Brenau University vs. USC Aiken

Comparable Facts

Compare Brenau University in Gainesville, GA with University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Aiken is larger than Brenau University based on total student enrollment (4,022 students vs. 2,436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); University of South Carolina Aiken is in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1.

Brenau University vs. USC Aiken Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau University or USC Aiken? 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 University of South Carolina Aiken than Brenau University ($12,236 vs. $19,743).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 28.5% lower than at Brenau University ($9,182 vs. $12,850).
• Brenau University is 216.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $23,267 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.4% higher at Brenau University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $12,809 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brenau University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 195.7% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($26,325 vs. $8,904).

Brenau University vs. USC Aiken Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brenau University or USC Aiken? 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 USC Aiken and Brenau University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Aiken (1100) is 30 points higher than at Brenau University (1070).
• Incoming USC Aiken students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; USC Aiken - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brenau University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• Brenau University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than USC Aiken (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 28.2% at USC Aiken.

Brenau University vs. USC Aiken Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau University and USC Aiken? 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).

• Brenau University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than USC Aiken graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $39,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Aiken graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USC Aiken graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More USC Aiken graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 48%)

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.