On a trip to Charleston last week for my niece’s wedding, I devoted a morning to visiting The College of Charleston (CofC) and what a treat it proved! The stunning college is built into the gorgeous historic district of the city with moss laden oaks rising tall among the Victorian buildings and red cobblestone streets. The campus center, Cistern Yard, hosts matriculation and graduation and has recently earned a designation as a National Historic Landmark and National Arboretum.

CofC serves approximately 9230 undergraduates, the large majority of whom are female. It is a mid-sized public institution about 1/3 the size of USC, similar in size to William and Mary but less rigorous. Students complete a core liberal arts curriculum beginning with freshman year, choosing between a Learning and Living Community or a Freshman Seminar. Seminars are designed to introduce fun relevant topics while also serve as a freshman writing seminar.

The campus vibe seemed cooperative and faculty doors wide open to students during office hours. The Pre-med track earns especially strong marks with many biology and chemistry majors doing research and/or shadowing at the Medical University of South Carolina down the street. Fun Fact: CofC has the largest telescope in South Carolina, and it is open for student use. Business and communications prove the most popular majors, while arts management, public health, and marketing are also gaining in popularity.

The Honors College enrolls approximately 700 students and our tour guide strongly suggested all should apply. Honors students earn merit scholarships, live in upgraded housing, gain early access to course selection, and enjoy additional study abroad opportunities.

While CofC does not offer football, it still enjoys the southern school rah-rah campus culture. Baseball and basketball games are popular and approximately 25% of students “Go Greek” and join one of 8 fraternities or 8 sororities. Most freshman and sophomores live on campus and utilize the three dining areas on campus. You’ll also find lines at the campus Chick-fil-A and Starbucks. I think many would agree that CofC, the movie set for The Notebook and Dear John, would prove a fine place to learn and grow for their college years. Charleston also offers a vibrant port city with numerous internship and job opportunities, not to mention delicious southern food and charm.