Catawba College vs. Lander University

Comparable Facts

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

Lander University is larger than Catawba College based on total student enrollment (4,378 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Catawba College vs. Lander University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba 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 Catawba College ($15,520 vs. $18,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lander University are 10.8% lower than at Catawba College ($12,100 vs. $13,565).
• Catawba College is 193.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $22,600 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61% higher at Catawba College than at Lander University (about $13,000 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College than at Lander University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Catawba College students is 151.9% larger than aid received by Lander University students ($30,808 vs. $12,232).

Catawba College vs. Lander University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Catawba College (1170) is 110 points higher than at Lander University (1060).
• Incoming Catawba College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Lander University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; Lander University 950/1178.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; Lander University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - Test optional; Lander University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lander University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Catawba College (3.64).
• Lander University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than Catawba College (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 22.7% at Lander University.

Catawba College vs. Lander University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba 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).

• Catawba College's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from Catawba College earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Catawba College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Lander University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Catawba College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lander University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Catawba College 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.