Lees-McRae College vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

Lee University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lees-McRae College vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Lee 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 Lees-McRae College ($20,416 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 33.5% lower than at Lees McRae College ($10,110 vs. $15,200).
• Lees McRae College is 39.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $9,460 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.8% higher at Lees-McRae College than at Lee University (about $9,460 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Lees McRae College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lees McRae College students is 27.8% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($19,774 vs. $15,467).

Lees-McRae College vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is the same as at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Lee University (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Lee University - Test optional.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 35% at Lee University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Lee University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 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 Lee 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 Lee University graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.