USC Aiken vs. University of Lynchburg

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Aiken is larger than University of Lynchburg based on total student enrollment (4,022 students vs. 2,316 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

USC Aiken vs. University of Lynchburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC Aiken or University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg ($12,236 vs. $23,845).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 33% lower than at University of Lynchburg ($9,182 vs. $13,700).
• University of Lynchburg is 241.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $25,990 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.2% higher at University of Lynchburg than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $15,532 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Lynchburg than at University of South Carolina Aiken (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Lynchburg students is 197.5% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($26,491 vs. $8,904).

USC Aiken vs. University of Lynchburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC Aiken or University of Lynchburg? 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 Lynchburg and USC Aiken.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Lynchburg (1110) is 10 points higher than at USC Aiken (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220; University of Lynchburg 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC Aiken - Required; University of Lynchburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027; University of Lynchburg Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman University of Lynchburg students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• USC Aiken has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than University of Lynchburg (43%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at USC Aiken vs. 14.7% at University of Lynchburg.

USC Aiken vs. University of Lynchburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC Aiken and University of Lynchburg? 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 Lynchburg's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Lynchburg earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than USC Aiken graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $39,600), 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 University of Lynchburg graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USC Aiken graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Lynchburg graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More University of Lynchburg graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.