Erskine College
Acceptance rate
62.7%
2025
Peer median 70.9%
Tuition per year
$36,710
$49,960 with room and board
Peer median $42,296
Undergraduates
803
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 12 : 1
Graduation rate
41.1%
4-year; 6-year rate 46.4%
Peer median 55.4%
“Peers” are all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Erskine College, located in Due West, South Carolina, is a private Presbyterian liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus community. Established in 1839, the college emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating faith and learning. The college’s motto, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him," reflects its commitment to a Christ-centered education, fostering both intellectual and spiritual growth among students. This dedication to a values-based education is evident in various programs and initiatives that encourage students to explore their faith while engaging with diverse perspectives.
The campus is characterized by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a tight-knit community that promotes collaboration and support among students and faculty. Erskine College offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, with notable strengths in areas such as education, business, and the liberal arts. The faculty are highly qualified and dedicated to student success, often engaging in mentorship roles that enhance the learning experience. In addition to academics, the college boasts a vibrant student life with numerous extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and community service opportunities. The college's athletic teams, known as the Flying Fleet, compete in NCAA Division II, fostering school spirit and camaraderie among students. Overall, Erskine College provides a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for meaningful careers and lives of service.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Erskine College
Erskine College, a private institution, has experienced notable trends in tuition, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention over the years. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $31,580 in 2014 to $36,710 in 2023, marking a rise of approximately 16.9%. This escalating cost of education is a common trend across many colleges and can pose significant financial burdens on students and families.
In terms of student enrollment, there has been a noticeable fluctuation. The number of undergraduate students increased from 605 in 2014 to 817 in 2023, reflecting a growing interest in the college. However, the graduate student population has seen a decline, from 210 in 2014 to 139 in 2023, suggesting potential challenges in attracting graduate students.
Graduation rates have shown variability, with the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates dropping to 39.6% in 2022, the lowest in the recorded years, before recovering slightly to 48.1% in 2023. This drop could reflect various factors, including academic support, financial difficulties, or program alignment with student expectations.
Retention rates have also fluctuated, with a peak of 83.2% in 2014 followed by a decline to 49.3% in 2018. However, retention improved to 63.5% in 2023, indicating a possible resurgence in student satisfaction or support services offered by the college. These metrics collectively highlight the challenges and successes Erskine College faces in maintaining a robust educational environment, emphasizing the need for ongoing assessment and adaptation in response to the evolving landscape of higher education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, distant
- Nearest major city
- Greenville, about 35 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 100 mi
- Also known as
- Erskine College and Seminary
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Reformed Presbyterian Church
- President
- Dr. Steve Adamson (President)
- Phone
- 8643792131
- City
- Due West, South Carolina
- Address
- 2 Washington St, Due West, SC 29639
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 70.9% · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 65.1%, women 76.7%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admission Trends at Erskine College
The admission data for Erskine College reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in acceptance rates and enrollment numbers. From 2009 to 2023, the acceptance rate for male applicants has fluctuated considerably, peaking at 73.12% in 2017 and dropping to 54.51% in 2023. This decline suggests increasing competition and possibly a more selective admission process as the institution may be aiming to enhance its academic profile.
For female applicants, the acceptance rate also shows variability, reaching a high of 78.78% in 2017 before dipping to 50.67% in 2023. This trend highlights a growing challenge for female candidates, reflecting broader patterns in higher education where female enrollment has historically been strong but is now facing tougher competition.
The total enrollment figures show a peak in 2020 with 428 students, indicating a particular interest in that admission cycle, potentially influenced by broader societal shifts during the pandemic. However, the number of denied applicants has also increased, particularly in 2023, where 741 candidates were denied admission, the highest in the recorded data. This might suggest that while the college is attracting more applicants, it is simultaneously becoming more discerning.
Overall, Erskine College's admission statistics reflect a dynamic landscape, where both male and female applicants face increasing competition, warranting a strategic approach to admissions and recruitment in the coming years.
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Test Scores at Erskine College
The data from Erskine College reveals notable trends in admission test scores and the percentage of applicants submitting these scores from 2007 to 2023. Over the years, the number of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, peaking in 2020 when 84% of admitted students provided their scores. However, this figure has significantly declined in the subsequent years, dropping to 48% in 2023, indicating a potential shift in the college's admission strategy or a broader trend in standardized testing.
