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Belmont Abbey College vs Lees-McRae College

Belmont Abbey College is a private college in Belmont, NC, and Lees-McRae College is a private college in Banner Elk, NC. Belmont Abbey College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 75% of applicants against 77% at Lees-McRae College. Belmont Abbey College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,639 a year against $28,340 at Lees-McRae College. About 47% of students graduate at Belmont Abbey College, compared with 43% at Lees-McRae College. Ten years after enrolling, Belmont Abbey College alumni earn a median of about $47,937, against $43,415 for Lees-McRae College.

Belmont Abbey College

Belmont, NC · Private

Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Belmont, NC
Banner Elk, NC
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,276
873
Acceptance rate
75%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
1040–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
18–26
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,639
$28,340
Full cost / yr
$34,788
$49,498
In-state tuition
$19,500
$33,250
Out-of-state tuition
$19,500
$33,250
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,610
$23,030
$30k - $48k
$18,868
$22,733
$48k - $75k
$21,195
$25,905
$75k - $110k
$24,798
$28,854
Over $110k
$27,059
$33,664
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
43%
Freshman retention
70%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,816
$41,599
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,937
$43,415
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$17,375
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
37%
First-generation students
27%
40%
International students
6%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Oct 30
Dec 15
Regular decision
Rolling
May 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Belmont Abbey College or Lees-McRae College harder to get into?
Belmont Abbey College is harder to get into. It admits about 75% of applicants, compared with 77% at Lees-McRae College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Belmont Abbey College or Lees-McRae College?
Belmont Abbey College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,639 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,340 at Lees-McRae College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Belmont Abbey College and Lees-McRae College?
Before aid, Belmont Abbey College costs about $34,788 a year and Lees-McRae College about $49,498. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Belmont Abbey College or Lees-McRae College?
Belmont Abbey College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,610 there, against about $23,030 at Lees-McRae College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Belmont Abbey College or Lees-McRae College?
Belmont Abbey College is the larger of the two, with about 1,276 undergraduates against 873 at Lees-McRae College.
Does Belmont Abbey College or Lees-McRae College have a better graduation rate?
Belmont Abbey College has the higher graduation rate, at about 47% against 43% at Lees-McRae College.
Do graduates of Belmont Abbey College or Lees-McRae College earn more?
Belmont Abbey College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,937 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,415 for Lees-McRae College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Belmont Abbey College and Lees-McRae College require SAT or ACT scores?
Belmont Abbey College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lees-McRae College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Belmont Abbey College and Lees-McRae College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at Belmont Abbey College and 1040–1240 at Lees-McRae College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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