Piedmont University vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

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

Piedmont University is larger than Lees-McRae College based on total student enrollment (1,857 students vs. 910 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Piedmont University is located in Demorest, GA (Distant Town setting); Lees McRae College is in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Piedmont University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Piedmont University 12:1; Lees McRae College 11:1.

Piedmont University vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Piedmont 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 Piedmont University than Lees-McRae College ($22,252 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Piedmont University are 13.8% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,100 vs. $15,200).
• Lees McRae College is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Piedmont University (about $1,550 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $31,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.9% higher at Lees-McRae College than at Piedmont University (about $1,550 more per year; $33,250.00 vs. $31,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Piedmont University than at Lees McRae College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Piedmont University students is 24.5% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($24,618 vs. $19,774).

Piedmont University vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Piedmont University (1140) is the same as at Lees-McRae College (1140).
• Incoming Lees-McRae College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Piedmont University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Piedmont University 1038/1245; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Piedmont University 18/25; Lees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Piedmont University - Test optional; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Piedmont University Jul 15, 2027.
• Piedmont University has a higher acceptance rate (93.3%) than Lees-McRae College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Piedmont University vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

Piedmont University vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Piedmont 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).

• Piedmont University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Piedmont University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $3,736 lower median loan debt than Piedmont University graduates ($20,000 vs. $23,736).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Piedmont University graduates ($206 vs. $245).
• More Lees-McRae College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Piedmont University students, three years after graduation. (55% vs. 44%)

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.