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Anderson University vs Lander University

Anderson University is a private university in Anderson, SC, and Lander University is a public university in Greenwood, SC. Anderson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 55% of applicants against 81% at Lander University. Lander University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,363 a year against $23,544 at Anderson University. About 67% of students graduate at Anderson University, compared with 49% at Lander University. Ten years after enrolling, Lander University alumni earn a median of about $42,396, against $42,101 for Anderson University.

Anderson University

Anderson, SC · Private

Lander University

Greenwood, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Anderson, SC
Greenwood, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,183
3,397
Acceptance rate
55%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.33–3.83
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1280
950–1178
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,544
$15,363
Full cost / yr
$50,192
$27,277
In-state tuition
$34,970
$11,700
Out-of-state tuition
$34,970
$21,300
Application fee
$40
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,188
$11,450
$30k - $48k
$18,724
$11,778
$48k - $75k
$19,647
$13,842
$75k - $110k
$24,926
$18,319
Over $110k
$27,080
$19,102
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
49%
Freshman retention
82%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,073
$36,851
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,101
$42,396
Median debt at graduation
$26,700
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
39%
First-generation students
25%
32%
International students
0%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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 Lander University harder to get into?
Anderson University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% of applicants, compared with 81% at Lander University. 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 Lander University?
Lander University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,363 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 Lander University?
Before aid, Lander University costs about $27,277 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 Lander University?
Lander University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,450 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 Lander University?
Lander University is the larger of the two, with about 3,397 undergraduates against 3,183 at Anderson University.
Does Anderson University or Lander University have a better graduation rate?
Anderson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 49% at Lander University.
Do graduates of Anderson University or Lander University earn more?
Lander University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $42,396 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,101 for Anderson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Anderson University and Lander University require SAT or ACT scores?
Anderson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lander University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Anderson University and Lander University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Anderson University and 950–1178 at Lander University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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