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Lees-McRae College vs Meredith College

Lees-McRae College is a private college in Banner Elk, NC, and Meredith College is a private college in Raleigh, NC. Meredith College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 74% of applicants against 77% at Lees-McRae College. Meredith College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,488 a year against $28,340 at Lees-McRae College. About 68% of students graduate at Meredith College, compared with 43% at Lees-McRae College. Ten years after enrolling, Meredith College alumni earn a median of about $51,539, against $43,415 for Lees-McRae College.

Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC · Private

Meredith College

Raleigh, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Banner Elk, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
873
1,188
Acceptance rate
77%
74%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.46–3.96
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1240
1098–1348
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,340
$22,488
Full cost / yr
$49,498
$57,313
In-state tuition
$33,250
$45,630
Out-of-state tuition
$33,250
$45,630
Application fee
$25
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,030
$17,207
$30k - $48k
$22,733
$19,006
$48k - $75k
$25,905
$18,064
$75k - $110k
$28,854
$23,678
Over $110k
$33,664
$29,117
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
68%
Freshman retention
69%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,599
$45,293
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,415
$51,539
Median debt at graduation
$17,375
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
36%
First-generation students
40%
22%
International students
5%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 15
Oct 30
Regular decision
May 1
Jul 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 Lees-McRae College or Meredith College harder to get into?
Meredith College is harder to get into. It admits about 74% 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, Lees-McRae College or Meredith College?
Meredith College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,488 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 Lees-McRae College and Meredith College?
Before aid, Lees-McRae College costs about $49,498 a year and Meredith College about $57,313. 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, Lees-McRae College or Meredith College?
Meredith College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,207 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, Lees-McRae College or Meredith College?
Meredith College is the larger of the two, with about 1,188 undergraduates against 873 at Lees-McRae College.
Does Lees-McRae College or Meredith College have a better graduation rate?
Meredith College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 43% at Lees-McRae College.
Do graduates of Lees-McRae College or Meredith College earn more?
Meredith College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,539 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,415 for Lees-McRae College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lees-McRae College and Meredith College require SAT or ACT scores?
Lees-McRae College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Meredith College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Lees-McRae College and Meredith College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1240 at Lees-McRae College and 1098–1348 at Meredith College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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