Coastal Carolina University: 78.6% Acceptance Rate

78.6%Acceptance

$11,640Tuition

9,909Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,258Earnings

#16 in South CarolinaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina University has built a reputation as a full public university that punches above its weight in athletics and academics. The school's 9,909 students know it best for strong business and marine science programs, plus a football team that has made waves in bowl games. Notable graduates include NFL quarterback Tyler Thigpen and offensive lineman Alex Cappa. The Conway campus sits in a small city setting that gives students a tight-knit community feel.

The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $13,742 after aid, which represents good value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $47,258 ten years out, easily covering the typical $252 monthly loan payment. Low-income families pay just $9,222 net price, making this an accessible option for first-generation college students.

The Chanticleers compete in NCAA Division I with 16 varsity sports and $10.1 million in athletic scholarships. About 58% of students take federal loans, but the 95.8% employment rate suggests graduates land jobs quickly. With a 76% retention rate and 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention while building connections that last beyond graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Coastal Carolina operates as a full public university with growing academic ambitions. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 50.80% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The university has built a solid reputation in marine science, taking advantage of its proximity to the Atlantic coast for hands-on research opportunities. Business programs attract many of the 9,909 students, offering practical training for regional industries. The school emphasizes experiential learning through internships and fieldwork. Academic support varies by program, with stronger departments providing more mentorship while others rely heavily on large lecture formats.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 49.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.8%
Retention Rate: 75.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,258
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$65,750
Information Science/Studies.	Bachelor	$60,771
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$57,318
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$53,497
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$48,198
Education, General.	Master	$42,873
Business/Managerial Economics.	Bachelor	$40,467
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$38,597
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$38,289
Marketing.	Bachelor	$38,168

View all 78 programs →

Campus Life

Conway sits about 15 miles inland from Myrtle Beach, giving students easy access to the coast without the tourist chaos. With housing capacity for 5,199 students and total enrollment of 9,909, roughly half the student body lives on campus. The South Carolina climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with mild winters and hot, humid summers perfect for the school's strong marine science programs.

The Chanticleers have built a passionate football culture since moving to Division I, with 492 total athletes competing across 16 varsity sports. Students flock to Brooks Stadium on fall Saturdays, where the team has earned multiple bowl game appearances. With 58.12% of students coming from out-of-state, weekends often revolve around campus activities rather than going home. The proximity to Myrtle Beach means weekend beach trips are common when weather permits. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit academic environment, while the Sun Belt Conference athletics give students plenty of reasons to stay engaged with campus life throughout the year.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 5,199 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1954

Campus Safety (2023)

30 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	9	8
Dating Violence	3	3
Aggravated Assault	4	0
Domestic Violence	1	1
Burglary	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 34°–57°F
July Avg: 72°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 52.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.7"

Student Demographics

Coastal Carolina draws a surprising mix of students, with 58% coming from out-of-state despite being a public university. This suggests the school has built a national reputation that attracts students beyond South Carolina's borders. The student body is predominantly white at 66%, though it serves a meaningful population of Black and Hispanic students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the university provides access to middle and working-class families. Women slightly outnumber men, reflecting the university's growth beyond its traditional strengths in marine science and business into more diverse academic offerings.

Men: 45.0%
Women: 55.0%
White: 66.3%
Black: 10.5%
Hispanic: 5.9%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 41.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.8%

Location

Conway sits about 10 miles inland from Myrtle Beach in coastal South Carolina. The university draws 58% of its students from out-of-state, many attracted to the proximity to one of the Southeast's most popular beach destinations. Students can reach Charleston in about two hours and Columbia in 90 minutes. The campus sits in a small city that revolves around the university and tourism from nearby beaches. Conway itself has around 25,000 residents, creating a true college town atmosphere where students make up nearly 40% of the local population. The coastal location influences everything from marine science programs to weekend activities. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Coastal Carolina University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Conway, South Carolina 29526

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,258
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,041
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 51.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $252/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Coastal Carolina University?

Coastal Carolina University accepts 78.63% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need an SAT score around 1105 or ACT score of 23 to be competitive. The university draws students primarily interested in business, marine science, and athletics.

How much does Coastal Carolina University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,742 after financial aid at Coastal Carolina University. In-state tuition runs $11,640 while out-of-state students pay $29,628. The school keeps costs manageable for lower-income families, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $9,222 on average.

What academic programs is Coastal Carolina University known for?

Coastal Carolina University has built strong reputations in business and marine science programs. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain reasonably sized for a public university of nearly 10,000 students. The university operates on a semester system and maintains a comprehensive curriculum across multiple disciplines.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Coastal Carolina University?

Coastal Carolina University graduates 50.80% of students within six years and maintains a 95.8% employment rate. Recent graduates earn a median salary of $47,258 ten years after graduation with typical student loan debt of $23,750. The monthly loan payment averages $252, which aligns with the school's focus on affordable education.

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

Coastal Carolina University sits in Conway, South Carolina, a small city setting that houses 9,909 students. The campus provides housing for 5,199 students with room and board costing $11,418. The student body is 55% female and draws from both in-state (42%) and out-of-state populations.

How successful is Coastal Carolina University's football program?

Coastal Carolina University competes in NCAA Division I as the Chanticleers in the Sun Belt Conference. The football team has gained national attention with multiple bowl game appearances in recent years. The athletic program awards over $10 million in scholarships across 16 varsity sports with 492 total student-athletes.