ASU vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Appalachian State University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Lee University 13:1.

ASU vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU 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 Appalachian State University than Lee University ($14,978 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 21.4% lower than at Appalachian State University ($10,110 vs. $12,868).
• Lee University is 213.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $16,211 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6% higher at ASU than at Lee University (about $1,422 more per year; $25,212.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Appalachian State University (99% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 93% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($15,467 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU 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 ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 60 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming ASU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Lee University (3.73).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 35% at Lee University.

ASU vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU 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).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Appalachian State University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.