Elon vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Lee University 13:1.

Elon vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon 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 Elon ($20,416 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 32.5% lower than at Elon University ($10,110 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 97.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $23,168 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.4% higher at Elon than at Lee University (about $23,168 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Elon University (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 15.5% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($17,867 vs. $15,467).

Elon vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon 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 Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 70 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Elon students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Lee University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 35% at Lee University.

Elon vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $19,100 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.