How Much Is Coastal Carolina Tuition
Coastal Carolina University, located in Conway, South Carolina, combines coastal charm with a growing academic reputation. One of the most important questions prospective students ask is: ‘How much is Coastal Carolina tuition?’ Understanding the tuition costs, additional fees, and total cost of attendance (COA) can help families plan and prepare for the investment in higher education. Tuition varies depending on residency status South Carolina resident or out-of-state and whether you’re attending undergraduate or graduate programs.
Undergraduate Tuition Rates
For the academic year 20242025 and projected into 20252026, Coastal Carolina University charges:
- Instate undergraduate tuition & fees: approximately $11,640 per year
- Outofstate undergraduate tuition & fees: approximately $29,628 per year
These figures remain consistent from 20232024 to 20252026, showing a stable tuition policy.
Graduate Tuition Rates
For graduate programs, Coastal Carolina charges:
- Instate graduate tuition & fees: about $10,764 annually
- Outofstate graduate tuition & fees: approximately $21,438 per year
These rates are similarly stable: no rate increase between 20232024 and 20242025.
Total Cost of Attendance (COA)
Tuition is only one part of the total cost of attendance. Coastal Carolina’s estimated COA includes tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, and miscellaneous expenses.
20242025 COA Estimates
- Instate students living on campus: around $29,300 per year
- Instate students living off campus: about $27,896 per year
- Outofstate students living on campus: roughly $47,288 per year
- Outofstate students living off campus: approximately $45,884 per year
After applying average financial aid (around $11,643), the net costs drop to about $17,657 for instate residents and $35,645 for outofstate students living on campus.
20252026 COA Projections
The estimated 20252026 cost of attendance shows:
- Instate oncampus total: $29,700
- Instate offcampus total: $28,430
- Outofstate oncampus total: $47,986
- Outofstate offcampus total: $46,716
This includes standard tuition, median housing, basic meal plans, and miscellaneous expenses such as transportation, healthcare fees, and personal costs.
PerCredit Hour Costs
Parttime undergraduate tuition is charged:
- $487 per credit hour for South Carolina residents
- $1,231 per credit hour for outofstate students
Similarly, graduate percredit rates are $598 for residents and $1,231 for nonresidents.
Additional Fees and ProgramSpecific Costs
Besides base tuition, some programs carry extra fees. For example:
- Nursing majors pay an additional $1,050 per semester
- Business, College of Science, Public Health, and Intelligence studies incur smaller specialty fees per semester or program
Other university fees include technology charges (such as $90 per full-time student or $5 per credit for parttime), course-specific distance learning fees, and service charges.
Scholarships and Tuition Waivers
Coastal Carolina offers programs to reduce tuition costs, particularly for nonresidents. Two key waivers are:
- SisterState Program
- NonResident Tuition Waiver
These can lower undergraduate tuition by approximately $17,988 and graduate tuition by around $10,674 for eligible nonresident students, often sustained over four years of study.
FourYear Tuition Projection
Assuming no increases in tuition:
- Instate undergraduate tuition over 4 years: about $46,560
- Outofstate undergraduate tuition over 4 years: around $118,512
These totals reflect tuition only and do not account for room, board, or other expenses.
Comparisons and Value
Compared to national tuition averages, Coastal Carolina’s instate tuition of $11,640 is slightly below the national average (~$12,200), and its outofstate rate of $29,628 is close to the national average for nonresident tuition (~$29,084). Many Southern public universities offer similar or lower rates, making CCU competitive, especially when paired with financial aid.
Tips for Students and Families
To manage costs effectively, consider these suggestions:
- Complete the FAFSA early to qualify for federal aid
- Explore scholarships and nonresident waivers
- Estimate your COA using the university’s net price calculator
- Consider housing choices on- or offcampus may differ significantly in cost
- Understand program fees for specialized majors, like nursing or business
Coastal Carolina University tuition is transparent and stable: instate undergraduate tuition and fees are around $11,640 per year, while outofstate students pay about $29,628. Total costs including housing, food, books, and miscellaneous expenses bring the annual COA to between $29,300 (instate) and nearly $48,000 (outofstate) for oncampus students. With financial aid, the net price drops considerably to around $17,600 for residents and $35,600 for nonresidents. Understanding these figures helps prospective students make informed decisions and explore options to minimize debt while attaining a quality education at Coastal Carolina University.