ASU vs. USC Aiken

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Appalachian State University is larger than USC Aiken based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 4,022 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); University of South Carolina Aiken is in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1.

ASU vs. USC Aiken Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU or USC Aiken? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of South Carolina Aiken than ASU ($12,236 vs. $14,978).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 28.6% lower than at Appalachian State University ($9,182 vs. $12,868).
• University of South Carolina Aiken is 42% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $3,181 more per year; $10,760.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.8% higher at ASU than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $3,994 more per year; $25,212.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Aiken than at Appalachian State University (93% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students is 11.1% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($8,904 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. USC Aiken Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU or USC Aiken? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USC Aiken and ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 100 points higher than at USC Aiken (1100).
• Incoming ASU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at USC Aiken).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; USC Aiken - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.77 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than USC Aiken (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 28.2% at USC Aiken.

ASU vs. USC Aiken Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU and USC Aiken? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from Appalachian State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than USC Aiken graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $39,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than USC Aiken graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.