Lees-McRae College vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC with Capital University in Columbus, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Capital University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (2,263 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; Capital University 9:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Capital 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 Capital University than Lees-McRae College ($22,395 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Capital University are 14.6% lower than at Lees McRae College ($12,984 vs. $15,200).
• Capital University is 30% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $9,984 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30% higher at Capital University than at Lees McRae College (about $9,984 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Lees McRae College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 74.3% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($34,471 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lees-McRae College or Capital 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 Capital University and Lees-McRae College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 90 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Capital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lees-McRae College and Capital 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 55%)

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.