JCSU vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

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

Johnson C Smith University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (1,302 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); Lees McRae College is in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; Lees McRae College 11:1.

JCSU vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU 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 Johnson C Smith University than Lees-McRae College ($19,705 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 43.4% lower than at Lees McRae College ($8,600 vs. $15,200).
• Lees McRae College is 56.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCSU (about $11,950 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.1% higher at Lees-McRae College than at Johnson C Smith University (about $11,950 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lees McRae College than at Johnson C Smith University (97% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lees McRae College students is 29.8% larger than aid received by Johnson C Smith University students ($19,774 vs. $15,238).

JCSU vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU 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 JCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 250 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

JCSU vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU 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).

• Johnson C Smith University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Lees McRae College earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,300 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $12,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($20,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $125 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($206 vs. $331).
• More Lees-McRae College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 26%)

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.