Created in 1770, the College of Charleston is the thirteenth oldest college in the nation, counting amongst its founders three signers of the Declaration of Independence. As a municipal college -- and the first in the nation, when it came under the jurisdiction of the city of Charleston in 1836 -- the College of Charleston has long considered itself to be a popular institution in the service of the people and community.

Joining the South Carolina State College System in 1970, the college has seen its student body grow and diversify from its early days. Where its first classes taught little over a dozen citizens of Charleston, today's classes at the College of Charleston are filled with over 10,000 undergrads and graduate students from not only all over the country but from 65 other nations as well.

With 730 professors and teachers composing the faculty, the College of Charleston has continued to stress a liberal arts education (with courses in the social sciences and classical languages) while integrating degree programs at the bachelor's and master's level in the latest disciplines. This South Carolina college has also grown to encompass six different schools, specializing in a variety of different majors and minor. From the arts and world affairs, to business and education, the College of Charleston has a school and degree program suited for most anybody.