Myrtle Beach, SC, December 24, 2025
News Summary
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) significantly influences the Grand Strand’s economy, contributing $566 million through its operations and community initiatives. The university collaborates with local businesses and focuses on developing workforce skills through programs such as the CCU RISE Internship Program. Additionally, CCU’s research, especially regarding tourism, showcases its pivotal role in enhancing regional prosperity and community well-being, while promoting sustainable practices and infrastructure improvements for future growth.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Coastal Carolina University: A Catalyst for Grand Strand Prosperity
Coastal Carolina University (CCU) stands as a foundational institution within the Myrtle Beach area, profoundly impacting the economic and community vitality of the Grand Strand. Beyond its commitment to academic excellence, CCU actively drives regional prosperity through significant financial contributions, robust research, and strategic partnerships, fostering an environment where innovation and personal responsibility flourish. The university’s role extends beyond the classroom, shaping the economic landscape and enhancing the quality of life across Horry and Georgetown counties.
The institution’s dedication to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence is evident in its continuous efforts to integrate educational pursuits with tangible community and economic benefits. Coastal Carolina University consistently demonstrates how higher education can serve as a dynamic engine for local and state development, reinforcing principles of discipline and a forward-looking perspective within a thriving educational ecosystem. This engagement is central to the university’s mission, illustrating its pivotal role in South Carolina’s higher education and economic future.
A Driving Force for the Grand Strand Economy
Coastal Carolina University generates a substantial $566 million economic impact across both the South Carolina and Grand Strand economies. This extensive financial contribution underscores the university’s vital role in regional prosperity, with its influence extending throughout the state’s economic ecosystem. The university’s operational expenditures, coupled with the spending of its faculty, staff, and student body, inject significant capital into local businesses and industries.
This sustained economic activity not only supports existing enterprises but also stimulates new growth, providing a stable foundation for the region’s development. The financial footprint of Coastal Carolina University highlights the profound interconnectedness between academic institutions and regional economic health, showcasing how a commitment to education directly translates into tangible societal benefits and economic stability for the Grand Strand.
Tourism’s Economic Engine: Insights and Impact
The tourism sector, a cornerstone of the Grand Strand’s economy, receives significant analytical support and strategic guidance from Coastal Carolina University. The university’s BB&T Center for Economic and Community Development plays a crucial role in assessing the economic impact of tourism on the Grand Strand, providing valuable data for informed decision-making.
In 2024, the Myrtle Beach area welcomed 18.2 million visitors, who collectively spent an estimated $13.2 billion, reflecting a 5.3 percent increase from $12.5 billion in 2023. When accounting for indirect and induced effects, the total economic impact of tourism in the Myrtle Beach area is estimated to be more than $26 billion. This robust activity supports a substantial workforce, with tourism directly and indirectly accounting for over 82,000 jobs across the Grand Strand in 2024. Coastal Carolina University economists further estimate that 80 percent of these local tourism jobs are year-round, full-time positions, indicating a stable and significant employment base.
Furthermore, the economic activity generated by tourism contributes substantially to public finances. The Horry County Hospitality Fee, a direct result of visitor spending, generated approximately $59.3 million in tax collections in 2024, an increase from $58.5 million in 2023. These funds are critical for supporting local public safety initiatives and essential infrastructure projects, showcasing how tourism revenue improves the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Strategic Partnerships for Community and Workforce Growth
Coastal Carolina University is deeply integrated into community and workforce development through key strategic partnerships. A notable collaboration is with Partnership Grand Strand, a 501(c)(3) foundation launched in 2022 by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. This initiative aims to accelerate economic prosperity and enhance the quality of life across Horry and Georgetown counties, focusing on pillars such as prosperity, talent, place, and infrastructure. Coastal Carolina University President Michael Benson served as co-chairman for the fundraising efforts of Partnership Grand Strand.
Through this partnership, Coastal Carolina University facilitates the CCU RISE Internship Program, which connects local businesses with talented students seeking paid, career-building internships. Additionally, the Coastal Carolina Professional Development Partnership offers a series of activities designed to help students enhance essential soft skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for the modern workforce. These programs exemplify the university’s commitment to fostering discipline and providing practical experience, directly contributing to a skilled and motivated workforce vital for regional economic growth. The university’s involvement underscores its dedication to nurturing young leaders who will contribute meaningfully to the community.
