Shorter vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

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

Shorter University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (1,318 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Shorter vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shorter 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 Shorter University than Lees-McRae College ($16,821 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shorter University are 34.7% lower than at Lees McRae College ($9,920 vs. $15,200).
• Lees McRae College is 35% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shorter (about $8,620 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35% higher at Lees-McRae College than at Shorter University (about $8,620 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $24,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shorter University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lees McRae College students is 4.8% larger than aid received by Shorter University students ($19,774 vs. $18,862).

Shorter vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shorter 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 Shorter.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 20 points higher than at Shorter (1120).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Shorter).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 1040/1200; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Shorter University 18/25; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shorter - Test optional; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shorter Aug 25, 2027.
• Shorter has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.5% at Shorter vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

Shorter vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shorter 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).

• Shorter University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Shorter University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $8,418 lower median loan debt than Shorter graduates ($20,000 vs. $28,418).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shorter graduates ($206 vs. $293).
• More Lees-McRae College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shorter students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 38%)

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.