Lee University vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lee University is located in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lee University 13:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Lee University vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lee University or Liberty 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 Liberty University ($20,416 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 26.9% lower than at Liberty University ($10,110 vs. $13,835).
• Lee University is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $1,325 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at Lee University than at Liberty University (about $1,325 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Liberty University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 23.8% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($15,467 vs. $12,489).

Lee University vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lee University or Liberty 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 Liberty University and Lee University.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 10 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Liberty University 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: Lee University 1040/1230; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 20/27; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lee University - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35% at Lee University vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Lee University vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lee University and Liberty 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).

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Liberty University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $2,834 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 36%)

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.