BSU vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ball State University in Muncie, IN with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Lee University 13:1.

BSU vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU 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 Ball State University than Lee University ($13,599 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 18% lower than at Ball State University ($10,110 vs. $12,334).
• Lee University is 114.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $12,708 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.5% higher at BSU than at Lee University (about $5,840 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Ball State University (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 17% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($15,467 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU 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 BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 30 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at BSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at BSU (3.52).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 35% at Lee University.

BSU vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU 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).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.