Samford University vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Lees McRae College is in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Lees McRae College 11:1.

Samford University vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University 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 Samford University ($29,833 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 14.1% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,056 vs. $15,200).
• Samford University is 20.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $6,900 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.8% higher at Samford University than at Lees McRae College (about $6,900 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 13.9% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($22,530 vs. $19,774).

Samford University vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University 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 Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 20 points higher than at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lees-McRae College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

Samford University vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University 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).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $23,100 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($20,000 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($206 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.