SWU vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lee University is larger than SWU based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 980 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Wesleyan University is located in Central, SC (Distant Town setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Wesleyan University 10:1; Lee University 13:1.

SWU vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SWU 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 Southern Wesleyan University than Lee University ($20,134 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 0.2% lower than at Southern Wesleyan University ($10,110 vs. $10,126).
• Southern Wesleyan University is 25.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $6,010 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.3% higher at SWU than at Lee University (about $6,010 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Wesleyan University than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students is 26.1% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($19,498 vs. $15,467).

SWU vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SWU or Lee University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lee University and SWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 10 points higher than at SWU (1130).
• Incoming SWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 22/28; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SWU - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman SWU students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Lee University (3.73).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at SWU vs. 35% at Lee University.

SWU vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SWU and Lee University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Southern Wesleyan University's (42%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lee University and SWU graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Lee University and SWU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 50%)

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.