Brenau University vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

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

Brenau University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (2,436 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Brenau University vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brenau 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 Brenau University than Lees-McRae College ($19,743 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brenau University are 15.5% lower than at Lees McRae College ($12,850 vs. $15,200).
• Brenau University is 2.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $777 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.3% higher at Brenau University than at Lees McRae College (about $777 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brenau University than at Lees McRae College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 33.1% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($26,325 vs. $19,774).

Brenau University vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 70 points higher than at Brenau University (1070).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Brenau University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Brenau University has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

Brenau University vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau 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).

• Brenau University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Brenau University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,600 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Lees-McRae College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brenau University students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 48%)

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.