Myrtle Beach Colleges and Universities: A Comprehensive Guide
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and its surrounding areas, offer a variety of higher education opportunities for students seeking associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. This article provides a detailed overview of the colleges and universities serving the Myrtle Beach area, examining their programs, costs, campus life, and the local job market.
Overview of Higher Education near Myrtle Beach
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide provides a breakdown of the colleges serving Myrtle Beach, with details about cost, enrollment, student type, and degree offerings. Several institutions near Myrtle Beach provide diverse educational paths. Whether you're a traditional student, a transfer student, an online learner, or an adult balancing education with a busy life, there are options to meet your needs.
In 2024, students completed 6,320 degrees at colleges and universities near Myrtle Beach, distributed across various levels: bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees.
Key Institutions Serving Myrtle Beach
Several colleges and universities serve the Myrtle Beach area, each with its unique strengths and offerings.
Coastal Carolina University (CCU)
Coastal Carolina University (CCU), a public university in Conway, South Carolina, stands out as a comprehensive institution offering a wide array of academic programs and a vibrant campus life. Founded in 1954 as Coastal Carolina Junior College, CCU has grown into a national sea-grant institution with a strong focus on academic excellence and student engagement.
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History and Development
CCU's journey began as a two-year community college operating as an extension of the College of Charleston. Over the years, it transitioned into a four-year institution and eventually gained independent status in 1993. Throughout the 2010s, the university experienced significant growth, marked by new construction and the establishment of its first doctoral program in 2014.
Academic Programs and Colleges
CCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its various colleges:
- E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration: This college offers six undergraduate majors, including accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, and hospitality and resort tourism management. It also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program. Unique programs include the Degree in Three program and the Get More in Four program. The PGA Golf Management program is one of only 18 programs in the nation accredited by the PGA of America.
- Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences: This college grants degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, middle-level education, special education learning disabilities, and physical education. It also offers Master of Education programs in various specializations and an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education.
- Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts: This college houses several university initiatives, institutes, and centers including the Dyer Institute for Leadership and Public Policy, the Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values, the Joyner Institute for Gullah and African Diaspora Studies, and the Athenaeum Press.
- Gupta College of Science: This college offers 13 areas of study, including applied statistics, biology, chemistry, coastal and marine systems science, computing sciences, marine science, mathematics and statistics, physics and engineering science, and psychology. The college houses four sea vessels for teaching and research, including the R/V Coastal Explorer.
- Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance: This college is home to the following academic units: public health, nursing, health administration, exercise and sport science, recreation and sport management, and sport management (master's degree).
In 2024, 1,849 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 209 master's degrees, and 21 doctoral degrees were earned.
Campus Life and Traditions
CCU provides a vibrant and dynamic campus experience with numerous opportunities for personal growth and community engagement. The Lib Jackson Student Union serves as the hub for student life, and the HTC Recreation & Convocation Center offers a multi-purpose arena, bookstore, and recreation center.
- CHANT411: A central point of contact for students, families, faculty, staff, and visitors seeking answers or guidance.
- Chauncey: One of the first and last traditions for students while they are on campus, involves having their photo taken with the bronze Chauncey.
- Spring Fling: CCU's largest, carnival-like event held near the end of the spring semester.
Rankings and Recognition
CCU has received several accolades and recognitions.
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- CCU earned a Research College and Universities designation in the 2025 report by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
- CCU is one of 84 institutions in the nation on this list and the only school in South Carolina with this distinction.
- In 2024, CCU was one of 16 schools nationwide named to The Princeton Review's inaugural Mental Health Honor Roll list.
- The university earned a spot on the 2024 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list and is a designated Gold Status Military Friendly School for 2024-2025.
Athletics
Coastal Carolina's athletic teams, known as the Chanticleers, compete in NCAA Division I. The football team plays at Brooks Stadium, known for its teal artificial turf. In 2016, the Chanticleers baseball team won the College World Series, marking the university's first national title.
Francis Marion University
Francis Marion University is one of the four-year public colleges located near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Francis Marion University. In 2024, 527 bachelor's degrees were completed. 0 associate degrees, 131 master's degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees were earned.
Franklin University
Franklin University is a top choice for transfer students, online learners, and adults who need to balance school with busy lives.
Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Franklin University. In 2024, 1,602 bachelor's degrees were completed. 98 associate degrees, 840 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees were earned.
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Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC)
HGTC is transforming what it means to be a 21st-century technical college. HGTC Observes Martin Luther King Jr. In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, HGTC will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2026, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. service and equality. In the spirit of Dr. volunteer opportunity on Tuesday, Jan. to host the educational expo on Friday, Nov. House on Thursday, Nov. Nursing Program Information Session on Wednesday, Nov. Faculty of the Year Award.
Myrtle Beach College
Myrtle Beach College is a non-profit religious institution preparing Christian leaders. The college will offer selected programs beginning in January of 2026 when the college officially opens. The college will open in stages throughout 2026 and 2027. Myrtle Beach College will offer an Associate in Christian Studies; a Bachelor of Christian Leadership with majors in Business, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Psychology, and Social Work; and a Bachelor of Christian Education. Additionally, an Associate in Ministry, a Bachelor of Christian Ministry, and a Bachelor of Divinity degree will be offered through our School of Theology.
Cost of Education
The average cost of tuition at nonprofit schools near Myrtle Beach is $9,577. Financial aid is available through government, states, colleges, and other organizations.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an important factor when considering a college or university. Institutionally accredited colleges and universities serving Myrtle Beach, South Carolina here.
Job Market Outlook in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
In 2024, there were about 594,647 jobs in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area. From 2023-2024, job growth in Myrtle Beach was above the national average, at 2.2%. There were 82,119 job openings in the area.
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