College of Charleston vs Coastal Carolina University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for College of Charleston and Coastal Carolina University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
College of Charleston vs Coastal Carolina University at a glance
College of Charleston admits 60% of applicants and Coastal Carolina University 75.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $18,177 at College of Charleston and $15,287 at Coastal Carolina University. Six-year graduation rates are 65.3% and 54.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- College of Charleston admits 60% of applicants and Coastal Carolina University 75.3%, so College of Charleston is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $18,177 a year at College of Charleston and $15,287 at Coastal Carolina University; Coastal Carolina University costs $2,890 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $14,245 at College of Charleston and $11,069 at Coastal Carolina University.
- 65.3% of students graduate within six years at College of Charleston, against 54.2% at Coastal Carolina University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $63,018 for College of Charleston and $54,702 for Coastal Carolina University; College of Charleston is $8,316 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at College of Charleston and $22,312 at Coastal Carolina University.
- College of Charleston enrolls 10,558 students (midsize city) and Coastal Carolina University 10,377 (small city).
Side by side
College of Charleston and Coastal Carolina University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | College of Charleston | Coastal Carolina University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 60% | 75.3% |
| Applicants | 20,484 | 15,481 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1140–1310 | 1050–1220 |
| ACT middle 50% | 25–30 | 21–26 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $18,177 | $15,287 |
| Tuition, in state | $12,978 | $11,640 |
| Tuition, out of state | $38,844 | $29,926 |
| Cost of attendance | $33,689 | $28,982 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $14,245 | $11,069 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,240 | $11,943 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $14,854 | $13,047 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $18,141 | $18,002 |
| Over $110,000 | $25,459 | $21,700 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 65.3% | 54.2% |
| First-year retention | 82% | 77.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $63,018 | $54,702 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $22,312 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $254 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,558 | 10,377 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
| Location | Charleston, SC | Conway, SC |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
College of Charleston reports 56 bachelor's programs and Coastal Carolina University 51; 34 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about College of Charleston vs Coastal Carolina University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University?
College of Charleston is harder to get into by acceptance rate: College of Charleston admits 60% of applicants and Coastal Carolina University admits 75.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: College of Charleston 1140–1310; Coastal Carolina University 1050–1220.
Which is cheaper, College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University?
Coastal Carolina University has the lower average net price after grants: $18,177 a year at College of Charleston against $15,287 at Coastal Carolina University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $14,245 and $11,069. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University graduates earn more?
College of Charleston graduates earn more at the median: $63,018 ten years after entry for College of Charleston and $54,702 for Coastal Carolina University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $22,312.
Which has a higher graduation rate, College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University?
College of Charleston does: 65.3% of College of Charleston students graduate within six years, against 54.2% at Coastal Carolina University.
How big are College of Charleston and Coastal Carolina University?
College of Charleston has 10,558 students in Charleston, SC and Coastal Carolina University has 10,377 students in Conway, SC.