CSU vs. Lander University

Comparable Facts

Compare Charleston Southern University in Charleston, 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 CSU based on total student enrollment (4,378 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Lander University is in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Lander University 18:1.

CSU vs. Lander University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 CSU ($15,520 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lander University are 0.8% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($12,100 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 177.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $20,820 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.7% higher at CSU than at Lander University (about $11,220 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at Charleston Southern University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 90% larger than aid received by Lander University students ($23,240 vs. $12,232).

CSU vs. Lander University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU 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 CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lander University (1060) is 10 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming CSU 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: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Lander University 950/1178.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Lander University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Lander University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lander University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Lander University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 22.7% at Lander University.

CSU vs. Lander University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU 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).

• Charleston Southern University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lander University and CSU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Lander University and CSU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lander University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.