Lees-McRae College vs. Wingate University

Comparable Facts

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

Wingate University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (3,458 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lees McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting); Wingate University is in Wingate, NC (Town Fringe setting).
• Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wingate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lees McRae College 11:1; Wingate University 15:1.

Lees-McRae College vs. Wingate University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Wingate 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 Wingate University than Lees-McRae College ($21,282 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wingate University are 27.2% lower than at Lees McRae College ($11,062 vs. $15,200).
• Wingate University is 25.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $8,386 more per year; $41,636.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.2% higher at Wingate University than at Lees McRae College (about $8,386 more per year; $41,636.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wingate University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wingate University students is 84.5% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($36,474 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. Wingate University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 30 points higher than at Wingate University (1110).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Wingate University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Wingate University 1010/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Wingate University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Wingate University - Test optional.
• Wingate University has a higher acceptance rate (91.1%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 2.8% at Wingate University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Wingate University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wingate University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Wingate University earn a median of about $18,600 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,900 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Wingate University graduates ($20,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wingate University graduates ($206 vs. $274).
• More Wingate University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.