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Private for-profit, 4-year

Charleston School of Law

Charleston, South Carolina · www.charlestonlaw.edu

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About

Charleston School of Law, located in the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina, is a distinguished institution dedicated to legal education. Established in 2003, the school is known for its commitment to providing a quality legal education with a strong emphasis on practical training and ethics. The school’s mission is underscored by its motto, "To educate and inspire future leaders of the legal profession." The Charleston School of Law aims to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment, fostering the development of skills necessary for success in the legal field.

The school boasts a diverse faculty composed of seasoned legal practitioners and scholars who are dedicated to mentoring students. With a focus on experiential learning, Charleston School of Law offers various opportunities for students to engage in internships, externships, and clinics, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The campus, situated in the heart of Charleston, provides an enriching cultural backdrop that enhances the student experience. The school promotes a vibrant campus culture through various student organizations, events, and activities that encourage community engagement and professional growth. Overall, Charleston School of Law combines a rigorous academic program with a rich cultural environment, preparing its graduates for successful careers in law.

Analysis of Key Data at Charleston School of Law

The Charleston School of Law has shown significant trends in its tuition costs, student demographics, and gender ratios among graduates over the years. One of the most notable observations is the steady increase in graduate tuition fees, which has risen from $41,548 in 2018 to $46,134 in 2024. This escalation of approximately 11.5% over six years raises concerns about the rising financial burden on students pursuing law degrees, especially considering the current economic climate and student debt crisis affecting many graduates across the United States.

In terms of enrollment, the graduate student population has demonstrated relative stability, fluctuating between 358 and 627 students from 2013 to 2023. However, this stability contrasts with the backdrop of rising tuition fees, suggesting that while the school continues to attract a consistent number of students, the affordability of legal education remains a critical issue.

Another noteworthy trend is the changing gender ratio among graduates. The percentage of male graduates has declined from approximately 55.3% in 2013 to about 38.3% in 2023, indicating a shift towards a more gender-balanced student body, with female graduates now representing a significant majority at 61.7%. This change reflects broader societal trends in higher education, where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees.

Overall, while Charleston School of Law maintains a stable enrollment, the increasing financial demands and evolving demographic makeup highlight important considerations for prospective students and the institution alike. As the law school landscape evolves, it will be crucial for Charleston School of Law to address these challenges to remain competitive and accessible.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
In Charleston
Nearest international airport
Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 9 mi
Charleston, South Carolina
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
J. Edward Bell III (President Emeritus & Chairman of the Board)
Phone
8433291000
City
Charleston, South Carolina
Address
385 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Doctoral2122 international (0.9%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Law · Doctoral212 (1% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Charleston School of Law

The graduation data from the Charleston School of Law for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the academic landscape of legal education. Notably, there are no graduates at the bachelor's or master's degree levels, which raises questions regarding student enrollment and program viability. The absence of undergraduate and master's graduates might suggest a strategic focus on higher-level legal education or potential issues in attracting students to these programs.

Most significantly, the data highlights a strong output at the doctorate level, with 167 graduates. This indicates a robust interest in pursuing advanced legal studies, reflecting a possible trend in the legal profession where higher qualifications are increasingly valued. Moreover, the presence of one international doctorate graduate points to a growing diversity in the academic environment, suggesting that international students are beginning to participate in advanced legal studies.

The lack of graduates in other categories might be reflective of broader trends in the legal education sector, where institutions are facing challenges in maintaining enrollment numbers, particularly at the undergraduate level. As legal professions evolve in response to changing economic and social factors, it becomes crucial for institutions to adapt their programs to meet the needs of prospective students.

Overall, while the doctorate program seems to thrive, the absence of lower-level graduates indicates a potential area for growth and development, necessitating strategic initiatives to attract students at various educational levels.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Legal professionshas 212 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryDoctor
Law.$64,448

Students

692 students in 2025

Age distribution

Graduate students

Under 22
1.4%
22–24
56.6%
25–29
33.5%
30–34
4.9%
35 and over
3.5%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Charleston School of Law in 2023

The student demographic data for Charleston School of Law in 2023 reveals a diverse and dynamic environment. With a total of 619 graduate students, the gender distribution shows a significant representation of women, accounting for 61.7% of the student body, while men make up 38.3%. This trend aligns with a broader pattern observed in higher education, where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as law.

Examining the ethnic composition, the majority of graduate students are White, representing 82.7% of the total graduate population, with 513 individuals. This figure highlights the ongoing need for law schools to promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that underrepresented groups have equitable access to legal education. The presence of Asian, Latino, Black, and international students in smaller numbers indicates that while there is progress, there is still substantial work to be done in achieving a more balanced demographic profile.

As discussions around social justice and equity continue to shape the legal landscape, it is crucial for institutions like Charleston School of Law to actively foster an inclusive environment. This not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students to address the diverse needs of society in their future legal careers. Overall, the data reflects both the opportunities and challenges faced by law schools in cultivating a diverse student body, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance representation across all demographics.

