Lander University vs. UofSC

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Columbia is larger than Lander University based on total student enrollment (38,532 students vs. 4,378 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lander University is located in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting); University of South Carolina Columbia is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lander University 18:1; University of South Carolina Columbia 19:1.

Lander University vs. UofSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lander University or UofSC? 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 UofSC ($15,520 vs. $24,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lander University are 10.6% lower than at University of South Carolina Columbia ($12,100 vs. $13,534).
• University of South Carolina Columbia is 8.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $988 more per year; $12,688.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.9% higher at UofSC than at Lander University (about $14,672 more per year; $35,972.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at University of South Carolina Columbia (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lander University students is 71.3% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Columbia students ($12,232 vs. $7,139).

Lander University vs. UofSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lander University or UofSC? 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 UofSC and Lander University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Columbia (1270) is 210 points higher than at Lander University (1060).
• Incoming UofSC students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 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 Columbia 1180/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lander University 16/23; University of South Carolina Columbia 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lander University - Test optional; UofSC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UofSC Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman UofSC students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Lander University (3.66).
• Lander University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than UofSC (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.7% at Lander University vs. 22.9% at UofSC.

Lander University vs. UofSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lander University and UofSC? 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 Columbia's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of about $14,700 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Columbia graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Lander University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UofSC graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lander University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More UofSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lander University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.