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Sun Belt Conference

Coastal Carolina University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1070 to 1210

ACT Range21 to 26

Average GPA3.80

Acceptance Rate75.3%

Coastal Carolina is accessible, but its 3.80 average entering GPA shows admitted students are academically solid. Since scores are optional and relatively few students submit them, send a score only if it strengthens your application, ideally around the 1210 SAT upper range or a 26 ACT.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Coastal Carolina University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Coastal Carolina University enrolls about 10,811 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Coastal Carolina has a 77% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 48%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.

Location

Conway, SC

Undergrad Enrollment10,811

Freshman Retention77%

SettingSuburban

Student to Faculty Ratio17:1

Graduation Rate48%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Coastal Carolina?

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Key Coastal Carolina University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

February 1

Early Action

November 15

Early Decision

October 15

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Coastal Carolina, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for superscore-focused retakes. For the October 15 Early Decision deadline, a September retake is likely the last one that can arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Coastal Carolina is a public Sun Belt Conference school with in-state tuition of $11,460 and out-of-state tuition of $29,628. About 64% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.

In-State Tuition$11,460

Out-of-State Tuition$29,628

Room and Board$13,100

Average Merit Award$6,413

Application Fee$45

Students on Aid64%

Average Aid Package$13,751

Average Debt at Grad$42,005

Coastal Carolina’s out-of-state tuition is $29,628, while in-state tuition is $11,460, with room and board adding $13,100. Financial aid is common: 64% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $13,751. Merit awards average $6,413, which can further reduce the bill for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $42,005.