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University of South Carolina-Columbia and Coastal Carolina University are both public institutions — University of South Carolina-Columbia in Columbia, SC and Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Columbia, SC · Public
Acceptance rate: 60.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 29,820
Tuition: $35,972/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 78.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Columbia, SC with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Conway, SC · Public
Acceptance rate: 75.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 10,377
Tuition: $29,628/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 48.5%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Conway, SC with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
| Factor | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Coastal Carolina University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 60.2% | 75.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1180–1360 |
| 1050–1220 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 26–32 | 21–26 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 29,820 | 10,377 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $35,972/year | $29,628/year |
| Average net price after aid | $22,811 | $13,966 |
| Graduation rate | 78.8% | 48.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $62,177 | $47,258 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Columbia, SC | Conway, SC |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Psychology |
University of South Carolina-Columbia is more selective (60.2% vs 75.3% acceptance rate). Coastal Carolina University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,966 vs $22,811). University of South Carolina-Columbia reports the higher graduation rate (78.8% vs 48.5%). University of South Carolina-Columbia is the larger undergraduate campus (29,820 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of South Carolina-Columbia and Coastal Carolina University
University of South Carolina-Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60.2%; Coastal Carolina University is around 75.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of South Carolina-Columbia tuition is $35,972/year. Coastal Carolina University is $29,628/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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