Coastal Carolina University (CCUl) is an independent, state-supported university in Conway, South Carolina, located eight miles (13 km) west of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Founded in 1954, Coastal became an independent university in 1993. The University enrolls approximately 8,300 students on its 307 acre campus. Baccalaureate programs are offered in 51 major fields of study, along with graduate programs in education, business administration (MBA) and coastal marine and wetland studies.

The school is composed of its main campus in Conway and also offers courses in Litchfield, Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach. The University is a Sea-grant institute and owns part of Waties Island (Waties Island, South Carolina), a convert1105acrekm2sing=on barrier island which serves as a natural laboratory. Coastal Carolina is also the home of the Scholars Academy, a high school program for gifted students.