About Coastal Carolina University

Founded in 1954, Coastal Carolina University. is a Public college. Located in South Carolina, which is a city setting in South Carolina, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 9,747 full time undergraduate students, and 732 full time graduate students.

The Coastal Carolina University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 17:1. There are 451 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Coastal Carolina University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate61%
Application Deadline
Application Fee45
SAT Range930-1090
ACT Range20-25

Admissions at CCU are considered Selective, with ,146% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 13 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

66% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 28% were in the top quarter, and 8% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Coastal Carolina University.

3%
“We”re apathetic”
26%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
2%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
26%
“Sometimes, but not often”
47%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
23%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
63%
“I feel extremely safe”
11%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
24%
“We bought the gear”
65%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
67%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
20%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
50%
“They keep regular office hours”
43%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
15%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
80%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
5%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
26%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
34%
“We only party on weekends”
33%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
15%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
61%
“There might be people who do”
18%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
6%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
26%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
2%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
26%
“Sometimes, but not often”
47%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
23%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
63%
“I feel extremely safe”
11%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
24%
“We bought the gear”
65%
“We live for the big game”
2%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
67%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
20%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
50%
“They keep regular office hours”
43%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
15%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
80%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
5%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
7%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
26%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
34%
“We only party on weekends”
33%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
15%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
61%
“There might be people who do”
18%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
6%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    247 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    177 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    284 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    296 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    296 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    295 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    297 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 57 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    296 Students rated academics 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

Coastal Carolina University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Coastal Carolina University?

115 Students rated Coastal Carolina University

Jolie - 11/26/2024

The campus is beautiful. There are lots of fun activities and clubs to join. The tour was very organized. The sports teams are good. The dorms were small, but clean. There are lots of spaces to quietly study. The new library is very modern and nice. They are continuing to renovate the campus.

Issi - 11/25/2024

I knew from my first visit to Coastal Carolina University that this was the place for me. Starting my college journey, I barley knew anything about what it was like, where I wanted to go, and how to apply, but I always had an gut feeling that I needed to be in South Carolina. I had never been to South Carolina, and didn't know what colleges to look into. Last spring I was able to fly down and had the opportunity to visit Coastal Carolina University. I immediately felt a sense of comfort and everything was perfect. It has a unmatchable positive vibe, as well a kind and helpful community. After visiting I continued my research on the university and everything matched up to what I wanted in a college. I know I will be able to thrive and learn everything I need to be successful in my future and have a fun-filled college experience.

Jason - 11/21/2024

Coastal Carolina University is a great school. There are a lot of students who want to attend the university, given the number of people who went on a tour around the university. The subjects that the students are interested in have a lot of fields that students want to learn about, depending on their concentration.

Nicolette - 11/17/2024

I am currently a senior at Coastal Carolina University and am an athlete on the softball team. We compete at the highest NCAA level, so I would say I have different perspective on college life here. Living in the dorms my freshman year had its pros and cons. I was lucky enough to have my own room and only have to share a bathroom with three other girls. However, if you do not decorate, the room seems dull and doesn't promote a happy atmosphere. It was nice being able to have my car as a freshman, but parking was terrible. I love that you're able to walk to all of your classes and the school offers a shuttle to Walmart, so students can get groceries. Sophomore year housing was great if you were able to get your housing application in on time. The amount of students at Coastal has been increasing exponentially, which makes parking somewhere close a whole ordeal. For the most part, all of the faculty is really nice, with the exception of a few professors here and there. I did not feel very academically challenged when I came to Coastal, and I have been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA thus far. For the past two years, I have moved to off-campus housing. It is very convenient because my apartment is within walking distance. The downside is that prices have been going up with the increase in the student body. Overall, I would say Coastal Carolina is a school where it depends on how much effort you put into it to get the best experience out of it.

Coastal Carolina University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Coastal Carolina University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Coastal Carolina University is 61%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would tell myself to take a little bit more time choosing a major. It will be easier coming in to the university already having chose a major. Also, look up professors' reviews. Find out which ones are passionate about what they teach and take those classes. And it's okay to drop a class. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone but yourself. If you don't think you can pull through and make the good grade, just drop it. It's better than having a bad grade on your transcript. Other than that, just enjoy it!

    Read all 463 answers

  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    I can honestly say there is none. The campus is wonderful, thefood is great, the professors are awesome. They help you learn and make sure you grasp the concept of what they are teaching. So, all together Coastal Carolina University is amazing.

    Read all 99 answers

  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Coastal Carolina is a resource, experience, and growth filled college from the student body, faculty, admindistration, and to the overall community.

    Read all 96 answers

  5. What's unique about your campus?

    One of the best things about Coastal Carolina University is the campus activities and envolvment. On campus there is always something go on and its fun to be a part of that. We have Teal Tuesday where everyone dresses up in teal so show school spirit. Our school is friendly. An added bonus is our beautiful campus and the great location being only ten minutes from Myrtle Beach and the ocean.

    Read all 93 answers

  6. Describe the students at your school.

    All my classmates have a sense of humor because they know how to make your day just when you thought it was going to be a bad day.

    Read all 87 answers

  7. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    Before I came to Coastal I wish I would have taken the SAT and ACT more than once.

