Lee University vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Lee University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lee University is located in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lee University 13:1; Union University 9:1.

Lee University vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lee University or Union 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 Union University ($20,416 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 20.9% lower than at Union University ($10,110 vs. $12,780).
• Union University is 68.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $16,235 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.2% higher at Union University than at Lee University (about $16,235 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 94.7% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($30,120 vs. $15,467).

Lee University vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 140 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Union University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 1040/1230; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lee University 20/27; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lee University - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Lee University (3.73).
• Lee University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35% at Lee University vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Lee University vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lee University and Union 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).

• Union University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Union University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $2,160 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($24,840 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($256 vs. $279).
• More Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.