Southeastern College-Charleston

Southeastern offers 11 career-oriented associate degree programs, with Allied Health and Medical Assisting standing out as its flagship field. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio (14:1 per another source) enables hands-on training in labs and classrooms designed to simulate workplace environments—think phlebotomy practice stations rather than lecture halls. Credit for life experience is available, aligning with the school's pragmatic approach. Notably, the highest degree conferred is an associate degree, making this a terminal vocational institution rather than a stepping stone to bachelor's programs.

The 36,417-square-foot Charleston campus functions more like a trade school than a traditional college, with air-conditioned classrooms and labs outweighing quads or dorms. Social life leans heavily into Charleston's off-campus scene—TikTok clips highlight parties and nightlife, while Facebook posts depict a 'High School Musical'-esque vibe of students bonding over shared vocational goals. Unlike the College of Charleston's 240+ clubs, Southeastern's extracurricular offerings appear minimal, with career preparation dominating the student experience. The school explicitly markets its 'personalized attention' and real-world simulation environment over rah-rah campus culture.

The school reports a 67-69% graduation rate—slightly above the 68% midpoint for certificate-granting institutions—with 110 program completions annually. While salary data is sparse, the focus on allied health suggests alignment with steady-demand fields like medical assisting (median wage: $38,270 nationally). Unlike liberal arts colleges, Southeastern's outcomes are measured less by postgraduate degrees and more by immediate workforce entry, though specific job placement rates are not publicly documented.

With a sticker price of $36,804 (post-aid) and average aid packages of $6,209, Southeastern sits at the pricier end for vocational schools—akin to for-profit institutions. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator hints at variability based on grants and scholarships, though the $24,184 in-state tuition still demands a ROI calculation against local wages. Financial aid leans heavily on federal loans rather than institutional grants, with the school's website emphasizing FAFSA completion over merit-based awards.

Southeastern College-Charleston carves a niche as a no-nonsense vocational hub for students seeking rapid entry into healthcare trades, offering a stark contrast to the liberal arts experience of its neighbor, the College of Charleston. Its near-open admissions and clinical-style labs cater to career switchers and first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students who prioritize job skills over campus life. While the price tag raises eyebrows, the school's unapologetic focus on workforce simulation—from phlebotomy training to medical office management—makes it a pragmatic choice for those eyeing middle-skill health careers in the Lowcountry.