Lees-McRae College vs. Walsh College

Comparable Facts

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

Walsh University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (2,192 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lees-McRae College vs. Walsh College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Walsh College? 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 Walsh University than Lees-McRae College ($23,933 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Walsh University are 19.9% lower than at Lees McRae College ($12,170 vs. $15,200).
• Walsh University is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $2,495 more per year; $35,745.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at Walsh College than at Lees McRae College (about $2,495 more per year; $35,745.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Walsh University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Walsh University students is 21.1% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($23,946 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. Walsh College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Walsh University (1160) is 20 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 Walsh College (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Walsh University 1040/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Walsh University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Walsh College - Test optional.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Walsh College (70.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 19.5% at Walsh College.

Lees-McRae College vs. Walsh College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Walsh University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Walsh University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,400 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $7,833 lower median loan debt than Walsh College graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,833).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Walsh College graduates ($206 vs. $287).
• More Walsh College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.