Gardner-Webb University vs Lees-McRae College
Gardner-Webb University is a private university in Boiling Springs, NC. Lees-McRae College is a private college in Banner Elk, NC. Both admit about 77% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $17,674 a year at Gardner-Webb University after aid, and about $28,340 at Lees-McRae College. About 59% of students graduate at Gardner-Webb University, compared with 43% at Lees-McRae College. Ten years after enrolling, Gardner-Webb University alumni earn a median of about $48,039, against $43,415 for Lees-McRae College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boiling Springs, NC
Banner Elk, NC
Setting
Rural
Rural
Undergraduates
1,856
873
Acceptance rate
77%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
975–1198
1040–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,674
$28,340
Full cost / yr
$47,091
$49,498
In-state tuition
$34,760
$33,250
Out-of-state tuition
$34,760
$33,250
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,304
$23,030
$30k - $48k
$14,594
$22,733
$48k - $75k
$13,769
$25,905
$75k - $110k
$15,946
$28,854
Over $110k
$22,438
$33,664
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
43%
Freshman retention
55%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,996
$41,599
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,039
$43,415
Median debt at graduation
$24,222
$17,375
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
37%
First-generation students
35%
40%
International students
0%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
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.
- Is Gardner-Webb University or Lees-McRae College harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 77% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Gardner-Webb University or Lees-McRae College?
- Gardner-Webb University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,674 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 Gardner-Webb University and Lees-McRae College?
- Before aid, Gardner-Webb University costs about $47,091 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, Gardner-Webb University or Lees-McRae College?
- Gardner-Webb University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,304 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, Gardner-Webb University or Lees-McRae College?
- Gardner-Webb University is the larger of the two, with about 1,856 undergraduates against 873 at Lees-McRae College.
- Does Gardner-Webb University or Lees-McRae College have a better graduation rate?
- Gardner-Webb University has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 43% at Lees-McRae College.
- Do graduates of Gardner-Webb University or Lees-McRae College earn more?
- Gardner-Webb University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,039 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,415 for Lees-McRae College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Gardner-Webb University and Lees-McRae College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Gardner-Webb University 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 Gardner-Webb University and Lees-McRae College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 975–1198 at Gardner-Webb University and 1040–1240 at Lees-McRae College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Gardner-Webb University vs Davidson CollegeGardner-Webb University vs Johnson C Smith UniversityGardner-Webb University vs Queens University of CharlotteLees-McRae College vs University of North Carolina School of the ArtsLees-McRae College vs Saint Augustine's UniversityLees-McRae College vs Carolina University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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