Lees-McRae College vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC with Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Ohio 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 Ohio University Main Campus than Lees-McRae College ($21,907 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 6.8% lower than at Lees McRae College ($14,162 vs. $15,200).
• Lees McRae College is 134.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ohio University (about $19,092 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $14,158.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.9% higher at Lees-McRae College than at Ohio University Main Campus (about $8,412 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $24,838.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lees McRae College than at Ohio University Main Campus (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lees McRae College students is 109.9% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($19,774 vs. $9,422).

Lees-McRae College vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 50 points higher than at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming Ohio University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lees-McRae College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Ohio University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Ohio University graduates ($20,000 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ohio University graduates ($206 vs. $211).
• More Lees-McRae College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 51%)

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.