December 31, 2025
Education

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 2024–2025 and projected into 2025–2026, Coastal Carolina University charges:

  • In‘state undergraduate tuition & fees: approximately $11,640 per year
  • Out‘of‘state undergraduate tuition & fees: approximately $29,628 per year

These figures remain consistent from 2023–2024 to 2025–2026, showing a stable tuition policy.

Graduate Tuition Rates

For graduate programs, Coastal Carolina charges:

  • In‘state graduate tuition & fees: about $10,764 annually
  • Out‘of‘state graduate tuition & fees: approximately $21,438 per year

These rates are similarly stable: no rate increase between 2023–2024 and 2024–2025.

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.

2024–2025 COA Estimates

  • In‘state students living on campus: around $29,300 per year
  • In‘state students living off campus: about $27,896 per year
  • Out‘of‘state students living on campus: roughly $47,288 per year
  • Out‘of‘state 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 in‘state residents and $35,645 for out‘of‘state students living on campus.

2025–2026 COA Projections

The estimated 2025–2026 cost of attendance shows:

  • In‘state on‘campus total: $29,700
  • In‘state off‘campus total: $28,430
  • Out‘of‘state on‘campus total: $47,986
  • Out‘of‘state off‘campus total: $46,716

This includes standard tuition, median housing, basic meal plans, and miscellaneous expenses such as transportation, healthcare fees, and personal costs.

Per‘Credit Hour Costs

Part‘time undergraduate tuition is charged:

  • $487 per credit hour for South Carolina residents
  • $1,231 per credit hour for out‘of‘state students

Similarly, graduate per‘credit rates are $598 for residents and $1,231 for non‘residents.

Additional Fees and Program‘Specific 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 part‘time), course-specific distance learning fees, and service charges.

Scholarships and Tuition Waivers

Coastal Carolina offers programs to reduce tuition costs, particularly for non‘residents. Two key waivers are:

  • Sister‘State Program
  • Non‘Resident Tuition Waiver

These can lower undergraduate tuition by approximately $17,988 and graduate tuition by around $10,674 for eligible non‘resident students, often sustained over four years of study.

Four‘Year Tuition Projection

Assuming no increases in tuition:

  • In‘state undergraduate tuition over 4 years: about $46,560
  • Out‘of‘state 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 in‘state tuition of $11,640 is slightly below the national average (~$12,200), and its out‘of‘state rate of $29,628 is close to the national average for non‘resident 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 non‘resident waivers
  • Estimate your COA using the university’s net price calculator
  • Consider housing choices on- or off‘campus may differ significantly in cost
  • Understand program fees for specialized majors, like nursing or business

Coastal Carolina University tuition is transparent and stable: in‘state undergraduate tuition and fees are around $11,640 per year, while out‘of‘state students pay about $29,628. Total costs including housing, food, books, and miscellaneous expenses bring the annual COA to between $29,300 (in‘state) and nearly $48,000 (out‘of‘state) for on‘campus students. With financial aid, the net price drops considerably to around $17,600 for residents and $35,600 for non‘residents. Understanding these figures helps prospective students make informed decisions and explore options to minimize debt while attaining a quality education at Coastal Carolina University.