Head-to-head · 2026
Coastal Carolina University vs University of South Carolina-Lancaster
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Coastal Carolina University, 3 for University of South Carolina-Lancaster — even split.
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-Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.46 | 10.06 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,966 | $9,801 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,258 ✓ | $39,426 |
| Acceptance rate | 75.3% ✓ | 83.4% |
| Graduation rate | 48.5% ✓ | 24.7% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $9,616 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 10,377 | 668 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1143 | — |
| Wins | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Coastal Carolina University costs $4,165 more per year than University of South Carolina-Lancaster ($13,966 vs $9,801). Coastal Carolina University graduates report $7,832 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,258 vs $39,426). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Lancaster ahead on projected ROI (10.06 vs 8.46, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Lancaster) 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 83.4% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Lancaster.
Frequently asked
Coastal Carolina University vs University of South Carolina-Lancaster, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Coastal Carolina University or University of South Carolina-Lancaster the better value?
University of South Carolina-Lancaster has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.06 vs 8.46), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Lancaster is cheaper — average net price $9,801 per year vs $13,966 at Coastal Carolina University. The annual difference of $4,165 adds up to about $16,660 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Coastal Carolina University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,258 vs $39,426 at University of South Carolina-Lancaster. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,832.
Which school is harder to get into?
Coastal Carolina University is more selective at 75.3% acceptance vs 83.4% at University of South Carolina-Lancaster.
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-Lancaster reports B.