Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Conway, South Carolina |
| Online | coastal.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Coastal Carolina University is located in Conway, South Carolina, approximately nine miles from Myrtle Beach and its Atlantic coastline. Established in 1954 as a junior college and achieving independent university status in 1993, the institution operates on a 633-acre campus characterized by contemporary architectural styles and significant wetland preservation areas. The university maintains a selective admission process and is recognized for its marine science, professional golf management, and theater arts programs, with the Wall College of Business serving as another academic cornerstone. Students typically reside in on-campus housing during their first year, and the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Chanticleers, notably winning the College World Series in baseball in 2016.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Coastal Carolina is rated within the lower 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Coastal Carolina University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#767 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#274 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Colleges in South Carolina
#6 in Best Public Colleges in South Carolina
#43 in Best Value Colleges in South Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1050/1210 |
| ACT | 20/26 |
| GPA | 3.72 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $45 |
Annual Cost to Attend
South Carolina Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,210 |
| Other Fees | $180 |
| Room and Board | $11,418 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,150 |
| Total One Year Cost | $28,418 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,210 |
| Other Fees | $180 |
| Room and Board | $11,418 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,150 |
| Total One Year Cost | $46,406 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 30% |
| Biology | 11% |
| Education | 10% |
| Communication | 7% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Coastal Carolina are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=218724 IPEDS survey data for Coastal Carolina University.
Current students may use the Coastal Carolina University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025