Pfeiffer University vs. USC Aiken

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Aiken is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (4,022 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pfeiffer University is located in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting); University of South Carolina Aiken is in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Pfeiffer University 11:1; University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1.

Pfeiffer University vs. USC Aiken Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University ($12,236 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 28.5% lower than at Pfeiffer University ($9,182 vs. $12,850).
• Pfeiffer University is 225.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $24,310 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.3% higher at Pfeiffer University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $13,852 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 191.5% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($25,951 vs. $8,904).

Pfeiffer University vs. USC Aiken Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Aiken (1100) is 70 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming USC Aiken students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Pfeiffer University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 891/1165; University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 18/25; University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pfeiffer University - Test-free; USC Aiken - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027; USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USC Aiken students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.19) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than USC Aiken (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Pfeiffer University vs. 28.2% at USC Aiken.

Pfeiffer University vs. USC Aiken Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pfeiffer 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).

• Pfeiffer University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than USC Aiken graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,100 vs. $39,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $3,601 lower median loan debt than USC Aiken graduates ($22,399 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($231 vs. $268).
• More Pfeiffer University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 54%)

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.