Columbia International University vs. Lander University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with Lander University in Greenwood, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lander University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (4,378 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Lander University is in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Lander University 18:1.

Columbia International University vs. Lander University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or Lander University? 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 Lander University than Columbia International University ($15,520 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 1.2% lower than at Lander University ($11,950 vs. $12,100).
• Columbia International University is 138.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $16,200 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31% higher at Columbia International University than at Lander University (about $6,600 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at Columbia International University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 39.1% larger than aid received by Lander University students ($17,009 vs. $12,232).

Columbia International University vs. Lander University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or Lander University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lander University and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 30 points higher than at Lander University (1060).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Lander University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 990/1195; Lander University 950/1178.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Lander University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Lander University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Lander University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Lander University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 22.7% at Lander University.

Columbia International University vs. Lander University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Lander University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from Lander University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,000 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Lander University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lander University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lander University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 46%)

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.