Columbia International University vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

Lee University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 2,914 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia International University vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University 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 Columbia International University ($20,416 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 15.4% lower than at Columbia International University ($10,110 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 17.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $4,110 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.3% higher at Columbia International University than at Lee University (about $4,110 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Columbia International University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 10% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($17,009 vs. $15,467).

Columbia International University vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or Lee University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lee University and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 50 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 990/1195; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Lee University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 35% at Lee University.

Columbia International University vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Lee University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Lee University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Columbia International University 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.