CofC vs. Lander University

Comparable Facts

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

College of Charleston is larger than Lander University based on total student enrollment (11,926 students vs. 4,378 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Charleston is located in Charleston, SC (Midsize City setting); Lander University is in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting).
• College of Charleston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Charleston 16:1; Lander University 18:1.

CofC vs. Lander University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CofC 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 CofC ($15,520 vs. $21,004).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lander University are 15.6% lower than at College of Charleston ($12,100 vs. $14,332).
• College of Charleston is 10.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $1,278 more per year; $12,978.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.8% higher at CofC than at Lander University (about $16,996 more per year; $38,296.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at College of Charleston (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lander University students is 36.2% larger than aid received by College of Charleston students ($12,232 vs. $8,983).

CofC vs. Lander University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CofC 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 CofC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Charleston (1230) is 170 points higher than at Lander University (1060).
• Incoming CofC students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 19 at Lander University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Charleston 1140/1310; Lander University 950/1178.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Charleston 25/30; Lander University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CofC - Test optional; Lander University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CofC Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CofC students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Lander University (3.66).
• Lander University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than CofC (60%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.9% at CofC vs. 22.7% at Lander University.

CofC vs. Lander University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CofC 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).

• College of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from College of Charleston earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Charleston graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Lander University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CofC graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lander University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More CofC 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.