Lees-McRae College vs. Milligan

Comparable Facts

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

Milligan University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (1,240 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); Milligan University is in Milligan, TN (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Milligan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; Milligan University 10:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. Milligan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Milligan? 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 Milligan University than Lees-McRae College ($21,165 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milligan University are 41.4% lower than at Lees McRae College ($8,900 vs. $15,200).
• Milligan University is 21.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $7,200 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.7% higher at Milligan than at Lees McRae College (about $7,200 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Milligan University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milligan University students is 57.9% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($31,220 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. Milligan Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Milligan University (1200) is 60 points higher than at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming Milligan students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Lees-McRae College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Milligan University 1133/1268.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Milligan University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Milligan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Milligan Aug 28, 2027.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Milligan (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 27.6% at Milligan.

Lees-McRae College vs. Milligan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Milligan graduates ($20,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Milligan graduates ($206 vs. $263).
• More Milligan graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.