A Look At Coastal Carolina University's Student Population

Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is a public university in Conway, South Carolina. As of Fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,306, comprising 44.7% male students and 55.3% female students. The university's total enrollment, including graduate students, exceeded 11,000 for the first time in its history in Fall 2024, with a record first-year retention rate of 79.1%.

Undergraduate enrollment is over 10,000

Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is a public university in Conway, South Carolina. Founded in 1954, the university has experienced significant growth over the years, with a total undergraduate enrollment of over 10,000 students as of Fall 2023. This large undergraduate population contributes to the vibrant and diverse student body on campus.

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 120 undergraduate major fields of study across six academic colleges. The range of programs ensures that students have numerous options to pursue their academic interests and passions. With such a large undergraduate population, CCU is committed to providing a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for its students.

One notable aspect of CCU is its focus on student success and high-impact practices. The university prioritizes internships, undergraduate research, and community-based learning, as evidenced by its record first-year retention rate of 77.4% to 79.1% in Fall 2024. This indicates that the university is committed to supporting and engaging its large undergraduate population, fostering a supportive and academically enriching environment.

The undergraduate enrollment at CCU surpasses 10,000 students, creating a diverse and dynamic community. This large student body enhances the campus life and extracurricular opportunities available. CCU offers various housing options, with 49% of students living in college-owned or affiliated housing and 51% living off-campus. The university also boasts an extensive range of student organizations, athletic teams, and social Greek letter organizations, providing numerous opportunities for undergraduates to get involved and connect with their peers.

In conclusion, CCU's undergraduate enrollment of over 10,000 students contributes to a vibrant and diverse campus community. The university's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and extracurricular engagement ensures that undergraduates have a holistic and enriching educational experience during their time at CCU. The large undergraduate population enhances campus life and contributes to the overall energy and dynamism of the university.

Total enrollment is over 11,000

Coastal Carolina University (CCU) in Conway, South Carolina, has a total student enrollment of over 11,000. This milestone was reached in Fall 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous year's total enrollment of 10,829. The university offers a range of academic programs and boasts a vibrant student life, with various organizations and athletic teams contributing to a diverse and engaging campus community.

The university's history can be traced back to 1954 when it was founded as Coastal Carolina Junior College, a two-year community college. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes and transitions, eventually becoming an independent university in 1993. The campus is spread across 621 acres and comprises 115 main buildings, including state-of-the-art facilities for academics, research, and student life.

CCU offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, with over 120 undergraduate and more than 30 graduate-level major fields of study. The university is organized into several colleges, each housing multiple departments and offering specialized programs. These colleges include the Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance, the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, the Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences, and the Gupta College of Science, among others.

The student body at CCU is diverse, with a gender distribution of approximately 45% male and 55% female students. The university provides various housing options, with 49% of students living in college-owned or affiliated housing and 51% choosing to live off-campus. The Lib Jackson Student Union serves as the heart of student life, offering a range of amenities, including a movie theater, conference rooms, and entertainment areas.

Athletics play a significant role in campus life, with CCU's teams known as the Chanticleers, competing in Division I of the NCAA as members of the Sun Belt Conference. The university fields 19 NCAA Division I teams, including soccer, tennis, and lacrosse, providing opportunities for students to excel in both academics and athletics. The Chanticleer—a proud and fierce rooster from Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales"—serves as the university's unique mascot.

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1

Coastal Carolina University (CCU) in Conway, South Carolina, has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. This means that for every 16 students, there is one faculty member. This ratio is an important metric for prospective students to consider when evaluating the quality of education at an institution.

A low student-faculty ratio is often desirable as it can indicate more personalised attention for students and a better opportunity to develop relationships with faculty. It can also suggest that classes are smaller, allowing for more interaction and engagement between students and professors. This can be particularly beneficial for students who may require additional support or accommodations in their learning journey.

The student-faculty ratio at CCU is impressive, especially when compared to other institutions that may have ratios of 20:1 or higher. This ratio is made possible by CCU's commitment to providing a comprehensive education to its students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with over 120 undergraduate and 30 graduate-level major fields of study.

CCU's student body consists of over 11,000 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 45% male and 55% female. The university's total enrolment has been steadily increasing over the years, surpassing 10,000 in 2017 and reaching a record high of over 11,000 in 2024. This growth reflects the university's appeal and the quality of education it provides.

The campus size is 621 acres

The Coastal Carolina University campus in Conway, South Carolina, is a sprawling 621 acres. The campus comprises 115 main buildings, including the Coastal Science Centre and the Burroughs & Chapin Centre for Marine and Wetland Studies on the East Campus. The university also operates the adjacent General James Hackler Golf Course, a public 18-hole golf facility.

The campus has a rich history, with its first building, the Edward M. Singleton Building, opening in 1963. The site was chosen in 1960 on land owned by the Burroughs Timber Company and International Paper, located between U.S. 501 and S.C. 544. Over the years, the campus has expanded significantly, adding residence halls, academic buildings, and sports facilities.

The 621-acre campus provides a vibrant and diverse learning environment for its students. The large campus size allows for a variety of facilities and resources to support the academic and extracurricular needs of the student body. The campus is home to a range of academic buildings, libraries, student residences, athletic facilities, and natural spaces.

The Coastal Science Centre, for example, is a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the university's marine and environmental science programs. The Burroughs & Chapin Centre for Marine and Wetland Studies further emphasises the university's commitment to research and education in these areas. The General James Hackler Golf Course, adjacent to the campus, offers a unique recreational opportunity for students and the local community.

The campus size also accommodates a range of athletic facilities for the university's various sports teams, known as the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. The Brooks Stadium, for instance, is a 20,000-seat stadium with teal artificial turf and is home to the football team. The HTC Recreation & Convocation Center, a LEED-certified facility, features a multi-purpose arena, a recreation centre, and group exercise studios.

In addition to the main campus, the university also owns part of Waties Island, an Atlantic barrier island. This island serves as a natural laboratory for instruction and research, providing a unique opportunity for students to engage with the natural environment.

The university offers over 120 undergraduate programs

Coastal Carolina University (CCU) offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across its six academic colleges. With over 120 undergraduate programs, students can choose from a variety of fields to pursue their academic interests and career goals.

The E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration offers undergraduate majors such as accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, and hospitality and resort tourism management. The PGA Golf Management program, accredited by the PGA of America, is one of only 18 such programs in the nation. The college also provides minors in business, economics, international business, and marketing, as well as accelerated degree options.

The Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance offers programs in public health, nursing, health administration, exercise and sport science, recreation, and sport management. The health administration program, for example, prepares graduates for advanced roles in healthcare management and provides a pathway to graduate programs like the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Health Administration (MHA).

The Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences grants Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in various education specialisations, including early childhood, elementary, middle-level, and special education, as well as physical education. Additionally, they offer Master of Education and Master of Arts in Teaching programs with multiple specialisations and certificate programs in online teaching, literacy, and special education.

The Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts houses several university initiatives and centres, such as the Dyer Institute for Leadership and Public Policy and the Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values. Within this college, students can pursue the Geospatial Technologies certificate, gaining skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and applying geospatial technologies to various disciplines.

The Gupta College of Science provides 13 areas of study, including applied statistics and psychology, along with 18 minors and a certificate program. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, building on their knowledge from entry-level health programs to assume leadership and management roles in healthcare. The college also offers graduate programs, including a Master of Science in coastal marine and wetland studies and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in coastal and marine systems science.

With its diverse range of undergraduate programs, Coastal Carolina University offers students a comprehensive educational experience, empowering them to explore their passions and prepare for their future careers.

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