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Midlands Technical College vs Anderson University: which has better ROI?

Public, West Columbia SC · vs · Private nonprofit, Anderson SC

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Midlands Technical College comes closer — median earnings $38,701 against a $9,294 total, vs $42,101 at Anderson University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMidlands Technical CollegeAnderson University
Net price / yr$4,647$23,544
Total net cost$9,294$94,176
Median earnings, 10 yrs$38,701$42,101
Median debt$12,000$26,700
Payback
20-year net return-$202,474-$219,356

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

Which is cheaper, Midlands Technical College or Anderson University?

Midlands Technical College, at $4,647 a year after aid versus $23,544 — a gap of $18,897 a year, or $84,882 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Midlands Technical College or Anderson University graduates earn more?

Anderson University graduates report a median $42,101 ten years after entry, $3,400 more than the $38,701 at Midlands Technical College. 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, Midlands Technical College or Anderson University?

Midlands Technical College: its completers carry a median $12,000 in federal loans versus $26,700 at Anderson University, a difference of $14,700. 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 18% at Midlands Technical College. 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.

Midlands Technical College vs Anderson University: frequently asked questions

Is Midlands Technical College or Anderson University a better value?
Midlands Technical College 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, Midlands Technical College or Anderson University?
Midlands Technical College: $4,647/yr net price after aid versus $23,544/yr at Anderson University — a difference of $18,897 a year, or about $84,882 over four years.
Do Midlands Technical College or Anderson University graduates earn more?
Anderson University graduates earn a median $42,101 ten years after entry, versus $38,701 at Midlands Technical College — a $3,400 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.