    Read all 81 answers

  8. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Any type of person should attend this school! There is a huge diversity of students attending this university. You just need to like southern weather and southern hospitality.

    Read all 80 answers

  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    There is no classification of people who should reach for higher knowledge at Coastal Carolina University. Coastal offers a variety of classes for several different undergraduate majors and a few graduate studies. Coastal even has classes called LIFE classes that they cater towards for special needs adults.

    Read all 76 answers

  10. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    It is most likely best known for its marine science program.

    Read all 67 answers

  11. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Our school is neither a big school nor a small school. It is very welcoming, We have this mentality of being together. The atmosphere is just pleasing, I do not want to ever transfer as long as I can stay here!

    Read all 65 answers

  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    If you are an apiring student at Coastal Carolina, please be aware of your financial situation. This university has a tendency to notify the student of change in financial aid in a very untimely manner.

    Read all 62 answers

  13. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I brag about the overall effect Coastal Carolina University has. When I walk around campus, I feel giddy. I have made a new life with new friends and family here. I succeed in my work, enjoy my teachers and the classwork. The teachers make it so the students can enjoy class. They give us interesting assignments, such as an critique essay that sparks a variety of emotions, to art class where we learned about the soccer ball program in Africa and crafted our own. Every teacher has a story, every student too, I love it.

    Read all 57 answers

  14. What are the academics like at your school?

    Coastal is all about being personal. Professors know your name, if you want them to. Class participation isn't always a must, but it's worth it to get involved. Students aren't too competitive, we are there to do what's best for us. Coastal's academic requirements are bad at all. Your academic advisor is there to be your friend and help you. We have the coolest and weirdest classes. We have a scuba diving class and a scootering class...yes, scooter. Education at Coastal is al about what's best for you. They want you to be able to get a job when you graduate, but they also want you learning for your own sake.

    Read all 3 answers

  15. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Most popular clubs and organizations are Greek Life and just about every club. SCREAM is our club which is at every sporting even pumping up the players and the crowd! Students are very open and welcoming, depending on which hall you're in, students leave their doors open..or unlocked and you can just go in and chill. Our athletic events are the talk of not only the entire campus but the town. I met my closest friends at Orientation and during welcome week. Go and explore the campus, don't be afraid to say "Hey" and ask where others are from. Go to club recruitment day and sign up for any club that looks fun(most of them are). We have founders day each year...we get the day off shcool and we get late night breakfast for free in our dining halls. People have fun. Some people party every night while others don't do it all. I've found a happy median and I got a 3.9 last semester. There are tons of things that don't involve drinking, like hall activities that your RA puts on.

    Read all 2 answers

  16. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    That all sororities are stuck up. False statement because I am in one and I would not consider myself stuck up. Just because we hold ourselves to a higher standard does not mean a thing.

    Read all 2 answers

  17. Tell us about the food and dining options.

    There are many places to eat off campus including pizza places and sushi restaurants. Hick's dining hall is buffet style. CINO Grille has a burger place, sushi place, Mexican food, Subway, and Chick-fil-a. UP Cafe offers deli food, a salad bar, and hot meals. The quality of the food is average.

    Read all 1 answers

  18. What are your classes like?

    Classes are usually pretty small, about 20-30 students per class. Unless the professor really pushes for it, there isn't much student participation in class, as students aren't very outgoing.

    Read all 1 answers

  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    We go to the beach everyday.

    Read all 1 answers

  20. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    I would change The Commons, our dinning hall. Our school is just the right size, this year we had 1,800 incoming freshman living on campus. Most of my time is either spent outside(because of the awesome weather) or in Club Kimbel(our library...we call it that because the entire first floor is usually social hour) studying. So we're not a typical college town. In Conway, SC(our town) a five minute drive from Myrtle Beach there is always something going on. We are a typical tourist town...but when tourist season is over, lots of fun things begin. Our administration at Coastal is great. I met the president of the University in the middle of summer. He took the time to talk to me and get to know me. On our move-in day this year, President DiCenzo(we call him DAD...David A. DiCenzo) helped carry in boxes and helped with the entire move in process. Hundreds of volunteers ranging from Greeklife to RA's helped make the move-in process easy(By easy, I mean EASY...they asked for your room number and carried in everything your had and moved it into your room. all you had to do was unpack). None of my siblings at other colleges ever had that experience, and what university president do you know that would help carry boxes and move in freshman? Not many. Coastal BLEEDS TEAL. Our school pride is off the charts and it's amazing. We don't really have anything unusual about Coastal, except for our mascot...

    Read all 1 answers

  21. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Unfortunately we have classes most days...

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

53%

female

47%

male

9,747

Total Undergrad Enrollment

732

Total Grad Students

55%

Out-Of-State

44%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

159

Student Organizations

8

Fraternities

7

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

40%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
20%
% Hispanic/Latino
4%
% White or Caucasian
67%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

91% of students attending Coastal Carolina University receive some sort of financial aid. 35% were awarded federal grants. While 70% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$25,120

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,160

Books and Supplies

$9,278

Room and Board

35,558

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$11,937
$30 - $48K
$13,993
$48 - $75K
$17,184
$75 - $110K
$17,998
$110K & UP
$18,789

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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