In terms of performance, the SAT Reading and Math scores have shown variability. The 25th percentile scores for SAT Reading fluctuated from 440 to 490, while the 75th percentile scores peaked at 600 in 2008 and 580 in 2010. This suggests that the middle 50% of admitted students have consistently demonstrated a solid foundation in reading and mathematics, although there appears to be a downward trend in the lower end of the scores in recent years.
The ACT scores also reflect a similar pattern, with the composite scores indicating that the college attracts a diverse range of students, with some scoring as low as the 460s in the 25th percentile for certain years. This could suggest that Erskine College is becoming more accessible to students with varying academic backgrounds, which aligns with a growing trend in higher education focusing on holistic admissions processes.
Overall, the data illustrates that while Erskine College maintains a commitment to academic standards, there is an evolving landscape in admissions that reflects changing student demographics and attitudes towards standardized testing. This could have implications for the college's future strategies in attracting and retaining a diverse student body.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 6 in 10
1,892 applicants in 2025, 62.7% admitted
1,187 admitted 705 not admitted Yield 22.2%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Divinity/Ministry · Master's10 (0% international)
- Theology/Theological Studies · Master's6 (0% international)
- Religious Education · Master's5 (0% international)
- Bible/Biblical Studies · Master's1 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Data from Erskine College 2023
The graduation data from Erskine College indicates some compelling trends and highlights among its various disciplines. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program stands out with 57 bachelor's degree graduates, indicating a strong interest in this field among students. This aligns with broader economic trends where business skills are increasingly in demand, particularly in a post-pandemic world that is shifting towards remote and hybrid work models.
In contrast, the fields of Theology and Biblical Studies reveal a different narrative. Although there were no bachelor's graduates reported in these areas, the master's program in Theology produced 10 graduates. This suggests a focused interest in advanced theological education, which may reflect a growing need for spiritual leadership and counseling in contemporary society, possibly influenced by the increasing prominence of mental health awareness.
Interestingly, several disciplines, including Psychology, English Literature, and various Education-focused programs, reported minimal graduation numbers, with only a handful of students completing their degrees. This could indicate either a lower enrollment in these fields or potential challenges in attracting students, which could be further examined by the college's administration.
Moreover, the absence of international students among the graduates in these programs may reflect ongoing challenges in global mobility due to recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to affect international education trends. As colleges like Erskine look toward the future, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for developing programs that meet student interests and market demands.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |||
| Accounting. | - | |||
| Digital Marketing. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | - | |||
| Religious Education. | - | |||
| Theology/Theological Studies. | - | |||
| Divinity/Ministry. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $33,149 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching, General. | - | |||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - | |||
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International/Globalization Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government, General. | - |
Students
912 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 67:33 · Freshman retention 55.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 429
- First-year undergraduates 262
- Graduate students 109
- Transfers and others 112
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (803)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Student Demographics at Erskine College in 2023
The student composition data from Erskine College in 2023 reveals several interesting trends regarding gender distribution and ethnic diversity among its undergraduate and graduate populations. The undergraduate first-year students, numbering 304, demonstrate a significant male majority, with 67.8% identifying as male, contrasted with 32.2% female. This male dominance is also observed among upperclassmen, where 63.1% are male and 36.9% female among 447 students.
In the transfer student category, 66 students reflect an even more pronounced gender disparity, with 78.8% male students and only 21.2% female students. This trend raises questions about the factors attracting male students to transfer and whether similar conditions exist for female students.
Graduate students, totaling 139, also show a higher male representation, with 74.1% male and 25.9% female. This consistent pattern across all student categories suggests a broader trend within higher education institutions where male students tend to outnumber female students, particularly in specific fields of study.
Regarding ethnic diversity, the representation of white students is notable across all categories, which could indicate a need for increased recruitment efforts targeting underrepresented groups. The data indicates that while the institution is making strides, there is still room for improvement in creating a more balanced and diverse student body. As educational institutions continue to address gender and ethnic disparities, it will be crucial to monitor these trends and implement effective strategies for inclusivity and diversity in the coming years.
