Anderson University
Anderson University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Anderson University at a Glance
Anderson University is a private university in Anderson, South Carolina, United States. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in over 100 areas of study. Anderson is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Anderson participates in NCAA Division II athletics and is a member of the South Atlantic Conference.
1911
115 years old
$49M
$49.1 million (2025)
4,325
3,413 undergrad · 912 grad
189
305 acres
Identity
Is Anderson University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Anderson University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,101 — 22% below average — while paying $23,544/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 67% graduation rate means roughly 33% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $26,700 representing 63% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Anderson University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Anderson University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #10 of 25 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Uta Mesivta of Kiryas Joel | 100 | $4,156 | $31,853 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | 42 | $16,774 | $52,064 |
| #4 | Franciscan University of Steubenville | 40 | $23,589 | $50,030 |
| #5 | William Carey University | 38 | $14,258 | $43,087 |
| #6 | Belhaven University | 37 | $15,676 | $46,440 |
| #10 | Anderson University | 30 | $23,544 | $42,101 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Anderson University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in SC.
Best Programs at Anderson University
The highest-earning program at Anderson University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $20,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Anderson University earns $56,400, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $20,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $24,742 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,544/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,400 | $56,400 | $24,742 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,400 | $41,400 | $33,650 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $34,700 | $34,700 | $30,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $34,700 | $34,700 | $23,125 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $34,600 | $34,600 | $26,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $31,800 | $31,800 | $26,477 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,900 | $30,900 | $27,000 |
| Human Services, General | $28,000 | $28,000 | $34,403 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $20,400 | $20,400 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Anderson, SC
- Student Body
- 3,183 students
- Admission Rate
- 55%
- Graduation Rate
- 67%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,544
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,101
- Median Student Debt
- $26,700