Lees-McRae College vs. University of Lynchburg

Comparable Facts

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

University of Lynchburg is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (2,316 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lees-McRae College vs. University of Lynchburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg than Lees-McRae College ($23,845 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Lynchburg are 9.9% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,700 vs. $15,200).
• University of Lynchburg is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $3,500 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at University of Lynchburg than at Lees McRae College (about $3,500 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Lynchburg than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Lynchburg students is 34% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($26,491 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. University of Lynchburg Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 30 points higher than at University of Lynchburg (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; University of Lynchburg 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; University of Lynchburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Lynchburg Sep 1, 2026.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than University of Lynchburg (43%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 14.7% at University of Lynchburg.

Lees-McRae College vs. University of Lynchburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lees-McRae College and University of Lynchburg? 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).

• University of Lynchburg's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from University of Lynchburg earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 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 University of Lynchburg graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Lynchburg graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More University of Lynchburg graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.