Age Demographics at Erskine College in 2023
The age distribution at Erskine College for the year 2023 reveals a significant concentration of younger students, particularly in the 18-19 age category, where there are 235 male undergraduates and 142 female undergraduates. This trend is not uncommon in higher education institutions, where the majority of students typically fall within the traditional college age range.
As age increases, the number of students begins to decline sharply. For instance, in the 20-21 age group, there are 171 male undergraduates and 94 female undergraduates, which signifies a drop in female enrollment compared to the previous age group. Interestingly, while there is a small presence of graduate males and females in the 22-24 age category, their numbers are significantly lower compared to undergraduates.
Furthermore, the data indicates that the presence of students aged 25 and over is minimal, with only a handful of students distributed across various age groups, culminating in just a few individuals aged 65 and above. This limited representation among older students could reflect broader societal trends, where individuals in these age brackets may be less likely to pursue traditional college pathways, potentially opting for online education or professional development instead.
Overall, the age demographics at Erskine College illustrate a youthful population, predominantly consisting of traditional college-age individuals, which aligns with national trends in higher education. As institutions continue to adapt to the evolving educational landscape, understanding these age demographics becomes crucial for tailoring services and programs to meet the diverse needs of all students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Erskine College
The data regarding international student enrollment at Erskine College showcases a fluctuating trend over the years, particularly in undergraduate and graduate programs. For undergraduate studies, the percentage of international students has seen slight variations, peaking at 3.62% in 2011, while consistently remaining below 3% in several other years. This indicates a somewhat limited appeal of the college to international students compared to other institutions that may have more robust global outreach programs.
In graduate studies, the situation appears more concerning. The highest percentage of international students was recorded at 7.64% in 2004, but this figure has significantly declined over the years, dropping to a mere 0.46% by 2013. This dramatic decrease raises questions about the graduate program's attractiveness and the college's ability to recruit international talent effectively.
Several factors could contribute to these trends, including changes in global education policies, increased competition from other universities, and shifts in international student preferences. As the world becomes more interconnected, institutions like Erskine College need to enhance their marketing strategies and support systems for international students to reverse this declining trend.
Moreover, the recent global pandemic has further complicated international student mobility, which may also reflect in these figures. In a post-pandemic world, it is crucial for educational institutions to consider how they can adapt and innovate to attract a diverse student body, ensuring a vibrant and globally-minded academic community.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$49,960
- Undergraduate tuition
- $36,710
- Room and board
- $13,250
- Graduate tuition
- $14,400
Peer median tuition + room and board $56,962 · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 10% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 26%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$25.5M
Expenses$24.0M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Conference Carolinas
Conference Carolinas: football, basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 173 | - |
| Baseball | 120 | - |
| Basketball | 61 | 23 |
| Soccer | 33 | 29 |
| Volleyball | 27 | 23 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 31 | 18 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 28 | 16 |
| Golf | 30 | 8 |
| Beach Volleyball | 9 | 21 |
| Softball | - | 28 |
| Other Sports | 11 | 15 |
| Cross Country | 11 | 9 |
| Tennis | - | 11 |
| Rodeo | - | 9 |
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 189 | - |
| Baseball | 106 | - |
| Basketball | 67 | 22 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 46 | 29 |
| Soccer | 28 | 24 |
| Volleyball | 29 | 21 |
| Golf | 26 | 10 |
| Softball | - | 28 |
| Beach Volleyball | 8 | 18 |
| Rodeo | - | 14 |
| Tennis | - | 12 |
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 161 | - |
| Baseball | 119 | - |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 64 | 53 |
| Basketball | 67 | 21 |
| Soccer | 34 | 33 |
| Volleyball | 28 | 20 |
| Golf | 33 | 9 |
| Beach Volleyball | 9 | 31 |
| Other Sports | 13 | 21 |
| Softball | - | 31 |
| Lacrosse | - | 15 |
| Rodeo | 2 | 11 |
| Tennis | - | 12 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Clemson UniversityClemson · 34.9 mi
U.S. News #80
-
Furman UniversityGreenville · 41.0 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
Wofford CollegeSpartanburg · 50.5 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
University of GeorgiaAthens · 61.9 mi
U.S. News #52
-
University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia · 81.3 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte · 115.7 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Agnes Scott CollegeDecatur · 115.8 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Emory UniversityAtlanta · 116.9 mi
U.S. News #23
-
Davidson CollegeDavidson · 119.1 mi
Liberal Arts #16
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Erskine College:
-
Clemson University - Ranked 86th in the 2024 US News rankings, Clemson University is a comprehensive university known for its strong engineering and business programs.
