Head-to-head · 2026
Coastal Carolina University vs University of South Carolina-Upstate
Compare average net price ($13,966 at Coastal Carolina University; $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate), ROI score (8.46 vs 8.96), ten-year median earnings ($47,258 vs $48,587), and admissions selectivity (75.3% acceptance at Coastal Carolina University; 67.3% at University of South Carolina-Upstate) using federal College Scorecard data. University of South Carolina-Upstate has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of South Carolina-Upstate has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
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-Upstate |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.46 | 8.96 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,966 | $13,557 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,258 | $48,587 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 75.3% | 67.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 48.5% ✓ | 43% |
| Median debt | $23,750 | $22,310 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 10,377 | 4,038 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1143 ✓ | 1099 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Coastal Carolina University costs $409 more per year than University of South Carolina-Upstate ($13,966 vs $13,557). University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates report $1,329 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,587 vs $47,258). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Upstate ahead on projected ROI (8.96 vs 8.46, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Upstate) 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 67.3% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Frequently asked
Coastal Carolina University vs University of South Carolina-Upstate, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Coastal Carolina University or University of South Carolina-Upstate the better value?
University of South Carolina-Upstate has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.96 vs 8.46), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is cheaper — average net price $13,557 per year vs $13,966 at Coastal Carolina University. The annual difference of $409 adds up to about $1,636 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Carolina-Upstate reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,587 vs $47,258 at Coastal Carolina University. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,329.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is more selective at 67.3% 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-Upstate reports B.