Conway, South Carolina, December 25, 2025
News Summary
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) significantly impacts South Carolina’s economy, generating $565.8 million last year. Its diverse academic programs and strategic community engagement initiatives support job creation and enhance local prosperity. With a focus on student success and research excellence, CCU is committed to preparing future leaders while fostering educational advancement. Notable features include a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, innovative research funding, and a vibrant student life, underscoring the university’s role in shaping the region’s future.
Myrtle Beach, SC — Coastal Carolina University (CCU), a prominent institution in Conway, South Carolina, approximately 20 miles from Myrtle Beach, continues to be a significant driver of economic growth and educational advancement across the state. The university’s broad academic offerings, robust research initiatives, and dynamic student life contribute substantially to the vibrancy of the Grand Strand and beyond, shaping future leaders and fostering community impact.
With a comprehensive range of programs and a commitment to academic rigor, CCU plays a pivotal role in South Carolina higher education. Its strategic focus on student success, institutional excellence, and engagement with the wider community underscores its dedication to not only scholarly pursuits but also to tangible contributions to the region’s prosperity and quality of life.
Driving Economic Prosperity Across South Carolina
Coastal Carolina University has a substantial economic footprint, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Last year, the university generated an economic impact of $565.8 million on South Carolina. This financial influence extends through various channels, including employment, local expenditures, and the ripple effect of a thriving academic institution within the regional economy. The university’s presence supports numerous jobs and stimulates business activity, directly benefiting residents and enterprises throughout the Grand Strand area. The institution’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce also aids in meeting the evolving demands of both current and future industries in South Carolina.
Comprehensive Academic Offerings and Research Excellence
CCU stands as a cornerstone of diverse academic opportunities, offering a wide array of programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers. The university provides bachelor’s degrees in 73 fields of study, alongside 20 graduate-level programs. In fact, CCU offers more than 115 undergraduate and over 30 graduate-level major fields, including specialized concentrations, such as doctoral, educational specialist, and master’s degrees.
Among its advanced programs, CCU offers a Ph.D. in marine science: coastal and marine systems science, and a Ph.D. in education sciences, reflecting its commitment to specialized and high-level academic training. Popular undergraduate majors include marine science, management, exercise and sport science, and communication. The university’s academic structure is further strengthened by colleges such as the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance, which provides programs in public health, nursing, health administration, exercise and sport science, recreation and sport management, and a master’s degree in sport management, supported by a significant $10 million donation.
Beyond teaching, CCU is recognized for its research endeavors. The university earned the “Research College and Universities” designation in the 2025 report by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This classification acknowledges institutions that invest a minimum of $2.5 million annually in research and development, a threshold CCU surpassed with $4.7 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2023. As a national sea-grant institution, CCU also utilizes Waties Island, an Atlantic barrier island, as a natural laboratory for both instruction and research, offering unique hands-on learning and discovery opportunities.
Fostering Student Growth and Leadership
Coastal Carolina University is dedicated to nurturing student growth not only academically but also personally and professionally. The campus environment is enriched by over 180 student clubs and organizations, providing numerous avenues for engagement, leadership development, and community building. The recently opened Thompson Library, a $29 million project completed in 2024, serves as a state-of-the-art hub for learning, featuring modern study pods and rooms that enhance collaborative and individual study experiences.
Specialized programs like the Teal Impact Student-Athlete Development & Engagement Program demonstrate a commitment to holistic student development. Launched in January 2025, this program focuses on five core pillars: career development, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, and advocacy, preparing student-athletes for success beyond their athletic careers. This initiative builds upon the institution’s athletic leadership, which includes individuals like Chance Miller, who previously led similar successful programs at other prominent state universities. Another noteworthy program is the LIFE Program (Learning Is For Everyone), a four-year post-secondary education and transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, facilitating their integration into campus life and preparing them for independent, productive adult lives.
Athletic Excellence and Academic Discipline
Coastal Carolina University’s athletic programs are renowned for their competitive spirit and commitment to academic discipline. As a nationally competitive NCAA Division I athletic program, CCU’s 17 teams compete in the Sun Belt Conference. A notable achievement includes the baseball team winning the College World Series in 2016.
