USC Aiken vs. Lincoln Memorial University

Comparable Facts

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

Lincoln Memorial University is larger than USC Aiken based on total student enrollment (6,081 students vs. 4,022 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Aiken is located in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting); Lincoln Memorial University is in Harrogate, TN (Distant Town setting).
• University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln Memorial University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1; Lincoln Memorial University 10:1.

USC Aiken vs. Lincoln Memorial University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC Aiken or Lincoln Memorial 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 University of South Carolina Aiken than Lincoln Memorial University ($12,236 vs. $21,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 24.9% lower than at Lincoln Memorial University ($9,182 vs. $12,226).
• Lincoln Memorial University is 150.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $16,178 more per year; $26,938.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27% higher at Lincoln Memorial University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $5,720 more per year; $26,938.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln Memorial University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lincoln Memorial University students is 125.5% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($20,081 vs. $8,904).

USC Aiken vs. Lincoln Memorial University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC Aiken or Lincoln Memorial 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 Lincoln Memorial University and USC Aiken.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lincoln Memorial University (1110) is 10 points higher than at USC Aiken (1100).
• Incoming USC Aiken students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Lincoln Memorial University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220; Lincoln Memorial University 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26; Lincoln Memorial University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC Aiken - Required; Lincoln Memorial University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lincoln Memorial University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• USC Aiken has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Lincoln Memorial University (62.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at USC Aiken vs. 15.8% at Lincoln Memorial University.

USC Aiken vs. Lincoln Memorial University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC Aiken and Lincoln Memorial 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).

• Lincoln Memorial University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Aiken earn a median of about $700 more per year than Lincoln Memorial University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,600 vs. $38,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have a $8,980 lower median loan debt than USC Aiken graduates ($17,020 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($175 vs. $268).
• More Lincoln Memorial University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.