Bellarmine University vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellarmine University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Lees McRae College is in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Lees McRae College 11:1.

Bellarmine University vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or Lees-McRae College? 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 Bellarmine University than Lees-McRae College ($23,165 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 28.6% lower than at Lees McRae College ($10,850 vs. $15,200).
• Bellarmine University is 46.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $15,520 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.7% higher at Bellarmine University than at Lees McRae College (about $15,520 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 97.2% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($39,001 vs. $19,774).

Bellarmine University vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bellarmine University or Lees-McRae College? 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 Lees-McRae College and Bellarmine University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is the same as at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lees-McRae College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 23/28; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

Bellarmine University vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and Lees-McRae College? 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).

• Bellarmine University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $16,000 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($20,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($206 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 55%)

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.