The dedication to excellence extends beyond the field of play, with student-athletes consistently demonstrating strong academic performance. In Fall 2025, the athletics department achieved a 3.37 departmental GPA, marking its 23rd consecutive semester with a GPA above 3.0. Impressively, 18 of the 19 teams maintained a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. This consistent academic achievement by student-athletes underscores the university’s emphasis on balancing rigorous training with scholastic responsibility, a core tenet of developing well-rounded individuals.
Community Engagement and Regional Impact
CCU’s commitment to community engagement is evident through its various partnerships and initiatives that contribute to the regional fabric of Myrtle Beach and the wider Grand Strand. The university collaborates with organizations like Partnership Grand Strand, a foundation of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce dedicated to regional economic development. The CCU President notably co-chaired fundraising efforts for this initiative, highlighting the university’s leadership in local economic growth. Through this partnership, the CCU RISE Internship Program connects local businesses with talented students, fostering career-building opportunities and retaining skilled graduates within the region.
The university also partners with the City of Myrtle Beach on cultural projects, including a renovated theater and performing arts center along Broadway, projected to attract over 31,000 attendees annually by its third year of operation. These collaborations demonstrate how Coastal Carolina University actively works to enhance both the economic vitality and cultural richness of the area, creating a direct and lasting impact on the community. Furthermore, as a member institution of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, CCU contributes to research and outreach focused on sustainable coastal development and economy, addressing critical resource management and economic development challenges in coastal South Carolina.
A Forward Look: Sustaining Excellence and Impact
Coastal Carolina University remains a dynamic force in Myrtle Beach SC college news and South Carolina higher education. Its sustained commitment to academic freedom, intellectual discipline, innovative research, and personal responsibility continues to yield substantial benefits for its students and the broader community. The university’s strategic initiatives, from enhancing student leadership through programs like Teal Impact to fostering economic development through regional partnerships, exemplify its role as a beacon of excellence.
As CCU continues to grow and evolve, its focus on developing engaged citizens and skilled professionals ensures a positive trajectory for both its graduates and the entire region. Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse programs offered by Coastal Carolina University, attend campus events, and stay informed about the ongoing contributions of Myrtle Beach’s vibrant college community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Carolina University
What is Coastal Carolina University’s economic impact on South Carolina?
Coastal Carolina University had an economic impact of $565.8 million on South Carolina last year.
How many bachelor’s and graduate programs does Coastal Carolina University offer?
Coastal Carolina University offers bachelor’s degrees in 73 fields and 20 graduate-level programs.
Where is Coastal Carolina University located?
Coastal Carolina University is located in Conway, SC, which is within 20 miles of Myrtle Beach.
What research designation has Coastal Carolina University received?
Coastal Carolina University earned a Research College and Universities designation in the 2025 report by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
What was Coastal Carolina University’s research expenditure in fiscal year 2023?
Coastal Carolina University had $4.7 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2023.
What is the academic performance of Coastal Carolina University’s athletic department?
The Coastal Carolina University athletics department posted a 3.37 departmental GPA for the Fall 2025 semester, marking its 23rd consecutive semester with a GPA above 3.0.
What is the Teal Impact program at Coastal Carolina University?
Teal Impact is a holistic student-athlete development and engagement program launched in January 2025, dedicated to fostering holistic development through five core pillars: Career Development, Community Engagement, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Advocacy.
What is the LIFE Program at Coastal Carolina University?
The LIFE Program (Learning Is For Everyone) is a four-year, tuition-based, post-secondary education and transition program for young adults who have a mild to moderate intellectual and/or developmental disability, facilitating their full integration within the campus community.
Coastal Carolina University Key Statistics
| Statistic | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Impact on South Carolina (Last Year) | $565.8 million | State-level |
| Bachelor’s Degrees Offered | 73 fields | Institutional |
| Graduate-Level Programs Offered | 20 programs | Institutional |
| Research Expenditures (Fiscal Year 2023) | $4.7 million | Institutional |
| Athletics Departmental GPA (Fall 2025) | 3.37 | Institutional |
| Consecutive Semesters with 3.0+ GPA (Athletics) | 23 semesters | Institutional |
| Teams with 3.0+ GPA (Fall 2025) | 18 of 19 teams | Institutional |
| Thompson Library Project Cost | $29 million | Institutional |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
