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College of Charleston vs Coastal Carolina University

College of Charleston is a public college in Charleston, SC. Coastal Carolina University is a public university in Conway, SC. College of Charleston admits about 60% of applicants and Coastal Carolina University about 75%, making College of Charleston the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,966 a year at Coastal Carolina University after aid, and about $18,960 at College of Charleston. About 65% of students graduate at College of Charleston, compared with 50% at Coastal Carolina University. Ten years after enrolling, College of Charleston alumni earn a median of about $56,416, against $47,258 for Coastal Carolina University.

College of Charleston

Charleston, SC · Public

Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Charleston, SC
Conway, SC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,558
10,377
Acceptance rate
60%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
1140–1310
1050–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
25–30
21–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,960
$13,966
Full cost / yr
$32,362
$26,692
In-state tuition
$12,978
$11,640
Out-of-state tuition
$38,296
$29,628
Application fee
$60
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,133
$9,563
$30k - $48k
$13,406
$10,292
$48k - $75k
$16,797
$12,938
$75k - $110k
$20,089
$16,350
Over $110k
$24,996
$20,219
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
50%
Freshman retention
82%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,821
$38,070
Median earnings (10 yr)
$56,416
$47,258
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$23,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
19%
26%
First-generation students
20%
27%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Oct 15
Early action
Nov 2
Nov 15
Regular decision
Feb 15
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University harder to get into?
College of Charleston is harder to get into. It admits about 60% of applicants, compared with 75% at Coastal Carolina University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University?
Coastal Carolina University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,966 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,960 at College of Charleston. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at College of Charleston and Coastal Carolina University?
Before aid, Coastal Carolina University costs about $26,692 a year and College of Charleston about $32,362. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University?
Coastal Carolina University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,563 there, against about $12,133 at College of Charleston. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University?
College of Charleston is the larger of the two, with about 10,558 undergraduates against 10,377 at Coastal Carolina University.
Does College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
College of Charleston has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 50% at Coastal Carolina University.
Do graduates of College of Charleston or Coastal Carolina University earn more?
College of Charleston alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,416 ten years after enrolling, against about $47,258 for Coastal Carolina University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do College of Charleston and Coastal Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
College of Charleston is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Coastal Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do College of Charleston and Coastal Carolina University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1140–1310 at College of Charleston and 1050–1220 at Coastal Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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