arts the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,960 a year at College of Charleston after aid, and about $30,403 at American College of the Building Arts. About 65% of students graduate at College of Charleston, compared with 63% at American College of the Building Arts.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,558
155
Acceptance rate
60%
44%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1310
1130–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,960
$30,403
Full cost / yr
$32,362
$38,073
In-state tuition
$12,978
$21,500
Out-of-state tuition
$38,296
$21,500
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,133
$27,879
$30k - $48k
$13,406
$29,454
$48k - $75k
$16,797
$32,248
$75k - $110k
$20,089
$33,835
Over $110k
$24,996
$34,704
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
63%
Freshman retention
82%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,821
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,416
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$12,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
18%
First-generation students
20%
Not reported
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Nov 2
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 15
May 31
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is College of Charleston or American College of the Building Arts harder to get into?
- American College of the Building Arts is harder to get into. It admits about 44% of applicants, compared with 60% at College of Charleston. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, College of Charleston or American College of the Building Arts?
- College of Charleston is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,960 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,403 at American College of the Building Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at College of Charleston and American College of the Building Arts?
- Before aid, College of Charleston costs about $32,362 a year and American College of the Building Arts about $38,073. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, College of Charleston or American College of the Building Arts?
- College of Charleston. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,133 there, against about $27,879 at American College of the Building Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, College of Charleston or American College of the Building Arts?
- College of Charleston is the larger of the two, with about 10,558 undergraduates against 155 at American College of the Building Arts.
- Does College of Charleston or American College of the Building Arts have a better graduation rate?
- College of Charleston has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 63% at American College of the Building Arts.
- Do College of Charleston and American College of the Building Arts require SAT or ACT scores?
- College of Charleston is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. American College of the Building Arts considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do College of Charleston and American College of the Building Arts look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1310 at College of Charleston and 1130–1290 at American College of the Building Arts. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school