Lees-McRae College vs. Robert Morris University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC with Robert Morris University in Moon Township, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Robert Morris University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (5,275 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); Robert Morris University is in Moon Township, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Robert Morris University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; Robert Morris University 14:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. Robert Morris University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Robert Morris 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 Robert Morris University than Lees-McRae College ($23,933 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Robert Morris University are 13.8% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,100 vs. $15,200).
• Robert Morris University is 8.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $2,720 more per year; $35,970.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.2% higher at Robert Morris University than at Lees McRae College (about $2,720 more per year; $35,970.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lees McRae College than at Robert Morris University (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Robert Morris University students is 39.7% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($27,629 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. Robert Morris University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is the same as at Robert Morris University (1140).
• Incoming Robert Morris University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Lees-McRae College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Robert Morris University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Robert Morris University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Robert Morris University - Test optional.
• Robert Morris University has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 10.2% at Robert Morris University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Robert Morris University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Robert Morris University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Robert Morris University earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 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 Robert Morris 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 Robert Morris University graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Robert Morris University 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.