Lees-McRae College vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Otterbein University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (2,332 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Otterbein 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 Otterbein University than Lees-McRae College ($20,457 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Otterbein University are 12.9% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,236 vs. $15,200).
• Otterbein University is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $2,298 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Otterbein University than at Lees McRae College (about $2,298 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 41.2% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($27,923 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Otterbein University (1150) is 10 points higher than at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Otterbein University (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Otterbein University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 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 Otterbein University graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.