Business Administration, Management and Operations at Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina's business program sits right at South Carolina's median for earnings, but that's actually less impressive than it sounds—the state's business graduates earn about $3,700 less than the national average. Still, for families prioritizing in-state tuition and reasonable debt loads, this program delivers what it promises: a 23% earnings bump over four years and graduates landing squarely in the middle of the state's business job market.

The $25,187 debt burden is manageable, creating a 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio that allows graduates to reasonably service their loans on their starting salary. The problem is that $42,000 starting salary puts graduates in just the 32nd percentile nationally—meaning two-thirds of business programs produce higher earners. By year four, when earnings reach $51,695, graduates are still trailing the national 75th percentile. If your child is comparing this to Charleston Southern or Citadel (both producing graduates earning $50,000+ right out of the gate), those programs offer faster returns.

The value proposition here is straightforward: Coastal Carolina won't position your child at the top of the business graduate earnings ladder, but it won't burden them with excessive debt either. For students who need the accessible admissions (80% acceptance rate) and want to stay in South Carolina, this is a solid middle-of-the-road choice. Just know that other SC options deliver meaningfully better outcomes for motivated students who can gain admission.