Lander University vs. USC Aiken

Comparable Facts

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

Lander University is larger than USC Aiken based on total student enrollment (4,378 students vs. 4,022 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lander University is located in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting); University of South Carolina Aiken is in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lander University 18:1; University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1.

Lander University vs. USC Aiken Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lander 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 Lander University ($12,236 vs. $15,520).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 24.1% lower than at Lander University ($9,182 vs. $12,100).
• Lander University is 8.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $940 more per year; $11,700.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at Lander University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $82 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lander University students is 37.4% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($12,232 vs. $8,904).

Lander University vs. USC Aiken Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lander 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 Lander University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Aiken (1100) is 40 points higher than at Lander University (1060).
• Incoming USC Aiken students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Lander University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lander University 950/1178; University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lander University 16/23; University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lander University - Test optional; USC Aiken - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lander University students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• Lander University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than USC Aiken (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.7% at Lander University vs. 28.2% at USC Aiken.

Lander University vs. USC Aiken Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lander 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).

• University of South Carolina Aiken's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Aiken earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,600 vs. $37,000), 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 Lander University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USC Aiken graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lander University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More USC Aiken graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lander University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.