College Costs in Lancaster, SC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Lancaster, 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
$594
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Lancaster Overview
Population
9,043
Student Population
1,009 (11.2%)
Cost of Living Index
88.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Lancaster
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$102,508
Total After Financial Aid
$102,508
Annual Cost
$25,627
Annual After Aid
$25,627
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $102,508 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,164 |
| Total Interest | $37,167 |
| Total Loan Cost | $139,675 |
Universities in Lancaster
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster State University | Public | $13,186 |
| Lancaster Community College | Community | $5,458 |
Lancaster has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lancaster vs. National Average
| Category | Lancaster | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,100 | $10,940 | +$1,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $594 | $1,050 | -$456 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.4 | 100 | -11.599999999999994 |
Lancaster'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 Lancaster
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,009 students
Lancaster has a total population of 9,043, with approximately 1,009 college students (11.2% of the population). Lancaster has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lancaster
$32,377
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lancaster earn a median starting salary of $32,377, which is -$2,623 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $102,508 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,659 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
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