📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.

Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.

Average Federal Net Price: $14,453 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.

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.

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.

Sources:
coastal.edu/meritawards/
coastal.edu/meritawards/meritawardpolicy/
coastal.edu/admissionsaid/scholarships/
coastal.edu/admissions/freshman/

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.

Sources:
coastal.edu/meritawards/
coastal.edu/admissionsaid/scholarships/

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.

Sources:
che.sc.gov/
catalog.coastal.edu/
fsapartners.ed.gov/
goarmy.com/