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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
$30–48k$10,292$14,953$4,661
$48–75k$12,938$19,859$6,921
$75–110k$16,350$24,478$8,128
Over $110k$20,219$28,125$7,906

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.

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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.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

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Go deeper on either school

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