Erskine College: 53.3% Acceptance Rate

53.3%Acceptance

$36,710Tuition

821Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$53,459Earnings

#23 in South CarolinaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Reformed Presbyterian

About Erskine College

Erskine College builds strong campus bonds among its 821 students in rural South Carolina. This Reformed Presbyterian liberal arts college emphasizes faith-based education and athletic excellence. The 53% acceptance rate reflects selective but accessible admissions standards. Students here know each other well in the tight-knit community where Christian values shape both academics and campus life.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $22,018 after aid, less than the $51,360 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $53,459 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $27,000. The 48.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. Those who do graduate find work quickly, with a 97.8% employment rate.

Athletics dominate campus culture with 651 total athletes competing in 17 NCAA Division II sports. The school awards over $3 million in athletic scholarships annually. Men outnumber women at 71% to 29%, reflecting the strong sports programs. The Flying Fleet nickname captures the school's competitive spirit. Students live in a close community where 750 can be housed on campus and faculty maintain a 15:1 ratio with students.

Academics & Faculty

Erskine operates as a traditional Presbyterian liberal arts college where students explore broad academic disciplines rather than narrow specializations. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions and close mentoring relationships with professors. However, academic support varies across students, as evidenced by the 48% six-year graduation rate. The college maintains strong programs in business, education, and the sciences, particularly pre-health tracks that prepare students for medical and dental schools. Many students appreciate the personalized attention from faculty who know them by name. The Reformed Presbyterian foundation influences campus culture and integrates faith-based perspectives into coursework. Students seeking intensive research opportunities may find limited options compared to larger universities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.6%
Retention Rate: 62.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,459
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Theological and Ministerial Studies.	Master	$41,565
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$32,382
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$29,685
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$29,685

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

Due West feels like stepping into small-town America, sitting 90 minutes from both Greenville and Atlanta. The campus houses 750 students in residence halls, creating an intimate environment where 70.89% of the student body is male. You'll need both a winter coat for chilly South Carolina winters and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers that stretch into fall.

Campus life revolves around the Flying Fleet's 17 varsity sports teams, with 651 total athletes making athletics a dominant part of daily conversation. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. Weekends center on athletic events, intramural games, and tight-knit social gatherings rather than big city entertainment. The Reformed Presbyterian heritage shapes campus traditions and community service expectations. Students often describe the atmosphere as family-like, where the 62.69% retention rate reflects both the supportive environment and the challenge some face adjusting to rural college life. Greek life and campus organizations provide most social outlets in a town where Erskine is the main attraction.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 750 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1839

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	1	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–53°F
July Avg: 68°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Erskine draws heavily from South Carolina families who value its Reformed Presbyterian heritage and small-college atmosphere. The student body is 70% male, reflecting the school's strong emphasis on athletics and traditional programs. With 40% of students receiving Pell Grants, Erskine serves many first-generation college students from working-class backgrounds. The racial diversity includes 18% Black students, demonstrating the college's commitment to serving South Carolina's diverse communities. Most students come from within the state, suggesting Erskine has built a solid regional reputation among families seeking affordable Christian education.

Men: 70.9%
Women: 29.1%
White: 38.9%
Black: 17.9%
Hispanic: 5.0%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 69.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.1%

Location

Due West sits in rural South Carolina, about 100 miles northwest of Columbia and 45 miles from Anderson. The town has fewer than 1,200 residents, making Erskine College's 821 students a major presence in this small Piedmont community. Due West earned its name from being due west of the state capital when it was founded. The campus sits amid rolling hills and farmland, offering a classic small-town college experience. With 69.54% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with South Carolina's rural character. The nearest significant city is Greenville, roughly an hour's drive northeast. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Erskine College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Due West, South Carolina 29639

Erskine College - McQuiston Divinity Hall

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $53,459
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,277
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Erskine College?

Erskine College accepts 53.25% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 920 and 1150 on the SAT. This Reformed Presbyterian college draws from a pool of students seeking a faith-based liberal arts education in rural South Carolina.

How much does Erskine College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,018 after financial aid, less than the $51,360 sticker price. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating substantial economic diversity. Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Erskine College?

Erskine maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with just 821 total students. This small Presbyterian college emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students. The intimate scale allows for personalized attention typical of liberal arts institutions.

What are the graduation rates at Erskine College?

Only 47.40% of students graduate within four years, and 48.60% finish within six years. The 62.69% retention rate suggests many students struggle to persist through their first year. Graduates who do finish earn a median of $53,459 ten years after graduation.

Where is Erskine College located and what is campus life like?

Erskine sits in Due West, South Carolina, a rural town that creates a tight-knit campus community. With housing capacity for 750 students on a campus of 821, most students live on campus. The school's nickname "Flying Fleet" reflects its strong athletic tradition in NCAA Division II.

Does Erskine College have unusual gender demographics?

Men make up 70.89% of Erskine's student body, creating a notable gender imbalance rare among liberal arts colleges. This skew partly reflects the school's strong athletics program, which awards over $3 million in athletic scholarships across 17 varsity sports. The college fields teams for 651 student-athletes in Conference Carolinas competition.