Lees-McRae College vs. Converse University

Comparable Facts

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

Converse University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (1,787 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); Converse University is in Spartanburg, SC (Small City setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Converse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; Converse University 12:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. Converse University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Converse 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 Converse University than Lees-McRae College ($19,061 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Converse University are 12% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,380 vs. $15,200).
• Lees McRae College is 31.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Converse University (about $8,010 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.7% higher at Lees-McRae College than at Converse University (about $8,010 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lees McRae College than at Converse University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lees McRae College students is 6.5% larger than aid received by Converse University students ($19,774 vs. $18,575).

Lees-McRae College vs. Converse University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 10 points higher than at Converse University (1130).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Converse University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Converse University 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Converse University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Converse University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Converse University Aug 1, 2027.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Converse University (67.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 12% at Converse University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Converse University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Converse University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Lees McRae College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Converse University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,300 vs. $33,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $6,952 lower median loan debt than Converse University graduates ($20,000 vs. $26,952).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Converse University graduates ($206 vs. $278).
• More Converse University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.