Coastal Carolina University has been selected for the 2013-2014 Colleges of Distinction list, an online guide to 306 institutions of higher education in the United States. CCU was one of two South Carolina schools included on the list.

Colleges of Distinction is a free website service for college-bound students, high school counselors and parents. It offers information about colleges and universities that excel in four distinctive categories: the engagement of students, the success of graduates, the quality of faculty and the general atmosphere on campus. The schools are nominated by high school counselors.

"This new ranking confirms what the students and parents of our CCU community already know, that this university is unique, with a committed faculty who care about teaching and students who care about learning," said President David DeCenzo.

The Public Colleges of Distinction are currently featured on the newly redesigned website at collegesofdistionction.com and will be featured in the Public Colleges of Distinction eGuidebook.

"They [these universities] all share excellent reputations among high school guidance counselors and education professionals, not to mention employers and graduate schools," according to the website. "Their classrooms are among the most exciting in the country; their programs are some of the most innovative."