AU vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, SC with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Anderson University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (4,710 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, SC (Small City setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 13:1; Lee University 13:1.

AU vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Lee University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lee University than AU ($20,416 vs. $24,434).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 20.5% lower than at Anderson University ($10,110 vs. $12,720).
• Anderson University is 47% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $11,180 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47% higher at AU than at Lee University (about $11,180 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Anderson University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 67.9% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($25,969 vs. $15,467).

AU vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Lee University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lee University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1190) is 50 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming AU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 1100/1280; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 22/29; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at AU (3.72).
• Lee University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at AU vs. 35% at Lee University.

AU vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Lee University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Anderson University's (48%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Anderson University graduates have a $138 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($26,862 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.