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
Charleston
9 colleges · Avg tuition $13,659
Columbia
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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Anderson
How we compile Anderson college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Anderson institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Anderson's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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