AU vs. Lander University

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, SC with Lander University in Greenwood, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Anderson University is larger than Lander University based on total student enrollment (4,710 students vs. 4,378 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, SC (Small City setting); Lander University is in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 13:1; Lander University 18:1.

AU vs. Lander University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Lander University? 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 Lander University than AU ($15,520 vs. $24,434).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lander University are 4.9% lower than at Anderson University ($12,100 vs. $12,720).
• Anderson University is 198.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $23,270 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.2% higher at AU than at Lander University (about $13,670 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at Anderson University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 112.3% larger than aid received by Lander University students ($25,969 vs. $12,232).

AU vs. Lander University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Lander University? 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 Lander University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1190) is 130 points higher than at Lander University (1060).
• Incoming AU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 19 at Lander University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 1100/1280; Lander University 950/1178.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 22/29; Lander University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Lander University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Lander University (3.66).
• Lander University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at AU vs. 22.7% at Lander University.

AU vs. Lander University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Lander University? 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 (48%) is higher than Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,500 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Anderson University graduates have a $138 lower median loan debt than Lander University graduates ($26,862 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lander University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lander University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 46%)

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.