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Head to head · South Carolina

Coastal Carolina University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia

Coastal Carolina University costs less than University of South Carolina-Columbia at every income band federal data covers — between $3,071 and $8,128 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeCoastal Carolina UniversityUniversity of South CarolinaDifference
Under $30k$9,563$12,634$3,071 · Coastal Carolina University
$30–48k$10,292$14,953$4,661 · Coastal Carolina University
$48–75k$12,938$19,859$6,921 · Coastal Carolina University
$75–110k$16,350$24,478$8,128 · Coastal Carolina University
Over $110k$20,219$28,125$7,906 · Coastal Carolina University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Coastal Carolina University$68,915
University of South Carolina-Columbia$103,175
Difference over four years$34,260

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate75% · 60%
Average SAT1143 · 1297

Listed Coastal Carolina University first, then University of South Carolina. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$47,258 · $62,177
Graduate in four years37% · 70%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$23,750 · $21,500

Again Coastal Carolina University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Coastal Carolina University — every income band · University of South Carolina-Columbia — every income band · All South Carolina public colleges