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Erskine College vs South University-Columbia

Erskine College is a private college in Due West, SC, and South University-Columbia is a private for-profit university in Columbia, SC. Erskine College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 63% of applicants against 100% at South University-Columbia. Erskine College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,525 a year against $27,693 at South University-Columbia. About 47% of students graduate at Erskine College, compared with 13% at South University-Columbia. Ten years after enrolling, Erskine College alumni earn a median of about $53,459, against $34,421 for South University-Columbia.

Erskine College

Due West, SC · Private

South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Due West, SC
Columbia, SC
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
766
450
Acceptance rate
63%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
920–1150
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,525
$27,693
Full cost / yr
$55,248
$35,322
In-state tuition
$36,710
$18,145
Out-of-state tuition
$36,710
$18,145
Application fee
$25
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,555
$26,588
$30k - $48k
$12,666
$30,474
$48k - $75k
$18,652
$32,022
$75k - $110k
$16,405
$29,386
Over $110k
$18,942
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
13%
Freshman retention
56%
57%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,618
$34,115
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,459
$34,421
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$26,123
Student body
Pell grant recipients
47%
58%
First-generation students
22%
47%
International students
0%
1%
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 Erskine College or South University-Columbia harder to get into?
Erskine College is harder to get into. It admits about 63% of applicants, compared with 100% at South University-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, Erskine College or South University-Columbia?
Erskine College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,525 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,693 at South University-Columbia. 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 Erskine College and South University-Columbia?
Before aid, South University-Columbia costs about $35,322 a year and Erskine College about $55,248. 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, Erskine College or South University-Columbia?
Erskine College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,555 there, against about $26,588 at South University-Columbia. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Erskine College or South University-Columbia?
Erskine College is the larger of the two, with about 766 undergraduates against 450 at South University-Columbia.
Does Erskine College or South University-Columbia have a better graduation rate?
Erskine College has the higher graduation rate, at about 47% against 13% at South University-Columbia.
Do graduates of Erskine College or South University-Columbia earn more?
Erskine College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,459 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,421 for South University-Columbia. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Erskine College and South University-Columbia require SAT or ACT scores?
Erskine College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. South University-Columbia is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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