About University of Charleston
Dating back to 1888, the University of Charleston (UC) in West Virginia began as a seminary school and has morphed into an independent, four-year private, not-for-profit university. With the hope that each graduate will improve their world, the University of Charleston strives to impart such values as:
- A life of productive work
- Enlightened living
- Community involvement
Students can earn degrees from an associate’s to a doctoral degree. Online offerings primarily include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in such fields as:
- Business
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Psychology
With an emphasis on student-centered education, UC understands that life sometimes thwarts the pursuit of higher education. So, whether it is work, family, or other obligations that stand in your way, you can further your education through the online degree programs at UC.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Charleston is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 3,061 ; Graduate: 917Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 56% ; Graduate: 71%Graduation Rate:
46%Transfer Rate:
32%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$55,774Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$19,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
62%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$19,206Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by University of Charleston
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Psychology & Human Services
University of Charleston can be a solid path to finish a degree when students get strong planning support. For some learners, the school helps manage financial aid and class scheduling. That can make each term easier to plan and keep progress on track.
Cost can feel high for some students, but aid can lower what they pay. Time to finish may vary in programs where students find their own preceptors. When placements take longer, classes and clinical work may move more slowly.
At the University of Charleston, classroom support is a real strength. Professors are approachable and easy to reach. They stay involved with grades, progress, and long-term goals. When classes get tough, students can count on direct help from faculty.
Advising and office communication can be less steady. Replies may take longer than students hope, especially when they need quick direction. Even so, the core learning experience stays strong, with caring professors who help students keep moving toward graduation.
Online classes at the University of Charleston can work well for busy weeks. They give students more room to plan study time around work and family. This flexibility is a strong part of the online experience.
Some online classes include group projects, even in asynchronous courses. That means your schedule may need set times for team work. Message response times can vary by class, so some terms may feel smoother than others.
University of Charleston offers a learning experience built on close contact with instructors. Small classes are a clear part of that. Professors are approachable during and after class. They stay engaged with student progress and care about strong results.
Coursework is serious but manageable for students who stay on track. Graduate classes can be demanding, and support is there as the work gets tougher. This school is a strong match for learners who want focused teaching and clear academic goals.
Some program steps can feel stressful, especially when students handle preceptor placement. Even so, the strongest part of the experience is the teaching and day-to-day academic support.
University of Charleston does best with teaching and professor access. Small classes make learning feel personal. Professors are easy to reach and stay involved. They keep students focused on grades, progress, and clear goals.
Classes can be demanding, especially in graduate programs. Many students keep up well with professor support. Advising and office follow-through may move more slowly at times.
Online classes give students flexible scheduling. Some asynchronous courses still include group projects. Cost may feel high, but aid, transfer credits, and smart pacing can help. UC is a strong fit for students who want serious academics and close contact with professors.
University of Charleston does best with teaching and professor access. Small classes make learning feel personal. Professors are easy to reach and stay involved. They keep students focused on grades, progress, and clear goals.
Classes can be demanding, especially in graduate programs. Many students keep up well with professor support. Advising and office follow-through may move more slowly at times.
Online classes give students flexible scheduling. Some asynchronous courses still include group projects. Cost may feel high, but aid, transfer credits, and smart pacing can help. UC is a strong fit for students who want serious academics and close contact with professors.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Charleston
Is University of Charleston accredited?
Yes. University of Charleston is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does University of Charleston offer?
University of Charleston offers 12 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Charleston offer?
University of Charleston offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at University of Charleston?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Charleston expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Charleston falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Charleston?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Charleston first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Charleston programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 2.5 appears most often.
Is University of Charleston military friendly?
University of Charleston shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of Charleston through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Charleston applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Official High School Transcript/GED Score, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Charleston accept life experience credit?
University of Charleston does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of Charleston programs fully online or mixed?
University of Charleston includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of Charleston offer?
University of Charleston has online program options in areas such as Business, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Healthcare, and Nursing; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of Charleston programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Are any admission tests required for University of Charleston programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Charleston?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of Charleston programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Charleston?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Charleston, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Charleston programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of Charleston is featured in 13 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Charleston is located in West Virginia
West Virginia at a Glance:

Top Majors in West Virginia:
Top Incentives in West Virginia:
- WV Higher Education Grant: Up to $3,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in West Virginia:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($55,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($130,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, RHIA














