Scholarship GPA/test bands are approximate, based on official award descriptions, past data, and student profile statistics. Actual thresholds can shift each year depending on applicant pool and funding.
Last verified: October 2025
Coastal Carolina University offers generous automatic merit for strong applicants — especially out-of-state students. The top Presidential Scholarship effectively reduces nonresident tuition to the in-state level, while the Honors College provides extra academic funding for research, study abroad, and creative projects. Apply by early action and submit FAFSA by March 1 to maximize eligibility.
Use this guide to explore CCU’s automatic merit tiers, competitive opportunities, and how the Academic Common Market can unlock in-state rates for specialized majors.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — CCU allows test-optional admission; SAT/ACT scores are considered if submitted. (CCU CDS 2024–2025.)
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 21–26; SAT 1070–1210 (CCU CDS 2024–2025.)
What’s the average net price? $14,453 (IPEDS). Net price varies by income level. See our Net Price & SAI Guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or nonresident waivers? Yes — Academic Common Market (ACM) participants pay in-state rates for eligible majors. Top OOS merit reduces tuition ≈ in-state; verify stacking and eligibility.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Coastal Carolina University
Category
In-State
Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits/sem)
$11,640
$29,926
Housing & Meals (standard)
$12,378
$12,378
Books, Supplies & Personal
$5,682
$5,682
Total (before aid)
$29,700
$47,986
Average Net Price: $13,742 (2022–2023 federal data). That’s what families actually paid on average after scholarships and grants—no loans included.
Regional Tuition Savings: Coastal participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM). If your student’s major is approved in their home state, they can pay the in-state tuition rate instead of the out-of-state rate.
Example: Out-of-state tuition is $29,926. With ACM, it drops to the South Carolina in-state rate of $11,640—a savings of about $18,000 per year.
Who qualifies for ACM? Students must live in an SREB state, choose an approved major not offered in their home state, and get certified through their state’s higher education agency.
How much can we save? You’ll pay South Carolina’s in-state tuition—about $18,000 less each year compared to the out-of-state rate.
Is ACM automatic? No. Families must apply through their home state’s ACM office and secure certification before enrollment.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Coastal awards admission-based merit automatically after you’re admitted (no separate application). Amounts differ for South Carolina residents vs. nonresidents and renew each year if you meet the credit/GPA rules.
Top first-year admits based on core GPA, rigor, test scores (if submitted) and/or class rank
No
Yes — typically 30 credits/yr + 3.0 CCU GPA
Typical: 3.75+ core GPA, 5+ AP/IB/DE classes, ~1390+ SAT / 31+ ACT, or top ~6% rank
President’s Scholar Award
In-state: $5,000/yr · Out-of-state: $13,000/yr
High-achieving first-years; holistic review of GPA, rigor, tests/rank (if provided)
No
Yes — see policy
Typical: 3.5+ core GPA, 4+ AP/IB/DE courses, ~1300+ SAT / 28+ ACT, or top ~15% rank
Provost’s Scholar Award
In-state: $4,000/yr · Out-of-state: $10,000/yr
Strong academics and rigor; merit review after admission
No
Yes
Typical: 3.5+ core GPA, 9+ Honors or 3+ AP/IB/DE, ~1230+ SAT / 26+ ACT, or top ~25% rank
Coastal Scholar Award
In-state: $3,000/yr · Out-of-state: $7,500/yr
Academic achievement with solid rigor; automatic review
No
Yes
Typical: 3.5+ core GPA, 6+ Honors or 2+ AP/IB/DE, ~1160+ SAT / 24+ ACT, or top ~30% rank
Teal Scholar Award
In-state: $2,000/yr · Out-of-state: $4,500/yr
Solid academics; automatic review
No
Yes
Typical: 3.3+ core GPA (or 3.0+ with 3+ Honors) or 1+ AP/IB/DE, ~1060+ SAT / 21+ ACT, or top ~40% rank
South Carolina Scholar Award (SC residents)
In-state: $1,000/yr
Top-10% rank SC freshmen who do not already qualify for higher CCU merit awards
No
Yes
Given to SC students in the top decile who are otherwise ineligible for other CCU merit
Notes: Students can accept only one CCU merit award. Awards require full-time (12–18 credits) enrollment each semester; renewal usually needs ~30 credits/year and a CCU GPA of ~3.0. Out-of-state tuition waivers (e.g., Academic Common Market/ACM) generally cannot stack with CCU tuition-reduction merit.
