Points of Pride - Coastal Carolina University
In This Section

CCU Points of Pride

Rankings

U.S. News & World Report

Best Colleges & US News

Coastal Carolina University moved up 10 spots to No. 38 in the Regional Universities (South) list released by U.S. News & World Report for 2023. Now in its 38th year, the rankings evaluate more than 1,450 colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality.

CCU is ranked No. 7 on the Best Value Schools (South) list, where it has earned high rankings consistently for the past 11 years. The Best Value category calculation takes into account the school’s academic quality and net cost of attendance.

Our quality academic programs and reasonable costs continue to be very appealing to prospective students and their parents, as shown by our second straight year of record-breaking new student enrollment. We are committed to offering our students the best collegiate experience. These U.S. News rankings validate our efforts as we continually work to enhance the reach, rigor, and reputation of the University.” - CCU President Michael T. Benson

CCU’s other highlights in the U.S. News (South) rankings include:

  • No. 11 in Most Innovative Schools (tie).

  • No. 12 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie).

  • No. 14 in Top Public Schools.

  • No. 16 in Best Colleges for Veterans (tie).

Colleges of Distinction

Colleges of Distinction 22, 23

Military Friendly School

Military Friendly Logo 2023

Purple Heart University

CCU was designated a Purple Heart University in 2017 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

By the Numbers

  • The Wall College of Business is AACSB-accredited, an achievement held by less than 5 percent of business schools.
  • CCU’s new Coastal Excellence and Leadership (CEaL) program takes an innovative and pioneering approach to the admissions process and has proven to position incoming freshmen for success. 
  • CCU is one of 12 organizations in the Carolinas working together to accelerate the development of offshore wind energy in the Southeast.

Enrollment Growth

  • Fall 2021: 10,473 students
  • Fall 2017: 10,663 students (in last decade, enrollment has grown 35.5 percent).
  • Fall 1993: 4,453 students (year Coastal became an independent, state-supported university).
  • Fall 1974: 1,396 students (first baccalaureate degrees awarded in 1974).