Admit rate has ranged 69%–80% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is a rapidly growing public university in Conway, South Carolina, known for its laid-back coastal vibe, strong marine science programs, and reputation as a 'party school' with improving academic metrics. While its 75% acceptance rate and middling graduation rates reflect its regional state university status, CCU offers over 105 degree programs—including a standout Ph.D. in marine science—and a lively campus life just minutes from Myrtle Beach.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
TOEFL (non-native English)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
10,377
In-state tuition
$11,640
Out-of-state tuition
$29,628
Social Vibe
Party school with beach access
Acceptance Rate
75%
Notable Program
Ph.D. in Marine Science
4-Year Graduation Rate
46% (2021 cohort)
Median Earnings 1 Yr After Graduation
$36,427
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,258
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.4×
Median debt at graduation
$23,750
Graduation rate
48%
First-year retention
77%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
52%
Pell (lower-income) share
52%
First-generation share
27%
Endowment / student
$5,547
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$65,750
Information Science/Studies$60,771
Business/Managerial Economics$40,467
Accounting and Related Services$38,597
Marketing$38,168
Finance and Financial Management Services
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
2
Per 1,000 students
0.19
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
120
Summer high
87°F
Winter low
43°F
Annual rain
56.5"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
127
Scholarly works
4,095
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
1.0%
Bottom → top quintile
15%
From bottom quintile
7%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Coastal Carolina University?
Coastal Carolina University's acceptance rate is approximately 75% (Conway, SC), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Coastal Carolina University?
Admitted students at Coastal Carolina University typically score 1050–1220 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Coastal Carolina University cost?
At Coastal Carolina University, the average net price (after aid) is about $13,966 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Coastal Carolina University?
Coastal Carolina University enrolls approximately 10,377 undergraduate students.
Where is Coastal Carolina University located?
Coastal Carolina University is located in Conway, SC.
Admissions
Coastal Carolina maintains a 75% acceptance rate, with an even higher early Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 84.2%, making it accessible to most applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070–1142 on the SAT or 21–24 on the ACT, with 54% boasting a 3.75+ GPA. Freshman admissions weigh high school performance, core course grades, and test scores, though the school is transparent about its non-selectivity ('as long as you don’t fall below their standards, you’ll get in'). Notably, 15,828 of 21,028 applicants were accepted in 2023, though only about 68% enrolled. Contact admissions at admissions@coastal.edu or (843) 349-2170.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$37,856
Business Administration, Management and Operations$36,423
Computer and Information Sciences, General$36,141
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academics
CCU offers 105+ degree and certificate programs, with business administration, ecology, and marketing as the most popular majors. Its Ph.D. in Marine Science: Coastal and Marine Systems Science is a standout, reflecting the university’s coastal location. Applied physics and other STEM programs provide hands-on technical training, but the school’s academic reputation is still developing—Reddit users call it a 'real school' but note it lacks 'prestige.' Faculty focus on teaching over research, and the curriculum leans practical, with growing graduate programs (including master’s degrees) aimed at career advancement.
Life at CCU balances beach proximity and Greek-fueled social scenes—it’s widely dubbed a 'party school'—with niche clubs and leadership programs. About 48% of students live on campus, and 88% report feeling 'extremely safe' (per Niche). The Division of Campus Life and Student Engagement organizes events ranging from cultural programs to outdoor adventures, while Greek Life anchors the social calendar. Reddit users describe the student body as a mix of 'smart, creative' types and those there for the 'Coastal vibe.' Myrtle Beach’s bars and concerts are a short drive away, blurring the line between campus and vacation.
CCU’s graduation rates are improving but still lag: the four-year rate hit 46% for Fall 2021 entrants, while the six-year rate reached 54.2% for the Fall 2019 cohort. Alumni median earnings one year post-graduation are $36,427, slightly below the national average. The university highlights these metrics as 'on an upward climb,' but critiques on Facebook note its historically low completion rates (37% four-year in past cohorts). Career services emphasize regional employment, with many graduates entering hospitality, education, or environmental sectors tied to the South Carolina coast.
For 2024–2025, 94% of full-time undergraduates receive grant/scholarship aid, with an average aid package of $13,751. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid is $10,664, though costs vary by residency. The financial aid office (finaid@coastal.edu) provides net price calculators to estimate individualized costs. Notably, average school grants are $5,033, and federal loans are common. While tuition is lower than many private colleges, the university’s rising reputation hasn’t yet translated to elite-level financial aid resources.
CCU’s coastal location defines its identity—from marine science research to students who prioritize surfboards alongside textbooks. It’s a school for those who want low-pressure academics with high-energy social life, where graduation rates are rising but not yet a selling point. The Ph.D. in marine science and growing graduate programs signal ambition, while its TikTok-fueled popularity as a 'fun' alternative to stricter Southern schools keeps applications flowing. For students seeking a state-school price tag with beachside perks—and tolerance for institutional growing pains—CCU delivers.
Coastal Carolina University logo · sourceAbout CCU | Coastal Carolina · sourceCCU's board of trustees approves additional funds for two major capital projects | News | Coastal Carolina University · sourceCoastal Carolina University - Conway, SC | Coastal Carolina · source
