Degree Dividend
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Anderson University vs Claflin University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Anderson SC · vs · Private nonprofit, Orangeburg SC

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Anderson University comes closer — median earnings $42,101 against a $94,176 total, vs $40,304 at Claflin University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureAnderson UniversityClaflin University
Net price / yr$23,544$17,800
Total net cost$94,176$71,200
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,101$40,304
Median debt$26,700$29,000
Payback
20-year net return-$219,356-$232,320

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Anderson University or Claflin University?

Claflin University, at $17,800 a year after aid versus $23,544 — a gap of $5,744 a year, or $22,976 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Anderson University or Claflin University graduates earn more?

Anderson University graduates report a median $42,101 ten years after entry, $1,797 more than the $40,304 at Claflin University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Anderson University or Claflin University?

Anderson University: its completers carry a median $26,700 in federal loans versus $29,000 at Claflin University, a difference of $2,300. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

66% of students finish at Anderson University, against 52% at Claflin University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Anderson University vs Claflin University: frequently asked questions

Is Anderson University or Claflin University a better value?
Anderson University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Anderson University or Claflin University?
Claflin University: $17,800/yr net price after aid versus $23,544/yr at Anderson University — a difference of $5,744 a year, or about $22,976 over four years.
Do Anderson University or Claflin University graduates earn more?
Anderson University graduates earn a median $42,101 ten years after entry, versus $40,304 at Claflin University — a $1,797 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.