Coastal Carolina University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If your student is looking at Coastal Carolina, you’ll want the full picture on what college really costs and what kinds of scholarships are actually within reach. South Carolina families can also pair these awards with state lottery scholarships you’ll find in our South Carolina aid guide. This page walks you through every major option in plain English—automatic merit, competitive scholarships, hidden gems, Honors perks, and how to stack them smartly.
💰 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 |
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (Plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | In-state: $6,000/yr · Out-of-state: $17,988/yr (≈ in-state tuition) | 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 or 5+ AP/IB/DE, or ~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, or ~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, or ~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 (or 3.0+ with 6+ Honors) or 2+ AP/IB/DE, or ~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, or ~1060+ SAT / 21+ ACT, or top ~40% rank |
| South Carolina Scholar Award (SC residents) | In-state: $1,000/yr | — | No | Yes | Given to top-10% rank SC students who don’t meet higher CCU merit tiers |
Notes: One CCU merit award maximum. Awards require full-time (12–18 credits) enrollment; renewal commonly needs ~30 credits/yr and ~3.0 CCU GPA. OOS tuition waivers like the Academic Common Market (ACM) generally cannot stack with CCU tuition-reduction merit.
How are students considered?
No separate application. CCU automatically reviews admitted freshmen and transfers for merit by the published priority dates (final freshman offers typically by April; timelines may vary each year).
Do they superscore the SAT/ACT?
CCU states it considers your best test score if you test more than once; external listings also show ACT superscoring. When in doubt, send all scores. (Policies can change year to year.)
Test-optional and merit—okay?
Yes. CCU uses a holistic merit review, considering core GPA, rigor, class rank, recommendations, writing, and activities. Some programs (e.g., Nursing) still require scores.
Can merit stack with ACM or other tuition waivers?
Generally no. Students receiving the ACM tuition waiver are not eligible to also receive CCU merit-based scholarships. Standard stacking and COA caps apply to all aid.
Any priority date I should know?
Apply and be admitted by the University’s priority date (historically around Jan 1) for the strongest merit consideration.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
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 awards, and Honors College opportunities. You’ll find those in the Hidden Gems and Honors sections of this page.
Worth applying anywhere else?
Yes—outside scholarships (national or local) can stack with CCU aid up to the total cost of attendance. Don’t overlook community foundations, employer programs, or national lists like Coca-Cola or Equitable Excellence.
⭐ College Specialty
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.
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.
🎖️ Honors College
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.
High school GPA around 3.8+, AP/IB/dual enrollment courses, leadership roles, and an interest in undergraduate research or study abroad. Students stay in Honors by keeping a 3.3–3.5 CCU GPA and completing Honors credits.
- 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 financial need who submit a compelling study abroad plan |
- Departmental & Donor-Funded Honors Scholarships: Competitive scholarships within colleges/departments that give preference to Honors students; awards vary.
- Research & Creative Endeavor Funding: Grants to support Honors students presenting at conferences or completing faculty-mentored projects.
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately and are invited based on GPA, rigor, and potential for research and engagement.
Does Honors add time to graduation?
No. Honors requirements (credits, seminars, thesis/project) are designed to fit into a four-year degree plan.
Are there automatic Honors scholarships?
No. Unlike some universities, CCU does not award a blanket scholarship to all Honors admits. Honors gives access to exclusive, competitive awards instead.
When should students apply?
As soon as possible after CCU admission—priority dates are typically in the winter of senior year for fall entry.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
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.
✅ Last updated: September 15, 2025