University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Upstate is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (4,916 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Upstate is located in Spartanburg, SC (Midsize Suburban setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• University of South Carolina Upstate 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 Upstate 15:1; Lee University 13:1.

University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Carolina-Upstate 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 Upstate than Lee University ($13,999 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 4% lower than at University of South Carolina Upstate ($10,110 vs. $10,533).
• Lee University is 105.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Carolina-Upstate (about $12,202 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $11,588.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3% higher at Lee University than at University of South Carolina Upstate (about $700 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $23,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at University of South Carolina Upstate (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 44.3% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Upstate students ($15,467 vs. $10,719).

University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Carolina-Upstate 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 University of South Carolina-Upstate.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 50 points higher than at University of South Carolina-Upstate (1090).
• Incoming University of South Carolina-Upstate students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Lee University (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Upstate 1005/1175; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Upstate 21/26; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Carolina-Upstate - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 1.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at University of South Carolina-Upstate (2.53).
• Lee University has a higher acceptance rate (70.5%) than University of South Carolina-Upstate (67.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24% at University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. 35% at Lee University.

University of South Carolina-Upstate vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Carolina-Upstate 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 Upstate's (39%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Upstate earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Upstate graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Carolina-Upstate students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.