At $13,742/yr net price, Coastal Carolina University graduates earn $47,258/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,258/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,742 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,258/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,258/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,222/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,749/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,209/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,527/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,612/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,750 | $16,666 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $60,771 | $20,336 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,318 | $20,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,497 | $30,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $48,198 | $24,486 |
| Education, General. | Master | $42,873 | |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $40,467 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,597 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 | $33,461 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $38,168 | $25,500 |
The Risk Factor
50.8% of students at Coastal Carolina University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Coastal Carolina University offers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for specific career-focused programs but concerning graduate rates that could derail your investment. The school's 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students never complete their degree, making this a risky choice if you're not certain about your major and commitment level.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, delivering $65,750 in median earnings with relatively low debt of $16,666. Information science and accounting also provide solid returns at around $57,000-$61,000 annually. These programs justify the investment and position graduates well in South Carolina's growing healthcare and business sectors.
The $23,750 median debt load is manageable compared to many schools, but only if you actually graduate. With 75% retention after the first year, CCU loses students steadily throughout their college years. If you're academically unprepared or unsure about your goals, you risk joining the nearly 50% who leave without a degree but with debt.
You should consider CCU if you're committed to nursing, information technology, or business programs and want affordable tuition at $13,742 annually. The school works best for focused students who know their career path. However, if you're undecided about your major or struggled academically in high school, the graduation rates suggest you might be better served at a school with stronger student support systems.
Financial aid reaches only 27% of students, so don't expect significant merit scholarships. Your best cost strategy involves choosing one of the higher-earning majors and staying on track to graduate within four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coastal Carolina University worth the money?
Coastal Carolina University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $13,742 per year, but graduates earn only $47,258 annually after 10 years. The nursing and information science programs provide much better returns than the overall average, while business programs offer more modest outcomes.
What is the job market like for Coastal Carolina University graduates?
CCU graduates in nursing can expect strong earning potential at $65,750, while information science majors average $60,771. However, the 50% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, which limits job prospects.
How much debt do Coastal Carolina University students graduate with?
CCU graduates typically leave with $23,750 in debt, which is manageable given the relatively affordable tuition. With average starting earnings around $47,000, most graduates can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
Which majors at Coastal Carolina University have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at CCU offer the strongest ROI with graduates earning $65,750 annually. Information science ($60,771) and accounting ($57,318) also provide solid returns that justify the education costs.