Anderson University vs University of South Carolina-Columbia
Anderson University is a private university in Anderson, SC, and University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public university in Columbia, SC. Anderson University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 55% of applicants against 60% at University of South Carolina-Columbia. University of South Carolina-Columbia is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,811 a year against $23,544 at Anderson University. About 78% of students graduate at University of South Carolina-Columbia, compared with 67% at Anderson University. Ten years after enrolling, University of South Carolina-Columbia alumni earn a median of about $62,177, against $42,101 for Anderson University.
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- Is Anderson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia harder to get into?
- Anderson University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% of applicants, compared with 60% at University of South Carolina-Columbia. 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-Columbia?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,811 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-Columbia?
- Before aid, University of South Carolina-Columbia costs about $31,638 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-Columbia?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,634 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-Columbia?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia is the larger of the two, with about 29,820 undergraduates against 3,183 at Anderson University.
- Does Anderson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia have a better graduation rate?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 67% at Anderson University.
- Do graduates of Anderson University or University of South Carolina-Columbia earn more?
- University of South Carolina-Columbia alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,177 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-Columbia 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-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Anderson University and University of South Carolina-Columbia look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1100–1280 at Anderson University and 1180–1360 at University of South Carolina-Columbia. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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