Head-to-head · 2026
Coastal Carolina University vs University of South Carolina Aiken
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 5 wins for Coastal Carolina University, 2 for University of South Carolina Aiken — Coastal Carolina University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Coastal Carolina University | University of South Carolina Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.46 | 9.79 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,966 | $11,641 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,258 ✓ | $45,603 |
| Acceptance rate | 75.3% ✓ | 78.5% |
| Graduation rate | 48.5% ✓ | 39.9% |
| Median debt | $23,750 ✓ | $24,275 |
| Enrollment | 10,377 | 2,962 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1143 ✓ | 1120 |
| Wins | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Coastal Carolina University costs $2,325 more per year than University of South Carolina Aiken ($13,966 vs $11,641). Coastal Carolina University graduates report $1,655 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,258 vs $45,603). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina Aiken ahead on projected ROI (9.79 vs 8.46, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina Aiken) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Coastal Carolina University is accessible at 75.3% acceptance versus 78.5% (accessible) at University of South Carolina Aiken.
Frequently asked
Coastal Carolina University vs University of South Carolina Aiken, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Coastal Carolina University or University of South Carolina Aiken the better value?
University of South Carolina Aiken has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.79 vs 8.46), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina Aiken is cheaper — average net price $11,641 per year vs $13,966 at Coastal Carolina University. The annual difference of $2,325 adds up to about $9,300 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Coastal Carolina University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,258 vs $45,603 at University of South Carolina Aiken. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,655.
Which school is harder to get into?
Coastal Carolina University is more selective at 75.3% acceptance vs 78.5% at University of South Carolina Aiken.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Coastal Carolina University reports a B value grade; University of South Carolina Aiken reports B.