NNU vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

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

Northwest Nazarene University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (1,635 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); Lees McRae College is in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; Lees McRae College 11:1.

NNU vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or Lees-McRae 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 Lees McRae College than NNU ($29,833 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 20.6% lower than at Lees McRae College ($12,070 vs. $15,200).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 22.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $7,544 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.7% higher at NNU than at Lees McRae College (about $7,544 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest Nazarene University than at Lees McRae College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 27.2% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($25,146 vs. $19,774).

NNU vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

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

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 20 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU 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: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

NNU vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and Lees-McRae 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).

• Northwest Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Northwest Nazarene University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($20,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($206 vs. $268).
• More NNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.