CCU moves up in U.S. News and World Report 2014 ranking
CCU was ranked 26th in the Top Public Schools (South) category, as compared to 29th in last year's ranking. The report ranks CCU at 62nd in the Best Regional Universities (South); last year the University was ranked 63rd in the category.
CCU also ranked 15th in the South among all schools in the Best Value category, higher than all other public schools in the state except The Citadel.
"The 'Best Value' ranking is a reflection of Coastal Carolina University's successful efforts to control tuition costs while not compromising quality," said CCU President David A. DeCenzo. "This ranking is important because it considers both cost and academic quality."
According to U.S. News and World Report, the Best Value calculation is based on a school's academic quality, as indicated by its 2014 ranking, and the 2012-2013 net cost of attendance for a student who receives the average level of need-based financial aid.
"Regional University" is defined as an institution that provides a full range of undergraduate and master's programs, but few doctoral programs. Institutions are ranked against their peer group in one of four geographic regions: North, South, Midwest and West.