College of Charleston (CofC) vs University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between the College of Charleston and UNC Wilmington?

  The College of Charleston (CofC) is a public liberal arts college located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, offering a vibrant urban campus experience. UNC Wilmington (UNCW) is a public university situated near the coast in Wilmington, North Carolina, known for its marine science programs and a more traditional campus setting. CofC tends to have a slightly smaller student body and a stronger focus on the humanities and arts, while UNCW offers a broader range of programs, including strong STEM offerings.

• Which school is better for students interested in marine biology or coastal studies?

  UNC Wilmington is generally considered to have a stronger reputation and more extensive resources for marine biology and coastal studies. They have a dedicated marine science center and offer a wider array of specialized programs in these fields. While the College of Charleston also offers marine science programs, UNCW's are typically more comprehensive.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  The College of Charleston boasts a unique urban campus integrated directly into downtown Charleston. Students are immersed in the city's history, culture, and dining scene. UNC Wilmington offers a more traditional, self-contained campus environment with green spaces and a greater sense of separation from the city. If you prefer a bustling city atmosphere, CofC is a better fit. If you prefer a more classic college campus, UNCW is the better choice.

• What are the typical class sizes at each institution?

  Both institutions strive to maintain reasonable class sizes, but the College of Charleston generally has slightly smaller classes, especially in upper-level courses. This can lead to more personalized attention from professors. UNCW's class sizes may be a bit larger, particularly in introductory courses, but they still maintain a good student-to-faculty ratio.

• How do the costs of attending the College of Charleston and UNC Wilmington compare?

  Tuition and fees can vary depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state). Generally, UNC Wilmington may be slightly more affordable for North Carolina residents, while the College of Charleston may be more affordable for South Carolina residents. It's best to check the official websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules, and to factor in the cost of living in each city.

• What are the popular majors at each school?

  At the College of Charleston, popular majors include Business Administration, Communication, Biology, Psychology, and Political Science. At UNC Wilmington, popular majors include Marine Biology, Nursing, Business Administration, Education, and Communication Studies.

• What is the social scene like at each university?

  The College of Charleston's social scene is heavily influenced by its downtown location, with students taking advantage of the city's restaurants, bars, and cultural events. UNCW offers a more traditional college social scene with on-campus activities, clubs, and organizations. Both schools have active Greek life, but the overall social atmosphere differs due to their respective locations.

• What are the admission requirements for the College of Charleston and UNC Wilmington?

  Both institutions require a strong academic record, including a competitive GPA and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). They also consider factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Admission requirements can change, so it's essential to consult the admissions websites of both colleges for the most current information.

• Which school is better for students interested in studying abroad?

  Both the College of Charleston and UNC Wilmington offer a variety of study abroad programs. The 'better' choice depends on your specific academic interests and desired location. It's recommended to explore the study abroad program websites of both institutions to see which aligns best with your goals.

• What kind of career services and resources do they offer?

  Both the College of Charleston and UNC Wilmington provide career services to help students with internships, job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. They both host career fairs and offer advising to help students explore career options. The specific resources and programs may vary, so it's worth exploring the career services websites of each institution.