
Anderson, INprivate nonprofitanderson.edu
Anderson University, a Christian liberal arts institution in Indiana, blends moderate selectivity with a robust academic portfolio spanning 92 majors and 30 graduate programs. Known for its tight-knit campus life (86% of students live on campus) and strong health sciences focus, it delivers middling graduation rates (49-66%) but solid mid-career earnings ($46k+). Its $25k net price and 72% aid rate make it accessible for students seeking a faith-based education with practical outcomes.
Anderson University operates with moderate selectivity, admitting 55-79% of applicants depending on the reporting source. Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. since at least 2024, it reports middle-range SAT scores (1110-1270) and ACT scores (22-29) for admitted students. The university emphasizes a minimum 3.0 GPA but considers the highest reported GPA on transcripts. Notably, its Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. varies significantly between sources—CollegeData reports 55% while DataUSA claims 79.3%, suggesting fluctuations in selectivity year-to-year or differences between campuses (Indiana vs. South Carolina).
Anderson offers a comprehensive curriculum with 92 majors, 61 minors, and 68 embedded concentrations, plus 30 master’s and 16 doctoral programs. Its academic identity balances liberal arts with professional training, particularly in:
Experiential learning is emphasized—71% of students participate in first-year experiences, 68% in service learning, and 37% in undergraduate research. The English department receives particular praise on Reddit for its quality, suggesting uneven strengths across disciplines.
Campus life revolves around residential engagement (86% live on campus) and Christian community-building. Key features include:
The 14% off-campus population suggests some commuter presence, but the university promotes an all-inclusive 'home' environment through curated social and spiritual events.
Graduation rates are middling (49-66% within 6 years), but alumni earnings outpace state averages:
Pell Grant recipients graduate at 57%, slightly below the overall rate (65%), indicating modest socioeconomic mobility support.
With a net price of $25,594 after aid, Anderson is moderately priced for private education:
The $25k net cost aligns with national 4-year college averages ($20-25k), though aid packages vary widely.
Anderson carves a niche as a faith-forward institution with practical strengths in health sciences and education. Its 100% PT program outcomes and nursing dominance (78 grads/year) contrast with uneven graduation rates, making it ideal for students prioritizing:
The campus’s residential intensity (86% on-campus) fosters tight bonds, though academic rigor appears department-dependent.