Lee University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lee University is located in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lee University 13:1; Radford University 14:1.

Lee University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lee University or RU? 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 Radford University than Lee University ($16,749 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 19.1% lower than at Radford University ($10,110 vs. $12,504).
• Lee University is 89.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $11,242 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.7% higher at RU than at Lee University (about $1,843 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Radford University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 30.3% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($15,467 vs. $11,870).

Lee University vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 90 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at RU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 1040/1230; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 20/27; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lee University - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35% at Lee University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Lee University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lee University and RU? 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 60%)

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.