About Anderson University
Anderson University builds its identity around Christian liberal arts education within the Church of God tradition. The 1,070 students on this small-city Indiana campus experience close-knit learning with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. About three-quarters of students come from Indiana, creating a tight community feel that reflects the university's faith-centered mission.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with some caution. Students pay an average net price of $22,144 after aid, well below the sticker price of $35,640 tuition. However, graduates carry a median debt of $27,000 and earn $48,899 ten years after graduation. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable portion of typical graduate income. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many middle and lower-income families.
Anderson's 49% six-year graduation rate lags behind many peer institutions, though 97% of graduates find employment. The Ravens compete in NCAA Division III across 18 sports, with 406 student-athletes comprising over a third of the student body. This high athletic participation rate creates an active campus culture where sports serve as a major connector for the community rather than a spectator attraction.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with some caution. Students pay an average net price of $22,144 after aid, well below the sticker price of $35,640 tuition. However, graduates carry a median debt of $27,000 and earn $48,899 ten years after graduation. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable portion of typical graduate income. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many middle and lower-income families.
Anderson's 49% six-year graduation rate lags behind many peer institutions, though 97% of graduates find employment. The Ravens compete in NCAA Division III across 18 sports, with 406 student-athletes comprising over a third of the student body. This high athletic participation rate creates an active campus culture where sports serve as a major connector for the community rather than a spectator attraction.
Academics & Faculty
Anderson University operates as a Christian liberal arts institution where faith integrates with learning across disciplines. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students personally. However, the 49% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. The university emphasizes business, education, and nursing programs within its Church of God framework. Students take required theology courses alongside their major coursework. The small class sizes mean frequent discussion and personalized attention from faculty. Academic rigor varies by program, with professional tracks like nursing maintaining higher standards. The Christian worldview shapes curriculum content and classroom discussions throughout the academic experience.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.4%
- Retention Rate
- 69.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,899
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,238 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,035 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $38,829 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,529 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $32,382 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,055 |
Campus Life
Anderson University sits in a small Indiana city about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis. With housing for 910 students and total enrollment of 1,070, nearly everyone lives on campus during their first years. You'll need that winter coat for Indiana's cold months, though spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking between classes.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress. Chapel services reflect the university's Church of God heritage, creating a tight-knit Christian community where faith discussions happen naturally. With 406 athletes competing in 18 Division III sports, Ravens games draw campus crowds, especially basketball. Students often gather in residence halls for movie nights or head to nearby Mounds State Park for hiking. Weekend trips to Indianapolis offer big-city dining and entertainment when small-town Anderson feels limiting. The 70% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to this intimate Christian environment, though the 49% six-year graduation rate indicates academic and financial challenges for some students.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress. Chapel services reflect the university's Church of God heritage, creating a tight-knit Christian community where faith discussions happen naturally. With 406 athletes competing in 18 Division III sports, Ravens games draw campus crowds, especially basketball. Students often gather in residence halls for movie nights or head to nearby Mounds State Park for hiking. Weekend trips to Indianapolis offer big-city dining and entertainment when small-town Anderson feels limiting. The 70% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to this intimate Christian environment, though the 49% six-year graduation rate indicates academic and financial challenges for some students.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 910 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–34°F
- July Avg
- 64°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 20.8"
Student Demographics
Anderson University draws students who value faith-based education within a close-knit community. Three-quarters of students come from Indiana, reflecting the university's strong ties to local Church of God congregations and families seeking Christian higher education close to home. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, typical for liberal arts colleges that balance diverse academic programs. More than a third receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making Christian education accessible to working-class families. Students typically choose Anderson for its combination of academic rigor and spiritual development.
- Men
- 49.2%
- Women
- 50.8%
- White
- 73.1%
- Black
- 10.8%
- Hispanic
- 7.1%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 76.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.9%
Location
Anderson University sits in Anderson, Indiana, about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis. The campus serves 1,070 students in a small city setting within the industrial heartland of central Indiana. Anderson once thrived as a manufacturing center, particularly for General Motors, though the city has worked to diversify its economy in recent decades. The area offers a blend of urban amenities and Midwestern charm, with easy access to Indianapolis for internships and cultural experiences. Students enjoy a compact campus environment where 76.45% of enrolled students come from within Indiana. The surrounding region features rolling farmland and small communities typical of the Midwest. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Anderson University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Anderson, Indiana 46012-3495
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,899
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,826
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Anderson University?
Anderson University accepts 51.75% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The Church of God-affiliated school typically admits students with SAT scores between 980 and 1220, creating a welcoming environment for students with diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Anderson University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,144 after aid, less than the sticker price of $49,390. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which translates to monthly payments of $286.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Anderson University?
Anderson maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,070 total students. This Christian liberal arts university emphasizes close mentoring relationships and personalized attention in its academic programs.
What are the graduation rates at Anderson University?
Anderson's 6-year graduation rate stands at 49.40%, while 55% of students graduate in four years. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,899 ten years after graduation, and the employment rate reaches 96.7%.
Where is Anderson University located and what is campus life like?
Anderson sits in the small city of Anderson, Indiana, where 76% of the 1,070 students come from in-state. The campus houses 910 students in residence halls, fostering a tight-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller Christian universities.
Does Anderson University offer athletic scholarships?
Anderson University does not offer athletic scholarships, as it competes in NCAA Division III. However, 406 students participate in 18 varsity sports as Ravens, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over athletic recruitment incentives.
