Anderson University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN with Radford University in Radford, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Radford University is larger than Anderson University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Radford University 14:1.

Anderson University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson University or RU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Radford University than Anderson University ($16,749 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 2.3% lower than at Anderson University ($12,504 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 196.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $24,692 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.3% higher at Anderson University than at Radford University (about $11,607 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Radford University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 118.6% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($25,946 vs. $11,870).

Anderson University vs. RU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson University or RU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between RU and Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Radford University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Anderson University (1030).
• Incoming RU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Anderson University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Anderson University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson University and RU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Radford University's (56%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Anderson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Anderson University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.