How are students considered? No separate application. All admitted freshmen and transfers are automatically reviewed for merit by the published priority deadline (usually January 1 for strongest aid consideration; final awards offered by April).
Does CCU use ACT/SAT superscores? CCU considers your best section scores across test dates (superscore) for both SAT and ACT if you provide multiple results. Policies may change so always send all scores.
Is test-optional okay for merit? Yes, CCU uses a holistic review with or without standardized test scores. Factors include core GPA, rigor, class rank, recommendations, writing, and activity record. Nursing and a few majors may require test scores due to state licensure.
Can merit stack with ACM or other major tuition waivers? No, ACM and other state-based waivers do not combine with CCU merit; students must select one.
When should I apply? Apply and complete your file by January 1 for the best chance at higher merit; do not wait until final deadlines.
Unlike the automatic merit awards, these scholarships are limited in number and usually require an extra step like an essay, portfolio, or interview. They’re not guaranteed—even strong students need to apply early and put their best foot forward.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
No university-wide competitive scholarships are listed at this time.
Are there big-name competitive awards here? Coastal Carolina does not currently sponsor a National Merit, Stamps, or QuestBridge partnership scholarship. Those programs are not available at CCU.
So where are the extras? At CCU, the “extras” mostly come through state lottery scholarships, ROTC programs, departmental scholarships, and Honors College opportunities, all of which have separate applications or processes as described in those sections of this guide.
Worth applying anywhere else? Absolutely—outside scholarships (national or local) can stack with CCU aid up to your cost of attendance. Explore opportunities with local foundations, employer programs, and national lists like Coca-Cola or Equitable Excellence, as these funds can make college more affordable.
These awards don’t always show up on the main scholarship list, but they can still make a real dent in the bill. They’re based on things like state programs, ROTC service, special majors, or performance auditions.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
SC Palmetto Fellows (+CCU add-on)
$6,700–$7,500 (state) + $2,000 CCU
SC residents named Palmetto Fellows by SC CHE
Yes — SC CHE
Yes — GPA/credit rules
Top SC students certified as Palmetto Fellows
Early app: April 15; Late app: June 15
SC LIFE & HOPE Scholarships
$5,000 (LIFE); $2,800 (HOPE, yr 1 only)
SC residents meeting GPA/test/rank requirements
Automatic after graduation
Yes, with GPA/credit rules
SC high school graduates with official qualifying stats
Designation: Aug. 31
Army ROTC Scholarships
Up to full tuition + stipend/books
Selected by Army ROTC national and campus boards
Yes — Cadet Command
Yes, per Army/ROTC standards
High GPA, strong fitness, and leadership students
Start: June 14; Final: Mar. 4
Military Tuition Reduction
Tuition set at $3,500 per semester
Active/Reserve/Guard stationed in SC; full-time CCU
Yes — Student Accounts
Yes — continue service
Military-affiliated full-time students
Prior to semester start
Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) Scholarships
$1,000–$3,000/yr
Music, theatre, or art majors with approved audition/portfolio
Yes — audition/portfolio
Yes
Top students with faculty endorsement per department
App: Nov. 7; Audition: Nov. 14
PGA Golf Management Scholarships
$3,000–$5,000 (in); $7,500–$13,000 (out)
Admitted to PGA Golf Management program; competitive
No — part of PGM application
Yes — with program standing
Golf majors with strong records selected by program
Feb. 7
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395/yr (2025–26 max)
Need-based from FAFSA; federal guidelines
Yes — FAFSA
Yes — yearly FAFSA
Lowest-income FAFSA filers
Mar. 1 (priority for aid)
Federal SEOG Grant
$100–$4,000/yr
Exceptional-need, Pell recipient preferred
Yes — FAFSA
Yes, if fund available
Lowest-income applicants, most awarded by priority date
Mar. 1 (priority for aid)
SC Need-Based Grant
Up to $3,500/yr
SC residents, need-based, by FAFSA and state formula
Yes — FAFSA
Yes
SC students with need who file FAFSA early
Nov. 1 (priority for state aid)
Disclaimer: Exact amounts and deadlines can change each cycle. Confirm via CCU Financial Aid and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education for latest dates.
