Lees-McRae College vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia International University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University than Lees-McRae College ($26,056 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 21.4% lower than at Lees McRae College ($11,950 vs. $15,200).
• Lees McRae College is 19.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $5,350 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.2% higher at Lees-McRae College than at Columbia International University (about $5,350 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lees McRae College than at Columbia International University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lees McRae College students is 16.3% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($19,774 vs. $17,009).

Lees-McRae College vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 50 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Lees McRae College earn a median of about $900 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,300 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Columbia International University graduates ($20,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia International University graduates ($206 vs. $222).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.