Coastal Carolina University
Conway, South Carolina · Public
Coastal Carolina University admitted 70% of 24,549 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1060–1210 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 51% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Coastal Carolina University
Enter a score to see whether Coastal Carolina University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (70%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Coastal Carolina University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- October 19, 2026
- Early action
- November 16, 2026
- Regular decision
- February 15, 2027
The application fee is $60, and Coastal Carolina University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Coastal Carolina University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 87% (303 of 348), compared with 70% for all applicants.
Coastal Carolina University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
548 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 156 took it, and 5 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Coastal Carolina University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
Important
- Class rank
Considered
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- State residency
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Interview
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.45 GPA. 16% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $28,418 in-state and $46,406 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $14,453 on average (in-state).
Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:
Quick answers
What is Coastal Carolina University’s acceptance rate?
Coastal Carolina University admitted 70% of applicants: 17,192 of 24,549 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Coastal Carolina University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due October 19, 2026, early action is due November 16, 2026, and regular decision is due February 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Coastal Carolina University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1060 to 1210, with a median around 1140. A score at or above 1140 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Coastal Carolina University’s application fee?
The application fee is $60 for 2026–27, and Coastal Carolina University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Does Coastal Carolina University have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Coastal Carolina University asks 2 questions of its own on top of the main essay (answer “why coastal carolina.” the activity question is optional). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Not sure which colleges fit?
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Writing your essays? See Coastal Carolina University’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.