Additional donor and departmental awards have varying deadlines—check the main CCU scholarship portal.
Music ensemble and band awards usually use the same audition/application deadlines as VPA awards.
Can these stack with CCU merit? Yes, in most cases, subject to total cost of attendance limits and any state-specific stacking policies.
Do I need to apply separately? Most do require a separate application, audition, or official eligibility. Always check the latest forms and timeline each year.
The HTC Honors College at Coastal Carolina offers smaller classes, close mentorship, and funding opportunities that regular students can’t access. Admission is selective—you apply after you’re admitted to CCU—and it’s a good fit for students who want to push themselves with research, study abroad, and leadership projects.
What a Typical CCU Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA around 3.8+, AP/IB/dual enrollment courses, leadership roles, and an interest in undergraduate research or study abroad. To remain in Honors, students maintain a 3.3–3.5 CCU GPA and complete Honors credits.
Honors Perks that Matter:
Priority registration for classes
Dedicated Honors housing (first-year required)
Faculty-mentored research and thesis opportunities
Funding for study abroad, conferences, and projects
Special recognition on diploma and transcript
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
HTC Honors College Global Engagement Award
$500–$2,000
Honors students applying for CCU-affiliated study abroad
Yes — essay & application
No — one-time
Honors students with strong academics and a compelling plan
Jan. 15
Departmental & Donor-Funded Honors Scholarships: Competitive in-college and department awards; typical deadlines between Feb. 15 and Apr. 1.
Research & Creative Endeavor Funding: Funding cycles are rolling or set before major conference seasons; proposals should be submitted at least six weeks before need.
Is admission automatic? No. Students must complete a specific Honors application, often due Jan. 15 for fall entry, with selection based on GPA, rigor, and engagement.
Does Honors add time to graduation? No. Honors projects, courses, and requirements are integrated with the four-year plan and do not add extra semesters.
Are there automatic Honors scholarships? No. Honors at CCU offers access to exclusive, competitive scholarships and project funding, not blanket awards to all Honors admits.
When should students apply? Apply to HTC Honors as soon after CCU admission as possible. Most competitive funding (like the Global Engagement Award) is due Jan. 15. Department and donor deadlines vary but often fall between February and April.
Parents sometimes ask, “What is Coastal really known for?” Beyond the football games and the beach town setting, CCU has carved out strong reputations in a few very specific areas. These programs give students access to labs, internships, and career pipelines that punch above the weight of a mid-sized public university.
Marine Science — CCU’s Signature Program:
One of the largest undergraduate marine science programs in the country, built around coastal fieldwork in South Carolina’s waterways and Atlantic shoreline. CCU’s location gives students hands-on access that few universities can match.
Intelligence & Security Studies: CCU was one of the first public universities in the Southeast to offer this bachelor’s program, preparing students for careers in intelligence, cybersecurity, and homeland security.
Cyber Threat Intelligence (B.A.): Approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education in 2024 as one of the state’s newest specialized degrees in cybersecurity fields.
PGA Golf Management: One of only 18 PGA-accredited programs nationwide, blending business education with professional golf training and internships.
Business and Hospitality Management: The Wall College of Business is regionally respected, with the Hospitality, Resort, and Tourism Management program linked to Myrtle Beach’s tourism industry—the second largest in South Carolina.
Note: Coastal Carolina University is not classified as an R1 research university; it is designated as a Master’s Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs under the Carnegie system, with growing research ambitions.
Sorting through Coastal Carolina’s scholarships can feel like a maze, but here’s the bottom line: every admitted student is automatically considered for merit, South Carolina families have state lottery aid to lean on, and niche opportunities—from ROTC to PGA Golf Management—can add real value. For motivated students, the HTC Honors College unlocks even more funding and academic perks. Put together, CCU offers multiple paths to keep costs manageable while giving your student a chance to shine.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
90 days
__utma
ID used to identify users and sessions
2 years after last activity
__utmt
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests
10 minutes
__utmb
Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
30 minutes after last activity
__utmc
Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.
End of session (browser)
__utmz
Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gid
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_gat
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
