GWU vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

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

Gardner Webb University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 910 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Lees McRae College is in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Lees McRae College 11:1.

GWU vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU 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 Gardner Webb University than Lees-McRae College ($20,016 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 24.9% lower than at Lees McRae College ($11,410 vs. $15,200).
• Gardner Webb University is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $1,510 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at GWU than at Lees McRae College (about $1,510 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 37% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($27,088 vs. $19,774).

GWU vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU or Lees-McRae College? 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 Lees-McRae College and GWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 50 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 vs. 22 at GWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• GWU has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

GWU vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Lees-McRae College? 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.

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $4,969 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($20,000 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($206 vs. $258).
• More Lees-McRae College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.