OCtech vs. University of South Carolina-Lancaster

Comparable Facts

Compare Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College in Orangeburg, SC with University of South Carolina Lancaster in Lancaster, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Lancaster is larger than OCtech based on total student enrollment (2,687 students vs. 2,106 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is located in Orangeburg, SC (Rural Fringe setting); University of South Carolina Lancaster is in Lancaster, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is a public, non-profit 2-year institution. University of South Carolina Lancaster is a public, non-profit 2-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College 15:1; University of South Carolina Lancaster 24:1.

OCtech vs. University of South Carolina-Lancaster Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, OCtech or University of South Carolina-Lancaster? 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 Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College than University of South Carolina-Lancaster ($6,912 vs. $11,257).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College are 25.5% lower than at University of South Carolina Lancaster ($5,000 vs. $6,708).
• University of South Carolina Lancaster is 21.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than OCtech (about $1,316 more per year; $7,558.00 vs. $6,242.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 118.3% higher at University of South Carolina-Lancaster than at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College (about $9,884 more per year; $18,238.00 vs. $8,354.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College than at University of South Carolina Lancaster (96% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College students is 11.4% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Lancaster students ($8,072 vs. $7,245).

OCtech vs. University of South Carolina-Lancaster Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, OCtech or University of South Carolina-Lancaster? 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 University of South Carolina-Lancaster and OCtech.

• Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of South Carolina Lancaster 910/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of South Carolina Lancaster 16/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: OCtech - Open admission; University of South Carolina-Lancaster - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: OCtech Aug 2, 2027.

OCtech vs. University of South Carolina-Lancaster Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for OCtech and University of South Carolina-Lancaster? 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).

• Graduates from University of South Carolina Lancaster earn a median of about $22,800 more per year than OCtech graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,700 vs. $28,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College graduates have a $14,250 lower median loan debt than University of South Carolina-Lancaster graduates ($9,000 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, OCtech graduates have an estimated $147 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Carolina-Lancaster graduates ($93 vs. $240).
• More University of South Carolina-Lancaster graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OCtech students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 26%)

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.