Im a junior in high school and looking at applying to coastal next year. Everything I see about it just seems to talk about the theater department. How coastal for other things? Such as political science? Do students stay on the weekend? I would be coming from out of state. How is the greek life? School spirit for athletic events? I guess how is just the over all atmosphere and would I find friends who were not in the theater program as well?
This is what I have observed as a parent of a freshman: Extraordinary school spirit (follow them on Twitter and you’ll see), about half of the students come from out of state so yes, students stay on the weekends. I have been there several weekends and the campus is quite busy at night, and lastly, from what I understand, Coastal was quite popular before it became known for it’s phenomenal theatre department. I know several students who are from out of state majoring in Marine Science, Intelligence and National Security Studies and Education. Being near Myrtle Beach is a major draw as well.
The basketball team was in an early round of the playoffs last year 
Football team was ranked #1 at one point this year in the FPS, and went deep into the playoffs. Stands are full for most, if not all games. This is a residential campus in a resort area. Plenty to do, and the student life on campus is quite strong. Greek life exists, and is active. It isn’t like some large campuses where there is a large area of greek houses. The university is known for Marine Science, Political Science, Intelligence and National Security, has a strong business program and strong series of education programs. In the arts, we have the aforementioned theatre program, Art studio is large and thriving as is the Graphic Design program. The Music Ed program is very good. Hope that helps some.
@kjgc thanks so much for the help. I think coastal may be a great safety for me. Are you a student there? How is the on/off campus housing?
Thanks!
Sorry. Chair of the theatre program. There are students who check this part of CC regularly and answer questions. I don’t know much about housing except that the university will have completed a very large new dorm complex on campus and run a series of large apartment complexes directly across the street that are supposed to be rather nice. But to be honest, I’ve never been in either.
There are dorms on the main campus (all are “suite like” meaning there are no communal bathrooms. Fall '15 will see brand new dorms also on the main campus. Half a mile down the road, there are apartments that are still considered “on campus” housing. They mainly consist of private bedroom/private bathroom suites, with a few “double bedroom/shared bathroom” suites.
There are wonderful apartment options that aren’t considered to be “campus housing” for juniors and seniors. Most are also single bedroom/single bathroom apartments with beautiful outdoor recreational options (pool, BBQ area, game room, fitness center, computer room, etc).
Personally, I have seen many college dorms and these are somewhat older, but the amenities are good for a freshman dorm (my daughter’s dorm consists of four single bedrooms, a huge living room and a bathroom that has two sinks, a shower and a closeted toilet area.)
For ntk131998: CCU requires a pre-screen and an in person audition. Any BFA program with a pre-screen or required audition shouldn’t be considered a safety. Now if you are referring to their excellent BA program in theater, that could be a good choice for a safety.
@theatermom2013 No, I was actually to referring to the school for majors that are NOT theater related. Such as political science or business.