Ogelthorpe vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

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

Oglethorpe University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (1,425 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oglethorpe University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting); Lees McRae College is in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Oglethorpe University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oglethorpe University 13:1; Lees McRae College 11:1.

Ogelthorpe vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ogelthorpe 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 Oglethorpe University than Lees-McRae College ($20,490 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lees McRae College are 3.7% lower than at Oglethorpe University ($15,200 vs. $15,780).
• Oglethorpe University is 43.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $14,340 more per year; $47,590.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.1% higher at Ogelthorpe than at Lees McRae College (about $14,340 more per year; $47,590.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oglethorpe University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oglethorpe University students is 97.5% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($39,054 vs. $19,774).

Ogelthorpe vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ogelthorpe 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 Ogelthorpe.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oglethorpe University (1200) is 60 points higher than at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming Ogelthorpe students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Lees-McRae College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oglethorpe University 1090/1310; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oglethorpe University 22/31; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ogelthorpe - Test optional; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ogelthorpe Jul 15, 2027.
• Ogelthorpe has a higher acceptance rate (88.4%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Ogelthorpe vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

Ogelthorpe vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ogelthorpe 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).

• Oglethorpe University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Oglethorpe University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 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 Ogelthorpe graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ogelthorpe graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Lees-McRae College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ogelthorpe students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 53%)

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.