Lander University
Lander University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lander University at a Glance
Lander University is a public university in Greenwood, South Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1872. Its intercollegiate athletic teams compete in NCAA Division II.
1872
154 years old
$26M
$26.37M
4,400
191
Identity
Is Lander University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Lander University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,396 — 21% below average — while paying $15,363/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 59% 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 Lander University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lander University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in SC
Ranked #91 of 150 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 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #91 | Lander University | 34 | $15,363 | $42,396 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Lander University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in SC.
Best Programs at Lander University
The highest-earning program at Lander University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $21,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Lander University earns $54,000, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $21,900. 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 $26,750 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,363/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 | $54,000 | $54,000 | $26,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,800 | $33,800 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,800 | $30,800 | $25,000 |
| Sociology | $30,500 | $30,500 | $28,200 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $25,000 | $25,000 | $29,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $23,200 | $23,200 | $30,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $23,000 | $23,000 | $30,725 |
| Psychology, General | $21,900 | $21,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Greenwood, SC
- Student Body
- 3,397 students
- Admission Rate
- 81%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,363
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,396
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000