Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Cleveland, Tennessee |
| Online | leeuniversity.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Religious Affiliation | Church of God |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Lee University is a private Christian liberal arts institution located in Cleveland, Tennessee, approximately 30 miles northeast of Chattanooga. Established in 1918 as a Bible training school by the Church of God denomination, the institution evolved into a four-year college in 1968 and achieved university status in 1997. The 120-acre suburban campus features a mix of modern and traditional brick buildings, centered around a historic quadrangle. Lee maintains selective admission standards and offers undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges, with particular emphasis in music, education, and religious studies. The university requires students to live on campus through their junior year, with housing provided in traditional residence halls and apartment-style complexes, while also maintaining its identity as an NCAA Division II institution competing in the Gulf South Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Lee University is rated within the lower 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Lee University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#809 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#511 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#20 in Best Colleges in Tennessee
#16 in Best Private Colleges in Tennessee
#34 in Best Value Colleges in Tennessee
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1020/1240 |
| ACT | 20/26 |
| GPA | 3.73 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Other Fees | $730 |
| Room and Board | $9,340 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,020 |
| Total One Year Cost | $37,300 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 18% |
| Theology and Religious Vvocations | 16% |
| Business | 16% |
| Communication | 12% |
| Psychology | 10% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Lee University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=220613 IPEDS survey data for Lee University.
Current students may use the Lee University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025