Lander University Admission Requirements

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  • 4 Year
  • Greenwood, SC
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#11 Best Public Universities in South Carolina

Lander University Admission Overview

Lander University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Lander University admitted 81.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.66 GPA (A-) and SAT 950-1178 / ACT 16-23. Lander University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Lander University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

81.3%

Admission Standards

Very Easy

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Lander University

Acceptance Rate

The Lander University acceptance rate is 81.3%. Last year, 3,712 of 4,565 applicants were admitted. That is the 23rd lowest acceptance rate in South Carolina.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Lander University and can you get accepted?

Lander University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Lander University typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.66. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 23% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Lander University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.66

Typical High School Grades

A-

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.66

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Lander University typically have around a 3.66 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. Lander University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #15 in South Carolina for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Lander University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

950-1178

Freshmen who sent SAT

38%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 490
  • Math 460
  • Composite 950
SAT 25th percentile scores for Lander University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 608
  • Math 570
  • Composite 1178
SAT 75th percentile scores for Lander University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Lander University typically score around a 1060 SAT (middle 50% 950–1178) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 51st percentile nationally. Lander University ranks #18 in the state of South Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 950 to 1178

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Lander University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1060 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Lander University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1178+ Above 75th >89%
1060 to 1178 Avg + 81%-89%
950 to 1060 Avg - 69%-81%
Below 950 Below mid-50 <69%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Lander University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

16-23

Freshmen reporting ACT

17%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 15
  • Math 16
  • Composite 16
ACT 25th percentile scores for Lander University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 22
  • Math 22
  • Composite 23
ACT 75th percentile scores for Lander University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Lander University typically have around a 19 ACT (mid-50 16–23) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 44th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Lander University places #23 among colleges in South Carolina for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 16 to 23

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Lander University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 19.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Lander University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
23+ Above 75th >90%
19 to 23 Avg + 81%-90%
16 to 19 Avg - 71%-81%
Below 16 Below mid-50 <71%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

80% of Lander University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 45% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Lander University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 12.5%
Top 25% of class 45.3%
Top 50% of class 80%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Lander University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Lander University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 3,304 1,261 4,565
Accepted 2,660 1,052 3,712
Acceptance Rate 81% 83% 81%
Enrolled 571 272 843
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 21% 26% 23%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Lander University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Lander University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Required to be considered for admission
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Lander University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Lander University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Lander University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 81.3% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.66 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (950-1178); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Lander University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=218229.

GPA calculator: Lander University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026