Cultivating Sustainable Development and Future Talent
Coastal Carolina University demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through its comprehensive “Sustainability at Coastal Carolina University” initiative. This initiative is further supported by the TD Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative, established in October 2005, which focuses on campus operations, student curriculum, outreach, and community collaboration to transform CCU into an environmentally sustainable institution.
Academic programs like the B.S. in Marine and Coastal Environmental Science are strategically designed to address critical coastal zone issues such as flooding, erosion, and natural resource management. These efforts directly impact the region’s economy and tax base, highlighting the university’s vital contributions to sustainable growth. By developing expertise in these areas, CCU prepares students to become responsible stewards of South Carolina’s precious coastal environment, fostering both academic excellence and practical leadership in sustainability.
Enhancing Campus and Community Life
Coastal Carolina University’s impact also extends to enhancing campus and community infrastructure. The university is partnering with the City of Myrtle Beach in the revitalization of downtown, specifically by running a renovated theater and performing arts center along Broadway. This venue is anticipated to draw more than 31,000 people annually by its third year of operation, contributing to the cultural vibrancy and economic activity of the city center.
In a notable development to support its growing student body, a Myrtle Beach resort has begun converting some of its ocean view rooms into dormitories for Coastal Carolina University students. This new housing option, offered from May to August at a rate of $749 per month per person, initially provides 20 rooms with the potential for expansion based on demand. This innovative solution addresses student housing needs while further integrating the university with local businesses, showcasing a proactive approach to student life and community engagement.
Conclusion: A Cornerstone of Progress
Coastal Carolina University’s multifaceted contributions to the Grand Strand and the broader South Carolina economies are both profound and far-reaching. From its substantial financial impact and cutting-edge tourism research to its strategic community partnerships and innovative sustainability efforts, the university remains a powerful force for regional progress. It consistently educates and prepares future leaders, while actively shaping the economic and cultural future of the area.
Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the diverse programs offered by Coastal Carolina University, attend campus and community events, and remain informed about Myrtle Beach SC college news. By doing so, they can fully appreciate the ongoing, vital contributions of South Carolina higher education, especially institutions like CCU, to the Grand Strand’s vibrant and prosperous future.
Key Economic Contributions of Coastal Carolina University
| Category | Impact/Statistic |
|---|---|
| Overall Economic Impact | $566 million on South Carolina and Grand Strand economies |
| Tourism Visitor Spending (2024) | $13.2 billion in the Myrtle Beach area |
| Total Tourism Economic Impact | Over $26 billion (including indirect/induced effects) |
| Tourism Jobs Supported (2024) | Over 82,000 throughout the Grand Strand |
| Year-Round Tourism Jobs | 80% of local tourism jobs are year-round, full-time |
| Horry County Hospitality Fee (2024) | Generated approximately $59.3 million |
| Downtown Theater Attendance | Expected 31,000+ annually by third year |
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Carolina University’s Economic Impact
What is Coastal Carolina University’s overall economic impact on the region?
Coastal Carolina University has a $566 million economic impact on the South Carolina and Grand Strand economies.
How does Coastal Carolina University contribute to the tourism economy?
In 2024, visitors spent $13.2 billion in the Myrtle Beach area, with the total economic impact of tourism exceeding $26 billion. Tourism supports over 82,000 jobs, with 80 percent being year-round, full-time positions. The Horry County Hospitality Fee generated approximately $59.3 million in tax collections in 2024.
What strategic partnerships does Coastal Carolina University engage in for community and workforce development?
Coastal Carolina University partners with Partnership Grand Strand, an initiative focused on economic growth for the Myrtle Beach area. This collaboration includes the CCU RISE Internship Program and the Coastal Carolina Professional Development Partnership to enhance student skills and connect them with local businesses.
What are some of Coastal Carolina University’s sustainability initiatives?
Coastal Carolina University implements the “Sustainability at Coastal Carolina University” initiative and the TD Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative. Academic programs like the B.S. in Marine and Coastal Environmental Science address critical coastal zone issues, contributing to sustainable growth.
How is Coastal Carolina University involved in downtown revitalization and student housing?
Coastal Carolina University is partnering with the City of Myrtle Beach to operate a renovated theater and performing arts center on Broadway, expected to draw over 31,000 people annually. Additionally, a Myrtle Beach resort is offering 20 ocean view rooms as dormitories for CCU students, with potential for more.
