For the tenth consecutive year, U.S. News and World Report has recognized the College of Charleston as a top public regional university in the South. The 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings cited the College of Charleston in four categories:
- Top Public Schools - Regional Universities (South) #4
- Regional Universities (South) #9
- Best Colleges for Veterans - Regional Universities (South) #5
- Most Innovative - Regional Universities (South) #15 (tied)
Four of the College’s academic programs were also recognized in the rankings:
- Undergraduate Teaching - Regional Universities (South) #4
- Undergraduate Business #194 (tied)
- Undergraduate Computer Science #294 (tied)
- Undergraduate Psychology #235 (tied)
“The College of Charleston continues to earn national recognition for the exceptional education and experience we provide our students,” says President Andrew T. Hsu. “Our university remains focused on preparing future leaders while staying true to our mission of academic excellence, innovation and workforce development.”
U.S. News evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success.