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

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”

Coastal Carolina University REVIEWS

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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.

What's your overall opinion of Coastal Carolina University?

109 Students rated Coastal Carolina University

Zhoe - 07/28/2023

I believe that this school could be a lot greater if there was more care for how students feel about the campus and the changes happening. For instance, you have mold in your room walls? They paint over it and call it fixed. Also, this university accepts tons of freshman, more than they have room for and then builds extra libraries and water fountains vs. extra living spaces for students. The priorities are just not straight. They are also trying to make it a drive-free campus, which could affect commuters. I believe this university only sees money and not students. There are a small bit of great things about the school, like the campus dining choices, some of the professors, and the nice campus scenery. Other than that, not so great.. could be better.

Rashad - 05/17/2023

Coastal Carolina is a great college, it like all others has its good traits and its bad ones. They have created a culture recently that is attractive to many. Between the recent success of their football team and baseball team and being origin for the likes of gold medalist Melissa Jefferson the university is no pushover when it comes to athletics. Ive had their dinning options on many occasions also. They are plenty to chose from and the food is always good. I believe the culture of CCU is what causes some drawback however. Students can get so wrapped up in their lifestyle they put education on the back burner.

Tadem - 04/28/2023

Coastal Carolina University is a larger student body school, with a small, hometown feel. The local area has many activities and there's always something to do. The school offers numerous opportunities for student to get involved with community service projects as well as environmental revitalization efforts. Overall, I feel it is a very good school.

Tiquasha - 01/18/2023

My opinion of Coastal Carolina University is that it is a great school with a lot to offer. Coastal Carolina University is in Conway, South Carolina and is a public university. It has a great academic reputation and offers a wide variety of degree programs. The campus is beautiful, and the surrounding area is vibrant and full of activities. The faculty and staff at Coastal Carolina University are friendly and helpful, and they are always willing to help students succeed. However, I do wish that their were more diversity among the staff, it is uncomfortable to have all non-black teachers. I can personally relate to and feel more included with black instructors because we have a shared connection. Whereas, the odds want always be in my favor when people who do not look like me nor have a similar background critique my work because they can not relate. The university offers a variety of clubs and organizations, and there is always something to do on campus. The school also offers a wide range of cultural and sporting events throughout the year. Coastal Carolina University also offers a great selection of housing options, so there is something for everyone. However, I wish that the school cared about black student organizations, whenever there is an event of black students, I do not find out about it until it is over and someone has posted it on their social media. Whereas, when there is a white student organization event coming up, it is promoted more than ever. And, not to mention, whenever there are events in the art department, majority of the pictures taken and posted on social media most including white students, and I know because I was at the event. there were a hand full of black students and none of our pictures were taken and posted on social media. It seems to me that coastal only wants to promote and advertise white students. So unfair. that is why we need a diversity of black instructors and students. Overall, I think Coastal Carolina University is a great school. It has a great academic reputation, a vibrant and active campus life, and a wide range of housing options. It is a great place to get an education and to have fun. I would highly recommend Coastal Carolina University to anyone looking for a great school. However, I do wish that students did not have to pay for graduation. That is quite unfair being that we have to pay for everything else.

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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