Benedict College vs. Lander University

Comparable Facts

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

Lander University is larger than Benedict College based on total student enrollment (4,378 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Benedict College vs. Lander University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College 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 Benedict College ($15,520 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 40.9% lower than at Lander University ($7,146 vs. $12,100).
• Benedict College is 49.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $5,740 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at Lander University than at Benedict College (about $3,860 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at Benedict College (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedict College students is 9% larger than aid received by Lander University students ($13,335 vs. $12,232).

Benedict College vs. Lander University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College 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 Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lander University (1060) is 140 points higher than at Benedict College (920).
• Incoming Lander University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Benedict College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 820/1010; Lander University 950/1178.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19; Lander University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; Lander University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Lander University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 22.7% at Lander University.

Benedict College vs. Lander University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College 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).

• Lander University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Lander University earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,000 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lander University graduates have a $15,898 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($27,000 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Lander University graduates have an estimated $164 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($279 vs. $443).
• More Lander University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (46% vs. 13%)

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.