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Guilford College vs Lees-McRae College

Guilford College is a private college in Greensboro, NC. Lees-McRae College is a private college in Banner Elk, NC. Lees-McRae College admits about 77% of applicants and Guilford College about 80%, making Lees-McRae College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,270 a year at Guilford College after aid, and about $28,340 at Lees-McRae College. About 47% of students graduate at Guilford College, compared with 43% at Lees-McRae College. Ten years after enrolling, Guilford College alumni earn a median of about $47,590, against $43,415 for Lees-McRae College.

Guilford College

Greensboro, NC · Private

Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Greensboro, NC
Banner Elk, NC
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,001
873
Acceptance rate
80%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1260
1040–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
20–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$22,270
$28,340
Full cost / yr
$55,689
$49,498
In-state tuition
$41,362
$33,250
Out-of-state tuition
$41,362
$33,250
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,367
$23,030
$30k - $48k
$22,825
$22,733
$48k - $75k
$34,680
$25,905
$75k - $110k
$49,275
$28,854
Over $110k
$49,368
$33,664
Outcomes
Graduation rate
47%
43%
Freshman retention
65%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,401
$41,599
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,590
$43,415
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$17,375
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
37%
First-generation students
26%
40%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Dec 10
Dec 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Guilford College or Lees-McRae College harder to get into?
Lees-McRae College is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 80% at Guilford 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, Guilford College or Lees-McRae College?
Guilford College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,270 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 Guilford College and Lees-McRae College?
Before aid, Lees-McRae College costs about $49,498 a year and Guilford College about $55,689. 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, Guilford College or Lees-McRae College?
Guilford College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,367 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, Guilford College or Lees-McRae College?
Guilford College is the larger of the two, with about 1,001 undergraduates against 873 at Lees-McRae College.
Does Guilford College or Lees-McRae College have a better graduation rate?
Guilford College has the higher graduation rate, at about 47% against 43% at Lees-McRae College.
Do graduates of Guilford College or Lees-McRae College earn more?
Guilford College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $47,590 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,415 for Lees-McRae College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Guilford College and Lees-McRae College require SAT or ACT scores?
Guilford 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 Guilford College and Lees-McRae College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1260 at Guilford College and 1040–1240 at Lees-McRae College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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