
Lander's Bearcats compete in NCAA Division II athletics, principally in the Peach Belt Conference. Varsity opportunities include sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, tennis, golf, volleyball, and lacrosse; conference affiliation can differ for a sport that the Peach Belt does not sponsor.
Varsity teams involve roster selection, eligibility rules, and substantial practice and travel commitments. Students interested in participation without joining an intercollegiate team should examine the current intramural, club-sport, and campus-recreation offerings, which operate separately and may change by term. A sport appearing among campus activities should not automatically be assumed to be an NCAA varsity team.
Lander students can participate in academic, service, cultural, arts, and leadership organizations alongside student government. Examples appearing in university organization information include the Lander Association of Biological Science, Minorities on the Move, Presidential Ambassadors, and Lander Dance Company.
Student organizations differ in purpose and activity level: an academic club might arrange speakers or peer events, while a performance group rehearses and presents work. The current student-organization directory is the best way to confirm whether a particular group is active, when it meets, and whether membership has requirements. Students can also look for service opportunities and organizations connected to their intended major or interests.
Lander enrolls approximately 4,378 students in the reported institutional figures. Most come from South Carolina: about 88% are state residents, compared with roughly 10% from other U.S. states and 2% from other countries.
The entering population includes both first-time and transfer students. The reported counts are 843 first-time degree-seeking undergraduates and 301 transfer-in degree-seeking undergraduates. Among the first-time enrollees, 571 were women and 272 were men.
Many students are of traditional undergraduate age, but enrollment is not limited to recent high school graduates. The reported age counts include students in their late twenties, thirties, and older. These figures describe the institution as a whole; the mix in an online class, graduate program, or individual major could be quite different.
Student life at Lander combines a residential campus with a substantial commuting population. About 45% of students live on campus and 55% commute, so a prospective student's experience may depend as much on travel time and schedule as on the number of activities offered.
The university reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1. That ratio describes the institution overall, not the size of every class. Outside coursework, students can encounter performances, student media, campus recreation, and university events. A student-run newspaper, student radio, theater activity, and choral groups offer additional ways to take part in campus life.
Health and personal counseling services are also reported on campus. New students should check orientation and first-year programming for practical guidance on academic advising, campus systems, and ways to meet peers - particularly if they expect to leave campus soon after classes.
Jackson Library is Lander University's main campus library. It serves students who need study space, research help, and access to books, journals, and other academic materials for coursework.
Library services extend beyond material on the shelves. Students can use research databases and electronic resources, seek help locating credible sources, and ask about obtaining materials that the library does not hold through borrowing arrangements. Remote access to licensed resources is especially relevant for commuters and students taking online courses; access rules and available databases vary by resource.
Students planning to study late or use a group space should check Jackson Library's current hours and room-use procedures, which can change during exams and academic breaks.
Total enrollment
4378Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
842Member of Athletic Associations
NCAATotal staff
148 full time, 127 part timeVeterans affair office
NoVarsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).
Sport
Baseball
Basketball
Cross-country running
Equestrian sports
Golf
Lacrosse
Racquetball
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Wrestling
Data last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.