College of Charleston was D21’s “urban” safety as well — they offered her merit as well as the honors college.
I do remember that parents on CC were pretty clear that a student’s experience at CofC could be “night or day” depending on whether they were admitted into the honors college. Many parents said they would advise against attending CofC unless the student attends the honors college.
Interestingly, though she loves NYU, CofC is the only college that D21 still wonders about. In a New England girl’s mind, Charleston is a magical & exotic place.