Catawba College vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Catawba College in Salisbury, NC with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lee University is larger than Catawba College based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Catawba College vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba College 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 Catawba College than Lee University ($18,447 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 25.5% lower than at Catawba College ($10,110 vs. $13,565).
• Catawba College is 44.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $10,510 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.2% higher at Catawba College than at Lee University (about $10,510 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Catawba College students is 99.2% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($30,808 vs. $15,467).

Catawba College vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Catawba College 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 Catawba College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Catawba College (1170) is 30 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Catawba College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Catawba College (3.64).
• Catawba College has a higher acceptance rate (75.2%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 35% at Lee University.

Catawba College vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba College 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).

• Catawba College's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Catawba College earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Catawba College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Catawba College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Catawba College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University 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.