Lee University vs. Tennessee

Comparable Facts

Compare Lee University in Cleveland, TN with The University of Tennessee Knoxville in Knoxville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (38,728 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lee University is located in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting); The University of Tennessee Knoxville is in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lee University 13:1; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1.

Lee University vs. Tennessee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lee University or Tennessee? 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 Tennessee ($20,416 vs. $21,648).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 24.3% lower than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville ($10,110 vs. $13,356).
• Lee University is 72.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee (about $9,978 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $13,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.8% higher at Tennessee than at Lee University (about $9,466 more per year; $33,256.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 35.3% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($15,467 vs. $11,434).

Lee University vs. Tennessee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (1290) is 150 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Tennessee students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 1040/1230; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 20/27; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lee University - Test optional; Tennessee - Required.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Tennessee (3.66).
• Lee University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35% at Lee University vs. 27.4% at Tennessee.

Lee University vs. Tennessee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Knoxville earn a median of about $19,200 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Tennessee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.