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Lees-McRae College vs Saint Augustine's University

Lees-McRae College is a private college in Banner Elk, NC, and Saint Augustine's University is a private university in Raleigh, NC. Saint Augustine's University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 34% of applicants against 77% at Lees-McRae College. Saint Augustine's University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,313 a year against $28,340 at Lees-McRae College. About 43% of students graduate at Lees-McRae College, compared with 30% at Saint Augustine's University. Ten years after enrolling, Lees-McRae College alumni earn a median of about $43,415, against $35,730 for Saint Augustine's University.

Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC · Private

Saint Augustine's University

Raleigh, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Banner Elk, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
873
172
Acceptance rate
77%
34%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.2–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1240
780–940
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
12–16
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,340
$24,313
Full cost / yr
$49,498
$33,179
In-state tuition
$33,250
$16,896
Out-of-state tuition
$33,250
$16,896
Application fee
$25
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,030
$27,815
$30k - $48k
$22,733
$20,801
$48k - $75k
$25,905
$23,499
$75k - $110k
$28,854
$19,943
Over $110k
$33,664
$21,944
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
30%
Freshman retention
69%
0%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,599
$26,999
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,415
$35,730
Median debt at graduation
$17,375
$29,669
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
51%
First-generation students
40%
35%
International students
5%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 15
Not reported
Regular decision
May 1
Rolling

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 Saint Augustine's University harder to get into?
Saint Augustine's University is harder to get into. It admits about 34% 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 Saint Augustine's University?
Saint Augustine's University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,313 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 Saint Augustine's University?
Before aid, Saint Augustine's University costs about $33,179 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, Lees-McRae College or Saint Augustine's University?
Lees-McRae College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $23,030 there, against about $27,815 at Saint Augustine's University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lees-McRae College or Saint Augustine's University?
Lees-McRae College is the larger of the two, with about 873 undergraduates against 172 at Saint Augustine's University.
Does Lees-McRae College or Saint Augustine's University have a better graduation rate?
Lees-McRae College has the higher graduation rate, at about 43% against 30% at Saint Augustine's University.
Do graduates of Lees-McRae College or Saint Augustine's University earn more?
Lees-McRae College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $43,415 ten years after enrolling, against about $35,730 for Saint Augustine's University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lees-McRae College and Saint Augustine's University require SAT or ACT scores?
Lees-McRae College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Augustine's University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Lees-McRae College and Saint Augustine's University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1240 at Lees-McRae College and 780–940 at Saint Augustine's University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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