Elon vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Lees McRae College is in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Lees McRae College 11:1.

Elon vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon 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 Lees McRae College than Elon ($29,833 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 1.4% lower than at Lees McRae College ($14,985 vs. $15,200).
• Elon University is 41.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $13,708 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.2% higher at Elon than at Lees McRae College (about $13,708 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lees McRae College than at Elon University (97% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lees McRae College students is 10.7% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($19,774 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon 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 Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 70 points higher than at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming Elon 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: Elon University 1130/1280; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

Elon vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $21,900 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Elon graduates ($20,000 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elon graduates ($206 vs. $240).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.