Public Institution

Coastal Carolina University — Conway, South Carolina

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Annual Tuition $11,640

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 80.2%

Open Admission

Enrollment 9,909

Active Students

Avg. Salary $47,258

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Conway, South Carolina

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Coastal Carolina University stands as a pillar of higher education in Conway, providing a robust academic foundation for 9,909 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Coastal Carolina University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Coastal Carolina University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

23.2%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

12.4%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation

11.6%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Education

5.8%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Coastal Carolina University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Coastal Carolina University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Coastal Carolina University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Coastal Carolina University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 80.2%

Difficulty Low

Coastal Carolina University maintains an acceptance rate of 80.2%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 45%

Women Enrollment 55%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 530 - 610

SAT Mathematics 520 - 600

ACT English 19 - 24

ACT Mathematics 18 - 25

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Coastal Carolina University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $11,640

Out-of-State Tuition $29,628

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 26.8%

Median Student Debt $23,750

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $11,640, graduates see a median starting salary of $47,258, making it one of the most affordable pathways in South Carolina.

What salary can Coastal Carolina University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $47,258

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 50.8%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $13,742

Median Salary (6yr) $38,070

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Coastal Carolina University in Conway?

9,909 Students

Gender Comparison

45% Men

55% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

75.7%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

0.9%

Black

10.5%

White

66.3%

Unknown

11.9%

Hispanic

5.9%

Two or More Races

3.5%

International

0.8%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 26.6%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 52.1%

🎖️

Veterans 0.3%

💍

Married Students 2.4%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 11.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$64,299
Average Family Income	$74,938
Median Family Income	$55,785

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

53.9%

46.1%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Conway Campus Environment

Located at 103 Tom Trout Drive, Coastal Carolina University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of South Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Coastal Carolina University compare?

Direct Comparison Coastal Carolina University vs Horry-Georgetown Technical College →

Direct Comparison Coastal Carolina University vs Miller-Motte College-Conway →

Common Questions about Coastal Carolina University

Is Coastal Carolina University a good college in Conway, South Carolina?

Coastal Carolina University is a recognized institution in Conway with an enrollment of 9,909 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in South Carolina based on Department of Education data.

Is Coastal Carolina University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Coastal Carolina University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $47,258. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Coastal Carolina University cost for South Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Coastal Carolina University is approximately $11,640. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $29,628. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Coastal Carolina University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Coastal Carolina University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 52.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Coastal Carolina University good for Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs?

Coastal Carolina University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Coastal Carolina University?

Graduates of Coastal Carolina University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $47,258, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Coastal Carolina University?

Coastal Carolina University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Coastal Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Coastal Carolina University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Coastal Carolina University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Coastal Carolina University earn a median salary of $47,258 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Coastal Carolina University a good investment compared to other SC colleges?

Coastal Carolina University stands out as a high-value investment in South Carolina. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Coastal Carolina University located and what is the campus like?

Coastal Carolina University is located at 103 Tom Trout Drive in Conway, SC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 9,909 learners.

Who typically attends Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC?

The student body at Coastal Carolina University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 26.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: South Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Coastal Carolina University with other leading institutions in South Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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