GWU vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, 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 GWU based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Lee University 13:1.

GWU vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU 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 Gardner Webb University than Lee University ($20,016 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 11.4% lower than at Gardner Webb University ($10,110 vs. $11,410).
• Gardner Webb University is 46.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $10,970 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.1% higher at GWU than at Lee University (about $10,970 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 75.1% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($27,088 vs. $15,467).

GWU vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU 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 GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 50 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at GWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Lee University (3.73).
• GWU has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 35% at Lee University.

GWU vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU 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).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $2,031 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 52%)

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.