Lander University: 67.4% Acceptance Rate

67.4%Acceptance

$11,700Tuition

3,384Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,396Earnings

#15 in South CarolinaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Lander University

Lander University builds its reputation on teacher education and nursing programs that serve South Carolina communities. The 3,384 students on this campus know they're getting practical training for careers that matter. About 92% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit South Carolina community in Greenwood. The 67% acceptance rate welcomes students with SAT scores around 1070 who are ready to work hard.

Students pay an average net price of $14,501 after financial aid, with nearly 40% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $42,396 ten years out, which makes the typical $25,000 in student debt manageable at $265 monthly payments. The employment rate hits 97.3%, reflecting strong job placement in education and healthcare fields where Lander graduates are known commodities.

Women make up 68% of the student body, typical for a university strong in education and nursing. The Bearcats compete in 18 NCAA Division II sports with over $4.9 million in athletic scholarships available. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, though the 48.8% six-year graduation rate suggests students need to stay focused to finish strong.

Academics & Faculty

Lander University operates as a regional full university with a strong emphasis on professional preparation and hands-on learning. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 48.8% six-year graduation rate suggests students face academic challenges that require persistence. The university is particularly known for its nursing program, which consistently produces graduates for South Carolina's healthcare system. Education and business programs also draw significant enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on career-oriented majors rather than liberal arts exploration. With 68.14% of students being women, the campus culture skews toward fields like nursing, education, and social work that traditionally attract female students seeking professional credentials.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.8%
Retention Rate: 68.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,396
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$56,189
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$40,467
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$38,122
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$37,568
Music.	Bachelor	$32,391
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$30,771
Sociology.	Bachelor	$29,064
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$26,850
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$26,739
History.	Bachelor	$26,739

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

Lander's campus sits in small-town Greenwood, about 90 minutes from both Columbia and Atlanta. The housing capacity of 1,800 accommodates roughly half the student body, creating a tight-knit residential community. South Carolina's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but expect plenty of warm, humid days perfect for outdoor activities.

Women outnumber men 68% to 32%, giving the campus a distinctly female-friendly atmosphere. With 552 student-athletes across 18 varsity sports, the Bearcats bring energy to campus life through NCAA Division II competition in the Peach Belt Conference. Over $4.9 million in athletic scholarships shows the university's commitment to sports programs. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number.

Weekends often revolve around Bearcat athletics or trips to nearby Lake Greenwood for boating and fishing. With 91% of students from South Carolina, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find a close community where everyone seems to know each other.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,800 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1872

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Rape	2	2	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1
Burglary	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–53°F
July Avg: 69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 89.3"
Annual Snowfall: 1.1"

Student Demographics

Lander draws primarily from South Carolina families, with over 90% of students staying close to home. The student body is about two-thirds women, reflecting the university's strong reputation in education, nursing, and health sciences programs. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, showing Lander's commitment to serving working-class families across the state. The campus brings together students from diverse racial backgrounds, with significant representation from both white and Black communities. This mix creates a regional university that feels both accessible and grounded in South Carolina's educational traditions.

Men: 31.9%
Women: 68.1%
White: 64.9%
Black: 23.8%
Hispanic: 1.7%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 91.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.7%

Location

Lander University sits in Greenwood, South Carolina, about 75 miles from Columbia and 100 miles from Atlanta. The campus serves a town of roughly 23,000 residents in the South Carolina Piedmont region. Greenwood blends small-town charm with enough amenities to support the university's 3,384 students. The area features rolling hills, lakes, and proximity to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and coastal plains. Local industry includes manufacturing and healthcare, providing internship opportunities for students. The town's historic downtown district offers restaurants and shops within walking distance of campus. Over 91% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit South Carolina community. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Lander University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Greenwood, South Carolina 29649-2099

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,396
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,572
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Lander University?

Lander University accepts 67.4% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 1070, with most students scoring between 950-1190. This South Carolina public university draws 91.5% of its 3,384 students from in-state.

How much does Lander University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Lander is $14,501 annually, lower than the sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $11,868 after aid. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving middle and lower-income families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Lander University?

Lander maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors. The university operates on a semester calendar and has built a reputation for hands-on learning in health sciences and education. However, the 68.6% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college.

What are the career outcomes for Lander University graduates?

Lander graduates earn a median salary of $42,396 ten years after graduation, with a 97.3% employment rate. The typical monthly loan payment is $265 on median debt of $25,000. The 48.8% six-year graduation rate indicates that degree completion can be challenging for many students.

Where is Lander University located and what is campus life like?

Lander sits in Greenwood, South Carolina, a small town setting that shapes the close-knit campus culture. The university houses 1,800 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $10,700. Women make up 68.1% of the student body, reflecting strong programs in nursing and education that attract female students.

Does Lander University have strong athletics programs?

The Lander Bearcats compete in NCAA Division II as part of the Peach Belt Conference. The university fields 18 varsity sports with 552 total athletes, investing $4.96 million in athletic scholarships. This substantial athletic commitment reflects Lander's emphasis on well-rounded student experiences beyond academics.