Mississippi State vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mississippi State University in Mississippi State, MS with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mississippi State University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (23,150 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mississippi State University is located in Mississippi State, MS (Rural Fringe setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Mississippi State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mississippi State University 16:1; Lee University 13:1.

Mississippi State vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mississippi State or Lee 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 Mississippi State University than Lee University ($18,478 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 21.6% lower than at Mississippi State University ($10,110 vs. $12,902).
• Lee University is 133.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mississippi State (about $13,588 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $10,202.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.2% higher at Mississippi State than at Lee University (about $3,847 more per year; $27,637.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Mississippi State University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Mississippi State University students ($15,467 vs. $13,852).

Mississippi State vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mississippi State or Lee 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 Lee University and Mississippi State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mississippi State University (1230) is 90 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Mississippi State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mississippi State University 1100/1350; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mississippi State University 21/29; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mississippi State - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mississippi State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Mississippi State (3.58).
• Mississippi State has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.8% at Mississippi State vs. 35% at Lee University.

Mississippi State vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mississippi State and Lee 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).

• Mississippi State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Mississippi State University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mississippi State University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mississippi State graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Mississippi State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 60%)

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.