William Carey University vs. AU

Comparable Facts

Compare William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS with Anderson University in Anderson, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Carey University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (5,321 students vs. 4,710 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Carey University is located in Hattiesburg, MS (Small City setting); Anderson University is in Anderson, SC (Small City setting).
• William Carey University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Carey University 14:1; Anderson University 13:1.

William Carey University vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Carey University or AU? 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 William Carey University than AU ($15,469 vs. $24,434).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Carey University are 36.4% lower than at Anderson University ($8,094 vs. $12,720).
• Anderson University is 125.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Carey University (about $19,490 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.9% higher at AU than at William Carey University (about $19,490 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Carey University than at Anderson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 77.6% larger than aid received by William Carey University students ($25,969 vs. $14,621).

William Carey University vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, William Carey University or AU? 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 AU and William Carey University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1190) is 20 points higher than at William Carey University (1170).
• Incoming AU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at William Carey University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Carey University 1040/1290; Anderson University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Carey University 19/25; Anderson University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Carey University - Required; AU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at William Carey University (3.46).
• William Carey University has a higher acceptance rate (60.3%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 48.3% at William Carey University vs. 32.5% at AU.

William Carey University vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Carey University and AU? 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).

• William Carey University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Anderson University's (48%).
• Graduates from William Carey University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,900 vs. $37,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Carey University graduates have a $6,670 lower median loan debt than AU graduates ($20,192 vs. $26,862).
• Among borrowers, William Carey University graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AU graduates ($208 vs. $277).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Carey University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 47%)

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.