Lee University vs. UTC

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (11,775 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 Chattanooga is in Chattanooga, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lee University 13:1; The University of Tennessee Chattanooga 18:1.

Lee University vs. UTC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lee University or UTC? 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 The University of Tennessee Chattanooga than Lee University ($15,347 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 19.8% lower than at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga ($10,110 vs. $12,604).
• Lee University is 127.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UTC (about $13,342 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $10,448.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.5% higher at Lee University than at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga (about $5,278 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $18,512.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at The University of Tennessee Chattanooga (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 54.1% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Chattanooga students ($15,467 vs. $10,038).

Lee University vs. UTC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 30 points higher than at UTC (1110).
• Incoming Lee University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at UTC (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 1040/1230; The University of Tennessee Chattanooga 1013/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 20/27; The University of Tennessee Chattanooga 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lee University - Test optional; UTC - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: UTC May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at UTC (3.61).
• UTC has a higher acceptance rate (81.1%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35% at Lee University vs. 29.2% at UTC.

Lee University vs. UTC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lee University and UTC? 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 The University of Tennessee Chattanooga's (39%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Chattanooga earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Chattanooga graduates have a $6,208 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($20,792 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UTC graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($214 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UTC students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 56%)

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.