About Anderson University
Anderson University builds future leaders through a Christ-centered education that emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual growth. The university enrolls 3,080 students on its small-city campus in South Carolina, where it's particularly known for strong programs in business, education, and health sciences. Students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships with professors who share the Baptist institution's commitment to integrating faith with learning.
The financial picture tells a practical story about affordability. While tuition costs $33,580, the average student pays $28,183 after aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $42,101 ten years after enrollment, which helps explain why 96.9% find employment. Students typically graduate with $26,700 in debt and monthly loan payments of $283, creating manageable financial obligations for most career paths.
Women make up 63.21% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in education and health sciences programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus houses 2,073 students, creating a tight-knit residential community where 82.29% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Anderson competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 380 student-athletes across 15 varsity sports, adding school spirit to the academic mission.
The financial picture tells a practical story about affordability. While tuition costs $33,580, the average student pays $28,183 after aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $42,101 ten years after enrollment, which helps explain why 96.9% find employment. Students typically graduate with $26,700 in debt and monthly loan payments of $283, creating manageable financial obligations for most career paths.
Women make up 63.21% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in education and health sciences programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus houses 2,073 students, creating a tight-knit residential community where 82.29% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Anderson competes in NCAA Division II athletics with 380 student-athletes across 15 varsity sports, adding school spirit to the academic mission.
Academics & Faculty
Anderson University builds its academic reputation on strong professional programs, particularly in business, education, and health sciences. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where professors know students personally and can provide individualized mentoring. With a 71% six-year graduation rate, the university demonstrates solid academic support systems that help students complete their degrees. The school's Christian foundation shapes its approach to education, integrating faith perspectives across disciplines. Business and education programs attract many students seeking career-focused training with ethical grounding. Health science programs prepare students for growing medical fields. The relatively small class sizes mean students get hands-on experience and direct access to faculty expertise.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 65.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.0%
- Retention Rate
- 82.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,101
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,020 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,657 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $50,231 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $45,852 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Education, General. | Master | $38,134 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $37,363 |
Campus Life
Anderson University's 3,080 students experience small-city campus life just 25 minutes from Greenville, South Carolina. The 271-acre campus sits in the heart of Anderson, where mild winters mean you'll need a light jacket but summers require plenty of sunscreen and water bottles. About 67% of students live in on-campus housing, creating a tight-knit residential community where the 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.
With 63% of students being women, the campus has a nurturing atmosphere rooted in Baptist traditions. The 380 student-athletes competing in 15 NCAA Division II sports generate school spirit, especially during basketball season. Students often gather at the campus lake for outdoor activities or head to downtown Anderson for coffee shops and local restaurants. Weekend trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking are popular, taking advantage of South Carolina's year-round outdoor weather. Chapel services and community service projects reflect the university's Christian mission, while study groups and campus events fill weekday evenings in this close-knit academic community.
With 63% of students being women, the campus has a nurturing atmosphere rooted in Baptist traditions. The 380 student-athletes competing in 15 NCAA Division II sports generate school spirit, especially during basketball season. Students often gather at the campus lake for outdoor activities or head to downtown Anderson for coffee shops and local restaurants. Weekend trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking are popular, taking advantage of South Carolina's year-round outdoor weather. Chapel services and community service projects reflect the university's Christian mission, while study groups and campus events fill weekday evenings in this close-knit academic community.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,073 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1917
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–53°F
- July Avg
- 70°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.4"
Student Demographics
Anderson University draws primarily from South Carolina families who value Christian education, with three-quarters of students staying close to home. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in education and health sciences programs that traditionally attract female students. The campus remains predominantly white at 83%, typical for smaller Christian universities in the South. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable faith-based education rather than wealthy students.
- Men
- 36.8%
- Women
- 63.2%
- White
- 83.2%
- Black
- 4.9%
- Hispanic
- 5.3%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 75.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.7%
Location
Anderson University sits in Anderson, South Carolina, about 120 miles northeast of Atlanta and 30 miles southwest of Greenville. The campus serves 3,080 students in a small city setting that blends Southern charm with industrial heritage. Anderson sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering students access to outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes. The city of 28,000 provides a traditional college town atmosphere without the distractions of a major metropolitan area. With 75.64% of students coming from in-state, the university maintains strong ties to South Carolina communities. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Anderson University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Anderson, South Carolina 29621-4035
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,101
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,437
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $283/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,700
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Anderson University?
Anderson University admits 45.39% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This Baptist institution draws primarily from South Carolina, with 75.64% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Anderson University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $28,183 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,528, while higher-income families pay closer to the full tuition of $33,580.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Anderson University?
The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,080 enrolled students. Anderson is known for strong programs in business, education, and health sciences within its Christian liberal arts framework.
What do Anderson University graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median salary of $42,101 ten years after enrollment, with a strong 96.9% employment rate. About 71% of students complete their degree within six years, typical for a regional private university.
Where do students live at Anderson University?
The campus houses 2,073 students in residence halls, serving the majority of the undergraduate population. With 63.21% women and 36.79% men, the student body reflects the gender distribution common at many Southern Christian colleges.
Does Anderson University offer athletic scholarships?
The university awards $3,806,408 in athletic scholarships across 15 varsity sports and 380 student-athletes. As an NCAA Division II member in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, Anderson competes at a strong regional level.
