Coastal Carolina University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$46,560
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$3,070/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
15.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
32%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The median debt for Coastal Carolina University graduates is $23,750. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $33,664. Five years after graduation, median earnings rise to $38,070, and ten years after, they reach $47,258.
The average annual in-state tuition is $11,640. The one-year earnings are nearly three times the tuition cost. The five-year earnings are more than three times the tuition cost.
The university's acceptance rate is 80.2%, with a graduation rate of 49.5%. The retention rate is 75.7%. 57.4% of students receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$11,640
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,750
Median Earnings (5yr)
$38,070
Graduation Rate
50%
Receive Financial Aid
57%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $46,560 | $41,034 | 159% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $46,560 | $51,695 | 617% |
| Marketing. | $46,560 | $53,971 | 715% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $46,560 | $43,057 | 246% |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. | $46,560 | $35,413 | -82% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | $46,560 | $39,621 | 98% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $46,560 | $38,156 | 36% |
| Psychology, General. | $46,560 | $38,244 | 39% |
| Biology, General. | $46,560 | $39,094 | 76% |
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations. | $46,560 | $45,918 | 369% |
| Public Health. | $46,560 | $44,469 | 307% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $46,560 | $53,842 | 709% |
Peer Comparison
32%
20yr ROI
13%
20yr ROI
66%
20yr ROI
38%
20yr ROI
53%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.