USC Upstate vs Lander University
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![]() Lander University |
![]() University of South Carolina-Upstate |
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Overview |
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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% |
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No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 69.1% | 75.7% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$45
Graduate:
$45
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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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$26,320
Out of state:
$35,920
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In state:
$28,648
Out of state:
$39,610
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Average net price | $17,083 | $14,816 |
Tuition |
In state:
$10,700
Out of state:
$20,300
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In state:
$11,208
Out of state:
$22,170
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,550
Meal plan:
$4,100
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Room/dormitory:
$5,614
Meal plan:
$3,714
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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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 |
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Students and Campus |
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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
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Moderate
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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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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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 |
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Outcome |
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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)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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