Lees-McRae College vs Salem College
Lees-McRae College is a private college in Banner Elk, NC. Salem College is a private college in Winston-Salem, NC. Both admit about 77% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $18,277 a year at Salem College after aid, and about $28,340 at Lees-McRae College. About 57% of students graduate at Salem College, compared with 43% at Lees-McRae College. Ten years after enrolling, Salem College alumni earn a median of about $44,640, against $43,415 for Lees-McRae College.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Banner Elk, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
873
423
Acceptance rate
77%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1240
1066–1243
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,340
$18,277
Full cost / yr
$49,498
$48,532
In-state tuition
$33,250
$33,848
Out-of-state tuition
$33,250
$33,848
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,030
$19,074
$30k - $48k
$22,733
$16,001
$48k - $75k
$25,905
$16,147
$75k - $110k
$28,854
$19,940
Over $110k
$33,664
$24,027
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
57%
Freshman retention
69%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,599
$38,496
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,415
$44,640
Median debt at graduation
$17,375
$26,649
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
55%
First-generation students
40%
33%
International students
5%
4%
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.
- Is Lees-McRae College or Salem 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, Lees-McRae College or Salem College?
- Salem College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,277 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 Salem College?
- Before aid, Salem College costs about $48,532 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 Salem College?
- Salem College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,074 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 Salem College?
- Lees-McRae College is the larger of the two, with about 873 undergraduates against 423 at Salem College.
- Does Lees-McRae College or Salem College have a better graduation rate?
- Salem College has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 43% at Lees-McRae College.
- Do graduates of Lees-McRae College or Salem College earn more?
- Salem College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,640 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 Salem College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Lees-McRae College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Salem College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Lees-McRae College and Salem College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1240 at Lees-McRae College and 1066–1243 at Salem College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Lees-McRae College vs University of North Carolina School of the ArtsLees-McRae College vs Saint Augustine's UniversityLees-McRae College vs Carolina UniversitySalem College vs University of North Carolina School of the ArtsSalem College vs Saint Augustine's UniversitySalem College vs Carolina University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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