Lees-McRae College vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Longwood University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (4,612 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; Longwood University 15:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Longwood 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 Longwood University than Lees-McRae College ($20,847 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lees McRae College are 12.8% lower than at Longwood University ($15,200 vs. $17,424).
• Lees McRae College is 111.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Longwood University (about $17,506 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $15,744.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.8% higher at Lees-McRae College than at Longwood University (about $5,272 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $27,978.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lees McRae College as at Longwood University (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lees McRae College students is 41.7% larger than aid received by Longwood University students ($19,774 vs. $13,954).

Lees-McRae College vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 20 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Longwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 17% at Longwood University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Longwood University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Longwood University graduates ($20,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Longwood University graduates ($206 vs. $258).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.