USC Aiken vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, SC with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Aiken is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (4,022 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Aiken is located in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1; Lee University 13:1.

USC Aiken vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC Aiken 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 University of South Carolina Aiken than Lee University ($12,236 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 9.2% lower than at Lee University ($9,182 vs. $10,110).
• Lee University is 121.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $13,030 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at Lee University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $2,572 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 73.7% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($15,467 vs. $8,904).

USC Aiken vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC Aiken or Lee University? 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 Lee University and USC Aiken.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 40 points higher than at USC Aiken (1100).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at USC Aiken).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC Aiken - Required; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• USC Aiken has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at USC Aiken vs. 35% at Lee University.

USC Aiken vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC Aiken and Lee University? 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).

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Aiken earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Aiken graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USC Aiken graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 54%)

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.