Lees-McRae College vs. Wittenberg University

Comparable Facts

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

Wittenberg University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (1,285 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lees-McRae College vs. Wittenberg University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lees-McRae College or Wittenberg 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 Wittenberg University than Lees-McRae College ($23,537 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wittenberg University are 20.9% lower than at Lees McRae College ($12,022 vs. $15,200).
• Wittenberg University is 38.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $12,690 more per year; $45,940.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.2% higher at Wittenberg University than at Lees McRae College (about $12,690 more per year; $45,940.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wittenberg University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wittenberg University students is 74.8% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($34,556 vs. $19,774).

Lees-McRae College vs. Wittenberg University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 10 points higher than at Wittenberg University (1130).
• Incoming Wittenberg University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Lees-McRae College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 1040/1240; Wittenberg University 980/1275.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lees McRae College 20/26; Wittenberg University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lees-McRae College - Test-free; Wittenberg University - Test optional.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Wittenberg University (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Lees-McRae College vs. 11.6% at Wittenberg University.

Lees-McRae College vs. Wittenberg University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wittenberg University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Wittenberg University earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,300 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 Wittenberg 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 Wittenberg University graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Wittenberg University 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.