Analysis of Age Distribution Among Students at Charleston School of Law

The age distribution of students at Charleston School of Law reveals some intriguing insights into the demographics of the student body. The majority of students fall within the 22-24 age range, with a total of 348 students, which represents approximately 83% of the total enrollment. This trend is indicative of a growing preference among younger individuals to pursue legal studies immediately after completing their undergraduate degrees, reflecting a broader trend in higher education.

As we move to the 25-29 age bracket, we see a significant decline, with only 176 students, comprising about 14% of the total student population. This decrease may suggest that individuals in this age group are either entering the workforce earlier or opting for alternative career paths rather than pursuing law.

Interestingly, the number of older students, those aged 30 and above, is quite limited, with only 38 students collectively in the 30-34, 35-39, and 40-49 age ranges, which reflects a mere 3% of the total enrollment. This could imply that the legal profession might not be perceived as an appealing career change for older adults, or it may indicate barriers that hinder their entry into law school.

Moreover, the gender distribution shows a noteworthy trend, particularly among graduate students, where females outnumber males significantly in all age categories. This aligns with the national trend of increasing female representation in law schools, underscoring the evolving gender dynamics within the legal profession.

Overall, the data from Charleston School of Law reflects contemporary patterns in legal education, marked by a youthful demographic and an encouraging rise in female participation. These insights can help the institution tailor its outreach and support initiatives to better serve its diverse student population.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 25 private law schools in the U.S.

Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.5%2018: 0.7%2019: 0.6%2020: 0.5%2021: 0.2%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.5%2024: 0.3%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

International Student Enrollment Trends at Charleston School of Law

The data for international student enrollment at Charleston School of Law reveals significant insights into the trends over the years, particularly focusing on graduate students. While the undergraduate data remains unavailable, the graduate statistics provide a glimpse into the evolving landscape of international education at the institution.

From 2009 to 2023, the percentage of international students in the graduate program displayed fluctuations. Notably, there was a remarkable spike in 2018, where international students constituted 0.71% of the total graduate population. This peak might be attributed to various factors, such as increased global interest in legal studies and more effective recruitment strategies targeting international applicants. However, the subsequent years saw a decline, with international enrollment dropping to as low as 0.16% in 2021 and 2022. Such declines may reflect broader trends in international education, including travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting priorities among potential students.

Interestingly, the numbers began to recover in 2023, with international students accounting for 0.48% of the graduate population. This recovery may signal a resurgence in global student mobility as countries ease travel restrictions and institutions adapt to the new normal in international education.

Overall, while the percentage of international students remains relatively low, the trends suggest a potential for growth as the world gradually adjusts to post-pandemic realities. Institutions like Charleston School of Law could benefit from strengthening their international outreach and support systems to attract a more diverse student body, which is crucial in today’s interconnected legal landscape.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$18.7M

Tuition and fees
$18.4M98.5%
Investment return
$64K0.3%
Other
$222K1.2%

Expenses$16.7M

Institutional support
$6.7M40.4%
Instruction
$5.5M33.1%
Academic support
$2.6M15.8%
Student services
$1.8M10.7%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 25 private law schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$119,671peers $101,494
Professor
$129,403peers $117,361
Associate professor
$120,750peers $104,295
Assistant professor
$92,333peers $82,760
Instructor
$106,667

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Charleston School of Law:

  1. University of South Carolina-Columbia - Ranked 124 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of programs and is known for its vibrant campus life.

  2. Duke University - A prestigious institution ranked 7th nationally, Duke University is renowned for its research programs and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education.

  3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - With a rank of 22, this comprehensive university is one of the oldest public universities in the United States and is recognized for its strong academic programs and commitment to public service.

  4. Davidson College - This liberal arts college is ranked 16th and is known for its rigorous academic standards and strong sense of community among students.

  5. Furman University - Ranked 46, Furman is a leading liberal arts university that emphasizes a holistic approach to education and a commitment to developing ethical leaders.

These institutions not only provide excellent educational opportunities but also contribute to the rich academic landscape surrounding Charleston School of Law.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 25 private law schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug arrests
172
Weapons arrests
51
Liquor arrests
28
Motor vehicle theft
6
Aggravated assault
4
Domestic violence
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Charleston School of Law

The crime statistics at Charleston School of Law reveal a significant trend in the rate of offenses over the past decade. Initially, in 2013, the crime rate per 1,000 students was alarmingly high at approximately 171 incidents, reflecting a challenging environment. However, there has been a steady decline in the crime rate, reaching a low of about 13 per 1,000 students in 2021. This downward trend suggests effective measures may have been implemented to enhance campus safety and reduce criminal activities.

Despite the positive trajectory, a notable increase in crime was observed in 2023, with the rate climbing back to 116 incidents per 1,000 students. This resurgence could indicate a variety of factors, including changes in campus policies, student behavior, or external societal influences. The data shows that gun-related arrests and domestic violence incidents were prevalent, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and proactive intervention strategies.

Moreover, the fluctuations in data reflect the broader context of rising crime rates in many urban areas across the United States, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a shift in social dynamics and increased stressors on communities. As the school continues to navigate these challenges, it is imperative to foster a safe and supportive environment for students.

For further insight into how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.