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Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC·Public·9,909 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 9,909 students.

80%
Accept
9,909
Students
$13,742
Net Price
51%
Grad Rate
$44,500
Earnings
10 yr
$16,979
Debt

About This School

Coastal Carolina University is a public institution located in Conway, South Carolina with approximately 9,909 undergraduate students enrolled. Coastal Carolina University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 80%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,742 per year. The graduation rate is 51%, and the typical graduate earns $44,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

Coastal Carolina University is a public university in Conway, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1954 as Coastal Carolina Junior College, and later joining the University of South Carolina System as USC Coastal Carolina, it became an independent university in 1993.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the average net price of $13,742/year and relatively low median debt of $16,979 make this one of the more affordable public university options, but a 51% graduation rate is a real concern worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're drawn to a mid-sized coastal South Carolina campus and have a clear plan to stay on track, but students who need strong academic support structures or have specific career goals should research whether this school's outcomes — median earnings of $44,500 a decade out — align with their expectations.

Founded
1954
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Biological Sciences12%
Psychology7%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Education6%
Social Sciences5%
Health Professions5%
Communications5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Patrick SwayzeMichael KellyDiamond Dallas PageKiera Cass

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1128
Reading 75th %ile610
Math 75th %ile600

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$11,640
Out-of-State Tuition
$29,628
Avg Net Price
$13,742
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants27%
Median debt at graduation$16,979

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
51%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
76%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,979
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,979
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White66%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (9,909 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Coastal Carolina University

103 Tom Trout Drive

Conway, SC 29526

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Carolina

Browse all South Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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