Lees-McRae College vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

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

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lees-McRae College vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or PLU? 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 Pacific Lutheran University than Lees-McRae College ($22,299 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Lutheran University are 14.4% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,008 vs. $15,200).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 57.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $19,004 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.2% higher at PLU than at Lees McRae College (about $19,004 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at Lees McRae College (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 105.2% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($40,573 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. PLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 10 points higher than at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming PLU 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; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Lees-McRae College vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $18,000 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $5,800 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($20,000 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($206 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.