AU vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, SC with Roanoke College in Salem, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Anderson University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (4,710 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, SC (Small City setting); Roanoke College is in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 13:1; Roanoke College 11:1.

AU vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Roanoke College? 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 Anderson University than Roanoke College ($24,434 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Anderson University are 17.2% lower than at Roanoke College ($12,720 vs. $15,366).
• Roanoke College is 8.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $3,098 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.9% higher at Roanoke College than at Anderson University (about $3,098 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at Anderson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 8.5% larger than aid received by Anderson University students ($28,188 vs. $25,969).

AU vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Roanoke College (1200) is 10 points higher than at AU (1190).
• Incoming Roanoke College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at AU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 1100/1280; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 22/29; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Roanoke College (3.56).
• Roanoke College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at AU vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

AU vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Roanoke College? 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).

• Roanoke College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Anderson University's (48%).
• Graduates from Roanoke College earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $37,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Anderson University graduates have a $138 lower median loan debt than Roanoke College graduates ($26,862 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Roanoke College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 60%)

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.