Updates and Highlights From Enrollment Planning

^{Above: Admissions counselors are excited to welcome new and prospective students! (Photo by Catie Cleveland)}

The College of Charleston Class of 2029 and new transfer students are an impressive group, and the Division of Enrollment Planning is sharing some data related to the new cohort as well as some accomplishments by division this past year.

The Office of Admissions and the Office of Enrollment Information received, processed and reviewed a record 35,000 first-year and transfer applications. This applicant pool produced nearly 3,000 new students, including 2,300 new freshmen and over 650 new transfer and readmit students. When the spring semester begins, an additional 107 first-year students currently participating in the iCharleston program in four locations across Europe will join the Class of 2029.

The Office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs imported more than 34,000 FAFSA records and disbursed one of the largest funding totals of scholarship and need-based aid in the College’s history.

Throughout the summer, the Office of New Student Programs hosted orientation sessions for all our new students and their more than 3,500 family members. Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of the orientation interns and the and staff, each session delivered a memorable experience for all attendees. Beyond in-person programming, the office offered a robust series of webinars, drawing strong attendance. These webinars served as a valuable resource for families navigating the transition to college life, tackling key topics such as preparing for orientation, academic advising, student involvement, campus housing, move-in planning and academic expectations. Additionally, the CofC Parent & Family Experience platform saw impressive engagement with over 20,000 subscribers.

Looking Ahead to Fall 2026

The Office of Admissions staff is already back traveling on the road again, visiting high schools, attending college fairs and meeting prospective students and their families. The team recently welcomed new staff to recruit students, rounding out a fully staffed team that attends more than 40 unique events each day during the fall.

In parallel, on-campus recruitment opportunities continue, with daily tours and information sessions at Craig Hall’s visitor center. Also, on Oct. 4 and Nov. 8, prospective students and their families will be welcomed to campus for Charleston Visit Days, showcasing everything our community has to offer.

The deadlines for applying to the College for fall 2026 can be found at https://charleston.edu/admission/apply/index.php.