Coastal Carolina University moved up two spots to No. 36 in the Regional Universities (South) list released by U.S. News & World Report for 2024. Now in its 39th year, the rankings evaluate more than 1,850 colleges and universities on measures of academic quality. Using a wide range of data sources, U.S. News analysts and editors calculated more than 80 Best Colleges rankings, all with the intent of enabling students and their families to identify colleges that best meet their needs.

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

• No. 7 in Most Innovative Schools.

• No. 9 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.

• No. 14 in Best Colleges for Veterans.

• No. 16 in Top Public Schools.

“Our U.S. News & World Report rankings are a reflection of the commitment of our faculty, the determination and talent of our students, and the tireless work of our entire campus community,” said CCU President Michael T. Benson. “They serve as a beacon that guide prospective students toward a place where opportunities are boundless and dreams are realized.”

Regional universities (North, South, Midwest, and West) are defined as institutions that provide a full range of undergraduate programs, some master’s programs, and few doctoral programs. According to U.S. News, the Most Innovative Schools are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, or facilities.

“These rankings are a recognition of the strides we have made as a University, particularly in our academic programs, our research, and the work we do with students in our classrooms, laboratories, and studios,” said Sara Hottinger, CCU’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We continue to move up the ranks of institutions recognized for both innovation and undergraduate teaching, reflecting the dedication of our faculty and staff in academic affairs. It is no wonder that we not only continue to attract a record number of first-year students, but we have also achieved our highest retention rate ever. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished at CCU and cannot wait to see what our future holds.”

CCU enrolls more than 10,600 students, and offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 100 major fields of study. The University also has more than 30 graduate-level (doctoral, educational specialist, master’s) major fields of study including specialized concentrations across six academic colleges. CCU offers a Ph.D. in marine science: coastal and marine systems science, and a Ph.D. in education sciences.