Anderson University vs University of South Carolina Aiken
Anderson University is a private university in Anderson, SC, and University of South Carolina Aiken is a public university in Aiken, SC. Anderson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 55% of applicants against 79% at University of South Carolina Aiken. University of South Carolina Aiken is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,641 a year against $23,544 at Anderson University. About 67% of students graduate at Anderson University, compared with 40% at University of South Carolina Aiken. Ten years after enrolling, University of South Carolina Aiken alumni earn a median of about $45,603, against $42,101 for Anderson University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Anderson, SC
Aiken, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,183
2,962
Acceptance rate
55%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–3.96
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1100–1280
980–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,544
$11,641
Full cost / yr
$50,192
$21,540
In-state tuition
$34,970
$10,760
Out-of-state tuition
$34,970
$21,218
Application fee
$40
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,188
$8,987
$30k - $48k
$18,724
$8,435
$48k - $75k
$19,647
$11,440
$75k - $110k
$24,926
$16,046
Over $110k
$27,080
$17,502
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
40%
Freshman retention
82%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,073
$39,689
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,101
$45,603
Median debt at graduation
$26,700
$24,275
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
39%
First-generation students
25%
33%
International students
0%
2%
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.
- Is Anderson University or University of South Carolina Aiken harder to get into?
- Anderson University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% of applicants, compared with 79% at University of South Carolina Aiken. 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 University of South Carolina Aiken?
- University of South Carolina Aiken is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,641 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 University of South Carolina Aiken?
- Before aid, University of South Carolina Aiken costs about $21,540 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 University of South Carolina Aiken?
- University of South Carolina Aiken. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,987 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 University of South Carolina Aiken?
- Anderson University is the larger of the two, with about 3,183 undergraduates against 2,962 at University of South Carolina Aiken.
- Does Anderson University or University of South Carolina Aiken have a better graduation rate?
- Anderson University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 40% at University of South Carolina Aiken.
- Do graduates of Anderson University or University of South Carolina Aiken earn more?
- University of South Carolina Aiken alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,603 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,101 for Anderson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Anderson University and University of South Carolina Aiken require SAT or ACT scores?
- Anderson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of South Carolina Aiken considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Anderson University and University of South Carolina Aiken look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Anderson University and 980–1220 at University of South Carolina Aiken. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Anderson University vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaAnderson University vs Furman UniversityAnderson University vs Wofford CollegeUniversity of South Carolina Aiken vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaUniversity of South Carolina Aiken vs Furman UniversityUniversity of South Carolina Aiken vs Wofford College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school