Winthrop vs Coastal Carolina University

Winthrop University and Coastal Carolina University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in South Carolina, offer distinct educational experiences. Winthrop, nestled in the charming town of Rock Hill, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. Coastal Carolina, located in the vibrant city of Conway, attracts a more diverse student body, fostering an inclusive and multicultural campus environment. While Winthrop excels in liberal arts and education programs, Coastal Carolina shines in business, hospitality, and tourism studies. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about these universities' unique offerings and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Coastal Carolina University	Winthrop University
Overview
Location	Conway, South Carolina	Rock Hill, South Carolina
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	72.0%	68.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	79.1%	63.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $45	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1030 - 1190	1000 - 1195
ACT range	20 - 25	20 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	29.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	15,481	5,582
Total number of admissions given out	12,251	3,567
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,519	818
Yield rate	20.6%	22.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,318 Out of state: $42,072	In state: $34,720 Out of state: $49,050
Average net price	$14,956	$17,100
Tuition	In state: $11,460 Out of state: $27,214	In state: $15,306 Out of state: $29,636
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,440 Meal plan: $3,928	Room/dormitory: $6,302 Meal plan: $3,898
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $9,834	99.0% Average amount $11,526
Students receiving federal student loan	60.0% Average amount $5,848	67.0% Average amount $5,581
Students taking out private loans	16.0% Average amount $20,291	14.0% Average amount $10,587

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	9,790 Men 44.9% Women 55.1%	3,973 Men 32.5% Women 67.5%
Graduate students	683 Men 30.7% Women 69.3%	1,201 Men 17.8% Women 82.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	60.2%	9.5%
International students	1.2%	1.3%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	4,728	2,117
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	South Carolina New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Maryland	South Carolina North Carolina Georgia Virginia New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences Business Communication and Journalism	Business Education Visual & Performing Arts Psychology Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	51.2%	58.2%
Dropout rate	11.4%	21.4%
Transferred out	36.7%	20.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,378 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $69,235 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $44,086 Year 2: $48,198 Year 3: $61,332 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,114 Year 2: $53,497 Year 3: $60,248 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,888 Year 2: $65,750 Year 3: $59,685 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,976 Year 2: $34,704 Year 3: $44,693 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $42,824 Year 2: $42,873 Year 3: $44,446 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,464 Year 2: $37,856 Year 3: $44,425 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,250 Year 2: $38,168 Year 3: $43,145 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,430 Year 2: $38,597 Year 3: $42,978 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,101 Year 2: $36,423 Year 3: $42,472	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,004 Year 2: $54,724 Year 3: $68,513 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,366 Year 2: $56,641 Year 3: $57,249 Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $45,414 Year 2: $43,240 Year 3: $45,338 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,918 Year 2: $40,269 Year 3: $44,705 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $38,829 Year 3: $44,224 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $41,684 Year 2: $42,123 Year 3: $44,015 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,207 Year 2: $19,227 Year 3: $42,116 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $39,190 Year 2: $39,074 Year 3: $41,551 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,116 Year 2: $35,274 Year 3: $41,363 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $38,564 Year 2: $38,700 Year 3: $40,624

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic differences between Winthrop University and Coastal Carolina University?

Winthrop University, located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is known for its strong programs in education, business, and the arts, with a particular emphasis on undergraduate research and a close-knit campus environment. Coastal Carolina University, situated in Conway, South Carolina, offers a broader range of programs, including a well-regarded marine science program due to its proximity to the coast, and is experiencing rapid growth in its academic offerings. Coastal Carolina also has a strong focus on hospitality, resort tourism, and related fields, reflecting its location near Myrtle Beach.
How do the campus environments and student life compare at Winthrop and Coastal Carolina?

Winthrop University provides a more traditional, residential college experience with a smaller student body, fostering a strong sense of community and easier access to faculty. Coastal Carolina University has a larger student population and a more diverse campus environment, reflecting its growth and the broader range of student interests. Coastal Carolina's location near Myrtle Beach offers numerous recreational opportunities, while Winthrop's location provides a more focused academic and social experience.
What are the key differences in terms of cost and financial aid between the two universities?

Both Winthrop University and Coastal Carolina University are public institutions, so tuition and fees are generally comparable. However, specific costs can vary depending on the program of study, residency status, and financial aid packages. It's recommended to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants. Both universities offer merit-based and need-based financial aid.
Which university is better for students interested in specific fields of study?

If you're interested in education, business, or the arts, Winthrop University is an excellent choice, with a long-standing reputation for excellence in these areas. For students interested in marine science, hospitality, resort tourism, or related fields, Coastal Carolina University is a strong contender due to its location and specialized programs. Both universities offer a wide range of other programs, so it's important to research the specific departments and faculty within your field of interest at each institution.
How do the athletic programs at Winthrop and Coastal Carolina compare?

Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics. Coastal Carolina University has gained significant national attention in recent years, particularly in baseball and football. Winthrop University has a strong athletic program, especially in basketball and other sports. The specific sports offered and the level of competition may vary, so it's advisable to check the official athletic websites for each university to see the sports offered and their recent performance.
What are the main differences in campus location and surrounding areas?

Winthrop University is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a city with a growing economy and a more traditional college-town feel. It's within driving distance of Charlotte, North Carolina, offering access to a larger metropolitan area. Coastal Carolina University is located in Conway, South Carolina, near Myrtle Beach. This location provides easy access to beaches, entertainment, and a vibrant tourism industry, but it also means a more tourist-driven environment compared to Winthrop's location.
How does the size of the student body impact the college experience at each university?

Winthrop University has a smaller student body, which often translates to smaller class sizes, more personalized attention from professors, and a stronger sense of community. Coastal Carolina University, with its larger student population, offers a more diverse student body and a wider range of social activities and clubs. However, it may also mean less individualized attention in some courses.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Winthrop and Coastal Carolina?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. Coastal Carolina University's location near Myrtle Beach provides numerous internship opportunities in the hospitality, tourism, and related industries. Winthrop University's location offers internship opportunities in the Charlotte metropolitan area and within the local Rock Hill community, particularly in education, business, and the arts. The specific resources and opportunities may vary, so it's best to explore the career services websites of each university.
Which university is better for students seeking a more traditional college experience?

Winthrop University generally offers a more traditional college experience due to its smaller size, residential campus, and strong sense of community. Coastal Carolina University, while still offering a traditional college experience, has a more diverse and rapidly growing environment, influenced by its location near a major tourist destination.
How do the admission requirements and selectivity compare between Winthrop and Coastal Carolina?

Admission requirements and selectivity are generally similar between the two universities, as both are public institutions in South Carolina. However, admission standards can vary slightly depending on the applicant pool and the specific programs. It's recommended to review the most current admission requirements, including GPA, standardized test scores (if required), and application deadlines, on the official websites of both universities.

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