Montreat College vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Montreat College in Montreat, NC with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lee University is larger than Montreat College based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Montreat College is located in Montreat, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Montreat College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Montreat College 11:1; Lee University 13:1.

Montreat College vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Montreat College 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 Lee University than Montreat College ($20,416 vs. $28,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 15% lower than at Montreat College ($10,110 vs. $11,890).
• Montreat College is 53.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $12,660 more per year; $36,450.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.2% higher at Montreat College than at Lee University (about $12,660 more per year; $36,450.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Montreat College (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montreat College students is 22.8% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($18,992 vs. $15,467).

Montreat College vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Montreat College 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 Montreat College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 10 points higher than at Montreat College (1130).
• Incoming Montreat College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montreat College 1030/1220; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montreat College 21/28; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Montreat College - Test-free; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Montreat College (3.07).
• Lee University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than Montreat College (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Montreat College vs. 35% at Lee University.

Montreat College vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Montreat College 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).

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Montreat College's (35%).
• Graduates from Montreat College earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,900 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montreat College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Montreat College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Montreat College students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.