At $14,501/yr net price, Lander University graduates earn $42,396/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,396/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,501 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,396/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,396/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,868/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,130/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,297/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,757/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,836/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,189 | $26,609 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $40,467 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,122 | $25,191 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Music. | Bachelor | $32,391 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $25,500 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,064 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $26,850 | $25,066 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $27,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $26,739 | $19,250 |
The Risk Factor
48.8% of students at Lander University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Lander University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $42,396 falling well below the national average for college graduates. The 48.8% graduation rate means half of students never finish their degrees, creating significant financial risk for your investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $56,189 annually. This program justifies the $26,609 debt load and aligns well with South Carolina's growing healthcare sector. Education majors earn $40,467, which works for public school teaching but limits your earning potential compared to other fields.
Business and computer science graduates face concerning prospects, earning just $38,122 and $37,568 respectively. These salaries barely justify college costs and put you behind peers from stronger programs elsewhere. Music majors earn only $32,391, making the degree financially questionable unless you have clear career plans in the field.
The low retention rate of 68.62% signals academic struggles that increase your risk of dropping out without a degree. With median debt of $25,000, you face substantial loan payments even if you complete your program successfully.
Consider Lander only if you plan to study nursing or can attend with minimal debt. The school works best for local students who can live at home and reduce costs, or those pursuing teaching careers who value the lower price point over higher earning potential. Students seeking strong returns in business or technology should explore other options with better placement records and higher graduate salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lander University worth the cost?
Lander University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $56,189 annually, making the $25,000 median debt manageable, but other programs like music ($32,391) offer weaker returns on investment.
What is Lander University's graduation rate and job prospects?
Lander has a 48.8% graduation rate, meaning about half of students don't finish their degree. Average earnings of $42,396 ten years after enrollment are below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do Lander University graduates have?
The median debt at Lander is $25,000, which is reasonable compared to national averages. With nursing programs leading to $56,000+ salaries, debt is manageable for those majors, but riskier for lower-paying fields.
Which programs at Lander University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Lander offer the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning over $56,000 annually. Education and business programs provide moderate returns around $38,000-$40,000, while music graduates face challenging job markets.