Lees-McRae College vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC with DeSales University in Center Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

DeSales University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; DeSales University 12:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or DeSales 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 Lees McRae College than DeSales University ($29,833 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DeSales University are 9.2% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,800 vs. $15,200).
• DeSales University is 40.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $13,550 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.8% higher at DeSales University than at Lees McRae College (about $13,550 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 56.3% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($30,909 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 40 points higher than at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Lees-McRae College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• DeSales University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

Lees-McRae College vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $16,800 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($20,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($206 vs. $268).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.