News Summary
Coastal Carolina University is experiencing a third consecutive year of record enrollment, anticipating nearly 25,000 applications for the upcoming fall semester. The rise in applications reflects increasing interest from both in-state and out-of-state students, particularly from the Northeast. Admission standards have been adjusted to manage demand while maintaining education quality. With recent athletic achievements and a focus on expanding academic programs, CCU is poised for continued growth in student enrollment and engagement.
Conway, South Carolina — Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is experiencing a surge in enrollment, expecting record-breaking numbers for the third consecutive year. The rise in applications reflects a growing interest in the university, with nearly 25,000 applications anticipated for the upcoming fall semester. This increase is a significant jump from around 12,000 applications in 2008, the year Amanda Craddock began working at the institution.
This year, applications for both fall 2023 and fall 2024 have increased approximately 16%. Last fall saw over 20,000 applications, and that number is projected to climb closer to 25,000 for the next academic year. A considerable portion of CCU’s applicants is drawn from the Northeast, including states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. Alongside this, the university has noticed a growing interest from South Carolina residents, aligning with its focus on outreach within the state.
The enrollment patterns indicate steady increases from both in-state and out-of-state students, particularly from the Northeast region of the United States. Last fall, CCU broke records by enrolling 11,300 students for the first time, and this August, the university anticipates enrolling just under 12,000 students, which marks three consecutive years of record enrollment.
To address the heightened demand while maintaining educational quality, CCU has raised admission standards. This adjustment is manifested in higher GPAs and SAT scores for admitted students. The acceptance rate has dropped from 75% for fall 2024 to 71% for fall 2025. Should applications continue to rise, particularly if they reach towards 30,000, the university may need to further increase its admission criteria to effectively manage its capacity.
The university aims to enroll around 2,800 freshmen, with a possibility of admitting up to 3,000. To encourage applications, nearly 30,000 visitors tour the campus annually, providing prospective students with opportunities to experience the university environment and engage with current students and faculty.
Students are drawn to CCU for a variety of reasons including its manageable size, expanding academic programs in health sciences and business, coastal location, and vibrant campus life. Recent athletic achievements, such as participation in the College World Series and an Olympic medal earned by Melissa Jefferson, have further enhanced the university’s profile, boosting interest among prospective students.
The admissions department also anticipates an increase in applicants due to the university’s successful athletic season. In addition to conventional academic programs, CCU is actively advancing its initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI). The university has dedicated a week to AI, focusing on its applications in academics, research, and university operations.
Dr. Wes Fondren, the associate provost for AI at CCU, is facilitating access to AI tools for faculty and staff, as well as training students to utilize these resources effectively. The university has outlined AI policies aimed at maintaining academic integrity and has introduced an AI Academy for its faculty and staff. Last month, 80 staff members and 41 faculty members completed a four-session training program.
Furthermore, CCU has established an AI Advisory Committee that will review educational initiatives and uphold ethical standards concerning AI usage. Overall, the record growth in enrollment at Coastal Carolina University highlights a positive trend of academic interest and institutional development amid rising national demand.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News: CCU Expecting Record Number of Applications
- Wikipedia: Coastal Carolina University
- My Horry News: CCU Selects Next President
- Google Search: Coastal Carolina University
- My Horry News: AI Week at CCU
- Google Scholar: Coastal Carolina University
- GVL Today: US News College Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coastal Carolina University
- My Horry News: Chief of Staff Dies at CCU
- Google News: Coastal Carolina University
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.
