Myrtle Beach, SC, December 22, 2025
News Summary
Coastal Carolina University has achieved a significant milestone by earning the Research Colleges and Universities designation in the 2025 Carnegie Classification Report. This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to academic excellence and enhanced research opportunities for students and faculty. The designation not only reflects CCU’s innovative environment but also boosts local economic development by fostering collaborations with industries and government. Enhanced research initiatives will provide students with valuable hands-on experiences while attracting top-tier faculty who contribute to a vibrant scholarly community.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Coastal Carolina Earns National Research Designation
Coastal Carolina University has received a prestigious national designation as a Research College and University in the 2025 Carnegie Classification Report, marking a significant milestone for the institution and the Myrtle Beach area. This recognition underscores CCU’s growing commitment to academic rigor and expanding research opportunities for its students and faculty.
The new classification reflects the university’s dedication to fostering a dynamic environment where inquiry, discovery, and innovation are central to its mission. Such designations highlight institutional excellence and contribute to the broader landscape of South Carolina higher education, impacting both academic growth and regional economic development.
Understanding the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework established in 1970 and periodically updated to categorize colleges and universities across the United States. Managed by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, this system serves as a leading measure for describing diverse U.S. higher education institutions and their functions.
The 2025 Carnegie Classification introduced significant revisions, including a new research designation category: Research Colleges and Universities (RCU). This new category aims to recognize institutions engaged in substantial research activity that may not historically have been recognized, particularly those that do not necessarily offer a large number of doctoral degrees.
Coastal Carolina University’s Achievement
Coastal Carolina University earned its Research Colleges and Universities designation in the 2025 Carnegie Classification Report. This significant recognition was announced in updates released in February and April 2025. To qualify for the RCU designation, an institution must demonstrate annual research and development expenditures exceeding $2.5 million, provided it is not already classified as an R1 or R2 institution.
The university’s inclusion in this category signifies its robust engagement in research initiatives, reflecting a strategic commitment to enhancing its scholarly output and academic contributions. This designation is a testament to the focused efforts of CCU’s faculty and administration in advancing scientific inquiry and creative scholarship.
Expanding Opportunities for Student Research and Growth
The RCU designation translates into tangible benefits for Coastal Carolina University students. Increased research activity often leads to more opportunities for undergraduates and graduate students to engage in hands-on research projects. This practical experience is invaluable for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of academic disciplines.
As a comprehensive public liberal arts institution, CCU already offers a wide array of over 115 undergraduate and more than 30 graduate-level fields of study, including doctoral programs in marine science and education sciences. The enhanced research profile supports the expansion of these programs, attracting talented students seeking to contribute to meaningful scholarly work and prepare for future careers or advanced studies. Growing internship, research, and international opportunities are central to CCU’s educational offerings.
Impact on Faculty and Research Development
A national research designation like RCU can significantly impact faculty recruitment and development at Coastal Carolina University. Such recognition often serves as a magnet for top-tier professors and researchers, enhancing the institution’s ability to attract leading scholars committed to both teaching and discovery. The presence of more research-active faculty enriches the academic environment, fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual curiosity.
Furthermore, the designation can open doors to increased funding opportunities, including grants and collaborative partnerships with external organizations. This financial support fuels further research, allowing faculty to pursue more ambitious projects, acquire advanced equipment, and expand their scholarly contributions across various fields. The university’s vision, as outlined in its “Teal Nation” strategic plan, includes being a “beacon of academic excellence and a catalyst for positive change in the world,” which is directly supported by increased research capacity.
Contributing to South Carolina’s Educational and Economic Ecosystem
Coastal Carolina University’s elevated research status extends its positive influence beyond the campus boundaries, contributing significantly to the broader South Carolina educational and economic ecosystem. Institutions with active research programs frequently engage in partnerships with local industries, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, translating academic discoveries into practical applications.
These collaborations can drive regional economic growth through innovation, technology transfer, and workforce development. By producing research that addresses regional challenges and developing skilled graduates prepared for high-demand fields, CCU plays a vital role in supporting the economic vitality and intellectual capital of Myrtle Beach and the state of South Carolina.
Future Outlook for Coastal Carolina University
The Research Colleges and Universities designation positions Coastal Carolina University for continued growth and heightened impact. This recognition solidifies CCU’s standing as a dynamic institution committed to advancing knowledge and fostering student success. As the university moves forward, its enhanced research profile is expected to inspire further innovation, strengthen academic programs, and reinforce its role as a leading educational anchor in the region.
In addition to its research designation, Coastal Carolina University received a Lower Access, Medium Earnings classification in the 2025 Carnegie report. This additional classification, part of the new Student Access and Earnings Classification, aims to reflect institutions’ effectiveness in promoting students’ social and economic mobility. This provides another dimension for understanding CCU’s role and impact within the diverse landscape of U.S. higher education.
Summary of Coastal Carolina University’s 2025 Carnegie Classification
| Classification Type | Designation | Description/Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Research Activity Designation | Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) | Institutions with over $2.5 million in annual research and development expenditures, not classified as R1 or R2. |
| Student Access and Earnings Classification | Lower Access, Medium Earnings | A new classification reflecting institutional performance in student access and post-graduation earnings outcomes. |
As Coastal Carolina University continues its trajectory of excellence, readers are encouraged to explore the university’s diverse academic programs, engage with upcoming campus events, and stay informed about the ongoing contributions of Myrtle Beach’s vibrant college community to regional and national progress. (Keywords: Coastal Carolina University, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, CCU research, Carnegie Classification)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Carolina University’s Carnegie Designation
Q: What is the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education?
A: The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for classifying colleges and universities in the United States, established in 1970 and updated periodically, that describes diverse U.S. higher education institutions and their functions.
Q: What new research designation did Coastal Carolina University receive in 2025?
A: Coastal Carolina University received the Research Colleges and Universities designation in the 2025 Carnegie Classification Report.
Q: What are the criteria for the Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) designation?
A: An institution qualifies for the Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) designation if it spends more than $2.5 million on research and development annually and is not already classified as R1 or R2.
Q: How does this designation benefit Coastal Carolina University students?
A: The designation often leads to more opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research projects, enhancing critical thinking and preparing them for future careers or advanced studies.
Q: What is Coastal Carolina University’s Student Access and Earnings Classification?
A: Coastal Carolina University also received a Lower Access, Medium Earnings classification in the 2025 Carnegie report.
Q: When was Coastal Carolina University’s research designation confirmed?
A: Coastal Carolina University earned this designation, confirmed in February and April 2025, as part of the most recent report.
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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.
