USC Upstate vs Lander University

When it comes to higher education in South Carolina, University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) and Lander University stand out as two prominent choices. Both institutions offer a diverse range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, there are some key differences between the two universities that prospective students should consider. USC Upstate boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with a wider range of academic backgrounds. Lander University, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into the acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates of both universities. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Lander University logo

Lander University

University of South Carolina-Upstate logo

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Overview

Location Greenwood, South Carolina Spartanburg, South Carolina
Campus setting Town: Distant Suburb: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 67.0% 61.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 69.1% 75.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $45

Graduate: $45
SAT range 950 - 1150 950 - 1150
ACT range 17 - 24 19 - 23
Students submitting SAT score 38.0% 26.0%
Students submitting ACT score 22.0% 19.0%
Total number of applicants 4,795 2,893
Total number of admissions given out 3,311 2,190
Admitted students who chose to enroll 899 597
Yield rate 27.2% 27.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $26,320

Out of state: $35,920
In state: $28,648

Out of state: $39,610
Average net price $17,083 $14,816
Tuition
In state: $10,700

Out of state: $20,300
In state: $11,208

Out of state: $22,170
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,550

Meal plan: $4,100
Room/dormitory: $5,614

Meal plan: $3,714
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

98.0%
Average amount $9,205
96.0%
Average amount $8,974
Students receiving federal student loan 66.0%
Average amount $5,488
62.0%
Average amount $5,480
Students taking out private loans 10.0%
Average amount $9,690
4.0%
Average amount $8,248

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 3,599
Men 31.3% Women 68.7%
4,981
Men 32.7% Women 67.3%
Graduate students 226
Men 29.2% Women 70.8%
457
Men 13.6% Women 86.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 10.3% 8.2%
International students 2.1% 1.2%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 1,738 1,055
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from South Carolina Georgia Florida North Carolina Tennessee South Carolina Georgia North Carolina Florida Texas

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Health Professions
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 53.3% 47.4%
Dropout rate 19.0% 19.2%
Transferred out 27.2% 31.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,239
  • Year 2: $56,189
  • Year 3: $58,498
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,903
  • Year 2: $38,122
  • Year 3: $40,243
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,313
  • Year 2: $30,771
  • Year 3: $35,555
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $29,813
  • Year 2: $29,064
  • Year 3: $34,281
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $24,740
  • Year 2: $26,187
  • Year 3: $34,242
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,728
  • Year 2: $26,739
  • Year 3: $30,381
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,640
  • Year 2: $26,850
  • Year 3: $30,044
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,794
  • Year 2: $26,739
  • Year 3: $27,999
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $24,048
  • Year 2: $22,485
  • Year 3: $23,699
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,568
  • Year 3: N/A
Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,614
  • Year 2: $59,124
  • Year 3: $70,562
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,719
  • Year 2: $57,512
  • Year 3: $60,107
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,885
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $52,577
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,033
  • Year 2: $45,500
  • Year 3: $50,407
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,902
  • Year 2: $37,088
  • Year 3: $43,565
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,960
  • Year 3: $37,957
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,958
  • Year 2: $32,439
  • Year 3: $37,264
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $21,254
  • Year 2: $32,284
  • Year 3: $37,102
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,772
  • Year 3: $35,463
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,350
  • Year 2: $23,649
  • Year 3: $33,671

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences in location and campus environment between USC Upstate and Lander University?

    USC Upstate is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a growing city with access to a wider range of cultural and entertainment options. The campus is generally considered more modern. Lander University is situated in Greenwood, South Carolina, a smaller, more close-knit community. Lander offers a more traditional, historic campus environment.

  • How do the academic programs compare at USC Upstate and Lander University?

    Both universities offer a variety of undergraduate programs. USC Upstate tends to have a broader selection, including more specialized programs in areas like engineering technology and nursing. Lander University is particularly strong in education, business, and nursing, and is known for its strong liberal arts foundation. Both universities offer a good student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention.

  • What is the cost of attendance like at USC Upstate versus Lander University?

    Generally, both universities are considered affordable options for higher education in South Carolina. Tuition and fees are comparable, but specific costs can vary depending on the program of study and residency status. It's recommended to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants.

  • How do the student life and extracurricular activities differ at USC Upstate and Lander University?

    USC Upstate offers a more diverse student body and a wider range of clubs, organizations, and Division I sports programs, reflecting its larger size and location in a more populated area. Lander University fosters a strong sense of community and offers a variety of clubs, organizations, and Division II sports. Both universities provide opportunities for student involvement and leadership development.

  • Which university, USC Upstate or Lander University, is better for students interested in research opportunities?

    Both universities provide research opportunities for undergraduates. USC Upstate, due to its larger size and broader program offerings, may have a slightly wider range of research projects available. However, Lander University also offers research opportunities, particularly within its strong programs, and often provides more personalized research experiences due to its smaller size.

  • What are the career services and support systems like at USC Upstate and Lander University?

    Both universities offer career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, interview skills, and job placement. These services include career counseling, job fairs, and internship opportunities. The specific resources and the size of the career services department may vary, but both institutions are committed to helping students succeed after graduation.

  • How do the admission requirements compare between USC Upstate and Lander University?

    Admission requirements are generally similar, with both universities considering factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and extracurricular activities. However, specific requirements and acceptance rates may vary slightly. It's best to consult the official admissions websites of each university for the most accurate and up-to-date information on application deadlines and requirements.

  • Which university, USC Upstate or Lander University, is a better fit for students seeking a more traditional college experience?

    Lander University is often considered to offer a more traditional college experience due to its smaller size, historic campus, and strong sense of community. USC Upstate, with its more modern campus and larger student body, provides a different, but still valuable, college experience.

  • How do the graduation rates and alumni networks compare at USC Upstate and Lander University?

    Both universities have established alumni networks. Graduation rates are generally comparable, reflecting the quality of education and support provided to students. The size and reach of the alumni network may vary slightly, but both institutions provide opportunities for alumni to connect and support current students.

  • What are the housing options like at USC Upstate and Lander University?

    Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. The specific types of housing, such as residence halls, apartments, and suites, may vary. It's recommended to explore the housing websites of each university to learn about the available options, costs, and application procedures.

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