-
Furman University - This liberal arts college is ranked 46th and is recognized for its beautiful campus and commitment to undergraduate teaching.
-
Wofford College - Ranked 59th, Wofford College is a liberal arts institution that emphasizes a close-knit community and academic excellence.
-
University of Georgia - With a ranking of 47th, this comprehensive university is well-regarded for its research, diverse programs, and vibrant campus life.
-
Emory University - Emory is ranked 24th and is a prestigious comprehensive university known for its rigorous academic standards and strong healthcare programs.
-
Davidson College - This highly ranked liberal arts college (16th) is famous for its strong academic rigor and a commitment to student leadership.
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Known as Georgia Tech, this comprehensive university ranks 33rd and is particularly famed for its engineering and technology programs.
These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students, making the region an educational hub.
Peer median 5.3 · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Trends at Erskine College
The crime data from Erskine College over the past decade reveals significant fluctuations in the rates of various offenses. The average number of incidents per 1,000 students peaked in 2017 at 53.77, a figure that stands out starkly compared to other years. This spike coincides with a notable increase in gun-related arrests, which may reflect broader societal trends during that period, including heightened concerns about campus safety and gun violence in the U.S.
Interestingly, the years following the peak saw a decline in crime rates, with 2023 reporting a lower average of 13.60 incidents per 1,000 students. This downward trend may suggest increased efforts by campus authorities to enhance safety measures and promote a more secure environment for students. However, fluctuations in crime rates can often correlate with external factors, such as changes in law enforcement policies or community engagement efforts.
Particularly concerning are the persistent incidents of drug-related arrests and alcohol offenses, which are common challenges on college campuses nationwide. These require ongoing attention from both campus administration and local law enforcement to ensure that students feel safe while also addressing the root causes of such behaviors.
Overall, while the data shows a positive trend toward reduced crime rates in recent years, the college community must remain vigilant and proactive in implementing strategies to continue this progress and support student well-being. For a deeper understanding of how crime rates are calculated, refer to this link.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Erskine College include Erskine Caldwell (Novelist, author of Tobacco Road), Tom Verlaine (Singer and guitarist of the band Television) and Benjamin M. Miller (39th governor of Alabama).
-
Erskine Caldwell 1903–1987
Novelist, author of Tobacco Road
-
Tom Verlaine 1949–2023
Singer and guitarist of the band Television
-
Benjamin M. Miller 1864–1944
39th governor of Alabama
-
Eleanor C. Pressly 1918–2003
Mathematician and engineer in NASA's sounding rocket program
-
James Butler Hare 1918–1966
U.S. representative from South Carolina
-
Charles Bryson Simonton 1838–1911
Former US representative from Tennessee
-
Joseph T. Johnson 1858–1919
U.S. representative and federal judge from South Carolina
-
Thomas S. Gettys 1912–2003
U.S. Representative from South Carolina
-
Lemuel P. Padgett 1855–1922
US Representative from Tennessee
More alumni (11, by field)
Politics and law
-
W. Jasper Talbert 1846–1931
U.S. representative from South Carolina
-
Tom Ervin 1952–
Attorney and former judge and state legislator
-
Herbert L. Wilkerson 1919–2021
US Marine Corps major general
-
Bill Cotty 1946–2016
American lawyer and politician
-
Ira B. Jones 1851–1927
Chief justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court
-
Rex L. Carter 1925–2014
South Carolina lawyer and politician
Science and academia
-
John H. Leith 1919–2002
Presbyterian theologian and seminary professor
Arts and media
-
Charles Haldeman 1931–1983
Novelist and screenwriter
Sports
-
Victor Nirennold 1991–
French professional footballer and defender
-
Eugene Van Taylor 1953–
Retired soccer goalkeeper and longtime Lander University coach
-
Eric Moody 1971–
Former MLB pitcher for the Texas Rangers
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.