College Costs in Anderson, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Anderson, South Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$648
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Anderson Overview
Population
28,473
Student Population
1,606 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
89.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Anderson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,424
Total After Financial Aid
$100,424
Annual Cost
$25,106
Annual After Aid
$25,106
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,424 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,140 |
| Total Interest | $36,411 |
| Total Loan Cost | $136,835 |
Universities in Anderson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson State University | Public | $11,366 |
| Anderson Community College | Community | $5,200 |
Anderson has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Anderson vs. National Average
| Category | Anderson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $648 | $1,050 | -$402 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.3 | 100 | -10.700000000000003 |
Anderson's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Anderson
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,606 students
Anderson has a total population of 28,473, with approximately 1,606 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Anderson offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Anderson
$29,013
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Anderson earn a median starting salary of $29,013, which is -$5,987 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $100,424 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,126 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in South Carolina
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9 colleges · Avg tuition $13,659
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11 colleges · Avg tuition $12,688
Greenville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,362
Conway
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,140
Clemson
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,558
North Charleston
5 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Mount Pleasant
4 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Rock Hill
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Summerville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Goose Creek
3 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Sumter
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
Hilton Head Island
2 colleges · Avg tuition $12,100
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