University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) Introduction
The University of South Carolina-Columbia, also known as USC, is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. Established in 1801, USC is the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) Introduction
Coastal Carolina University, abbreviated as CCU, is a public liberal arts institution located in Conway, South Carolina, near the popular Myrtle Beach area. CCU was founded in 1954 and is part of the South Carolina state university system, offering over 70 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
USC Overview
The University of South Carolina-Columbia is a comprehensive university with a student population of over 34,000, including more than 26,000 undergraduates. USC offers over 320 degree programs across 14 colleges and schools, including business, engineering, and public health. Known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life, USC is a top choice for students seeking a diverse and engaging college experience.
CCU Overview
Coastal Carolina University is a smaller institution, with a student population of around 10,000, including about 9,000 undergraduates. CCU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges, including business, education, humanities and fine arts, science, and graduate studies. With a focus on personalized learning and hands-on experiences, CCU is an attractive option for students looking for a more intimate college setting.
USC Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, USC’s estimated cost of attendance for in-state students is $28,262, which includes tuition and fees, housing, and meal expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $52,193 per year. USC offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, to help students meet the cost of attendance.
CCU Costs & Tuition
Coastal Carolina University’s estimated cost of attendance for in-state students for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $25,518, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $40,658 per year. Like USC, CCU provides financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, to help students cover their educational expenses.
USC Admissions
The University of South Carolina-Columbia has a competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of around 63%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1190 to 1340 and ACT scores between 25 and 30. High school GPA is also considered, with the average admitted student having a 4.18 weighted GPA.
CCU Admissions
Admissions at Coastal Carolina University are less competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 70%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1020 to 1170 and ACT scores between 19 and 24. CCU also considers high school GPA, with the average admitted student having a 3.53 weighted GPA.
USC Degrees Offered
USC offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various fields of study. Popular undergraduate majors include business, engineering, nursing, education, and journalism. Graduate programs include law, medicine, and public health, among others. USC also offers online degree programs for students seeking flexibility in their educational pursuits.
CCU Degrees Offered
Coastal Carolina University offers over 70 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs across various disciplines. Popular undergraduate majors at CCU include business, marine science, education, and communication. CCU also offers graduate programs in areas such as business administration, education, and coastal and marine science, as well as a range of online degree programs.
USC Academics
The University of South Carolina-Columbia is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research. With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, USC offers students the opportunity to engage with faculty members and participate in research projects. USC is also home to top-ranked programs in international business, public health, and engineering.
CCU Academics
Coastal Carolina University is recognized for its focus on personalized learning and hands-on experiences. With a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, CCU offers students the chance to work closely with faculty members and gain practical experience in their chosen fields. CCU is particularly known for its strong marine science program and commitment to coastal and environmental research.
USC Diversity
USC has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Approximately 22% of the student population identifies as a racial or ethnic minority.
CCU Diversity
CCU also has a diverse student population, with students from 48 states and over 60 countries. Around 29% of the student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority.
USC Students
USC offers a vibrant campus life with various clubs, organizations, and events for students to participate in and enjoy. Greek life is a significant component of USC’s student experience, with over 40 fraternities and sororities on campus.
CCU Students
At CCU, students can choose from over 200 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural organizations, and recreational sports. While Greek life is not as prominent at CCU as at USC, there are still several fraternities and sororities on campus for students interested in joining.
USC Campus
The University of South Carolina-Columbia is located on a 444-acre campus in downtown Columbia, South Carolina’s capital city. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities. USC is also home to the South Carolina Honors College, which provides an enhanced academic experience for high-achieving students.
CCU Campus
Coastal Carolina University’s campus is situated on 621 acres in Conway, South Carolina, just a short drive from Myrtle Beach. CCU boasts a picturesque campus with modern facilities, including a new science building and the recently renovated Kimbel Library. The campus is also home to the HTC Center, a multi-purpose arena that hosts athletic events and concerts.
USC Alumni
USC has a strong alumni network, with over 300,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include astronaut Charles Duke, journalist Leeza Gibbons, and former NFL player Sterling Sharpe.
CCU Alumni
Coastal Carolina University has over 37,000 alumni, including notable graduates such as musician and producer Mark Bryan, MLB player Tommy La Stella, and author Nicole Seitz.
USC Rankings
USC is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, USC is ranked #118 in National Universities and #58 in Top Public Schools.
CCU Rankings
Coastal Carolina University is also ranked by the U.S. News & World Report, holding the #48 spot in Regional Universities South and #16 in Top Public Schools in the same category.
USC Outcomes
Graduates of USC have a strong record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of approximately 77%. The average starting salary for USC graduates is around $45,000, according to Payscale.
CCU Outcomes
CCU graduates also fare well, with a six-year graduation rate of about 45%. The average starting salary for CCU graduates is approximately $40,000, as reported by Payscale.
University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) vs Coastal Carolina University (CCU) Comparison
USC vs CCU Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance, in-state students at USC can expect to pay around $28,262 per year, while in-state students at CCU will pay approximately $25,518. Out-of-state students at USC will pay about $52,193, compared to $40,658 at CCU. While both schools offer financial aid options, CCU is generally more affordable, especially for out-of-state students.
USC vs CCU Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at USC are more competitive, with a 63% acceptance rate compared to CCU’s 70%. USC also has higher average SAT and ACT scores and GPA requirements for admitted students.
USC vs CCU Academic Difficulty
Both USC and CCU offer a challenging academic environment, with USC being known for its strong research programs and top-ranked schools in international business, public health, and engineering. CCU, on the other hand, is recognized for its personalized learning and focus on hands-on experiences, particularly in marine science and coastal research. The choice between the two will depend on the student’s academic interests and goals.
USC vs CCU Outcome Comparison
Graduation rates and starting salaries for graduates are higher at USC compared to CCU. USC boasts a six-year graduation rate of 77% and an average starting salary of $45,000, while CCU has a 45% graduation rate and a $40,000 average starting salary. Students seeking better post-graduation outcomes may prefer USC over CCU.
