Coker University
Coker
Hartsville, South Carolina 29550
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — close-knit campus
Coker University is a private institution in Hartsville with particular strength in business and biology.
A small campus of 807 undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
35% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $40,117 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $18,045.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Coker University began in 1894 as "Welsh Neck High School", founded by a local businessman and American Civil War veteran, Major James Lide Coker.
- •In 1908, when South Carolina created a statewide public school system, Coker led the effort to convert the school to "Coker College for Women".
- •Coker was once affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, but has been non-denominational since 1944.
- •It officially became co-educational in 1969, although men had attended since World War II's end.
- •The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics was located on the Coker campus from its founding in 1988 until 2003 when it moved to a purpose-built campus nearby.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
Southern Wesleyan University
Central, SC · Suburban · Private
Columbia College
Columbia, SC · Urban · Private
Voorhees University
Denmark, SC · Rural · Private
Limestone University
Gaffney, SC · Town · Private
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
53.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,000
Programs (36)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
63%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
5
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from SC state average