Founded in 1908, Coker College is an independent, comprehensive college with a liberal arts core required of all students. Coker provides quality educational experiences in and out of the classroom that prepare graduates for professional and personal success. A close rapport between students, faculty and staff and the opportunity for students to customize their education are the foundations of the Coker College experience. Coker’s extremely low faculty-student ratio of 9:1 allows for uniquely dynamic class interaction and true individual attention. The college’s round table teaching style facilitates the discussion of ideas and the building of leadership and communication skills needed in the workplace. All of Coker's professors teach their classes, not teaching assistants, and 88% hold the highest degree in their field.

In the National Survey for Student Engagement, Coker College scores higher than the national benchmark for enriching educational experience, active and collaborative learning, supportive campus environment, and student-faculty interaction. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Coker one of “America’s Best Colleges” and The Princeton Review cites Coker as a “Best Southeastern College” based on academic reputation and student satisfaction. Barron's names Coker one of the nation's “Best Buys in College Education.” The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) recently gave the Coker College special commendations for the quality of interaction between faculty, students and staff and the attractiveness of the campus grounds and facilities.

Coker is located in a historic district near downtown Hartsville, S.C. The lush, tree-lined campus features stately Georgian-style buildings dating to the early 20^th century with several listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other facilities include spacious residence halls, a student center, a fully-equipped science building, an art building and gallery, a performing arts center, a 22-acre athletic complex, and a boat house and club house on nearby Prestwood Lake.  The new Charles W. and Joan S. Coker Library-Information Technology Center is the academic heart of campus, offering students unparalleled access to collections and the latest information technology. Not far from campus is Kalmia Gardens of Coker College, a 33-acre nature preserve for public use and enjoyment.

The Coker College Cobras (six men's and six women's sports) are NCAA Division II, affiliated with the Conference Carolinas.  Coker teams have won numerous championships, and have competed in regional and national tournaments.  Coker Athletics also offers competitive dance and cheerleading and, beginning in fall 2010, NCAA women's golf.