Head-to-head · 2026
Coastal Carolina University vs University of South Carolina-Union
Compare average net price ($13,966 at Coastal Carolina University; $8,065 at University of South Carolina-Union), ROI score (8.46 vs 10.45), ten-year median earnings ($47,258 vs $33,699), and admissions selectivity (75.3% acceptance at Coastal Carolina University; 62.2% at University of South Carolina-Union) using federal College Scorecard data. University of South Carolina-Union has a 4-2 metric-level edge. University of South Carolina-Union leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Coastal Carolina University | University of South Carolina-Union |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.46 | 10.45 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,966 | $8,065 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,258 ✓ | $33,699 |
| Acceptance rate | 75.3% | 62.2% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 48.5% ✓ | 47.6% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $11,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 10,377 | 270 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1143 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Coastal Carolina University costs $5,901 more per year than University of South Carolina-Union ($13,966 vs $8,065). Coastal Carolina University graduates report $13,559 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,258 vs $33,699). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Union ahead on projected ROI (10.45 vs 8.46, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Union) 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 62.2% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Union.
Frequently asked
Coastal Carolina University vs University of South Carolina-Union, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Coastal Carolina University or University of South Carolina-Union the better value?
University of South Carolina-Union has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.45 vs 8.46), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Union is cheaper — average net price $8,065 per year vs $13,966 at Coastal Carolina University. The annual difference of $5,901 adds up to about $23,604 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Coastal Carolina University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,258 vs $33,699 at University of South Carolina-Union. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,559.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Union is more selective at 62.2% acceptance vs 75.3% at Coastal Carolina University.
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-Union reports B.