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Anderson University vs College of Charleston

Anderson University is a private university in Anderson, SC, and College of Charleston is a public college in Charleston, SC. Anderson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 55% of applicants against 60% at College of Charleston. College of Charleston is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,960 a year against $23,544 at Anderson University. About 67% of students graduate at Anderson University, compared with 65% at College of Charleston. Ten years after enrolling, College of Charleston alumni earn a median of about $56,416, against $42,101 for Anderson University.

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Anderson University

Anderson, SC · Private

College of Charleston

Charleston, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Anderson, SC
Charleston, SC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,183
10,558
Acceptance rate
55%
60%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1280
1140–1310
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
25–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,544
$18,960
Full cost / yr
$50,192
$32,362
In-state tuition
$34,970
$12,978
Out-of-state tuition
$34,970
$38,296
Application fee
$40
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,188
$12,133
$30k - $48k
$18,724
$13,406
$48k - $75k
$19,647
$16,797
$75k - $110k
$24,926
$20,089
Over $110k
$27,080
$24,996
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
65%
Freshman retention
82%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,073
$43,821
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,101
$56,416
Median debt at graduation
$26,700
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
19%
First-generation students
25%
20%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 2
Early action
Not reported
Nov 2
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Anderson University or College of Charleston harder to get into?
Anderson University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% of applicants, compared with 60% at College of Charleston. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Anderson University or College of Charleston?
College of Charleston is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,960 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,544 at Anderson University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Anderson University and College of Charleston?
Before aid, College of Charleston costs about $32,362 a year and Anderson University about $50,192. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Anderson University or College of Charleston?
College of Charleston. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,133 there, against about $17,188 at Anderson University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Anderson University or College of Charleston?
College of Charleston is the larger of the two, with about 10,558 undergraduates against 3,183 at Anderson University.
Does Anderson University or College of Charleston have a better graduation rate?
Anderson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 65% at College of Charleston.
Do graduates of Anderson University or College of Charleston earn more?
College of Charleston alumni earn more on average: a median of about $56,416 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,101 for Anderson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Anderson University and College of Charleston require SAT or ACT scores?
Anderson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. College of Charleston is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Anderson University and College of Charleston look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Anderson University and 1140–1310 at College of Charleston. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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