Lees-McRae College vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University than Lees-McRae College ($14,475 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Carolina Central University are 11.5% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,450 vs. $15,200).
• Lees McRae College is 396.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $26,551 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.5% higher at Lees-McRae College than at North Carolina Central University (about $13,515 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lees McRae College than at North Carolina Central University (97% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lees McRae College students is 64.8% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($19,774 vs. $11,999).

Lees-McRae College vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 100 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

Lees-McRae College vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lees-McRae College and North Carolina Central 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).

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($20,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($206 vs. $320).
• More Lees-McRae College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 23%)

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.