Lees-McRae College vs University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Lees-McRae College is a private college in Banner Elk, NC, and University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a public university in Winston Salem, NC. University of North Carolina School of the Arts is the more selective of the two, admitting about 30% of applicants against 77% at Lees-McRae College. University of North Carolina School of the Arts is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,906 a year against $28,340 at Lees-McRae College. About 78% of students graduate at University of North Carolina School of the Arts, compared with 43% at Lees-McRae College. Ten years after enrolling, Lees-McRae College alumni earn a median of about $43,415, against $38,357 for University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Banner Elk, NC
Winston Salem, NC
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
873
945
Acceptance rate
77%
30%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1240
1140–1370
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
22–29
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,340
$14,906
Full cost / yr
$49,498
$26,470
In-state tuition
$33,250
$9,477
Out-of-state tuition
$33,250
$27,211
Application fee
$25
$95
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,030
$3,165
$30k - $48k
$22,733
$7,828
$48k - $75k
$25,905
$11,491
$75k - $110k
$28,854
$20,173
Over $110k
$33,664
$25,172
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
78%
Freshman retention
69%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,599
$24,537
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,415
$38,357
Median debt at graduation
$17,375
$23,870
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
26%
First-generation students
40%
Not reported
International students
5%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 15
Nov 3
Regular decision
May 1
Jan 15
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 University of North Carolina School of the Arts harder to get into?
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts is harder to get into. It admits about 30% 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 University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,906 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 University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
- Before aid, University of North Carolina School of the Arts costs about $26,470 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 University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,165 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 University of North Carolina School of the Arts?
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts is the larger of the two, with about 945 undergraduates against 873 at Lees-McRae College.
- Does Lees-McRae College or University of North Carolina School of the Arts have a better graduation rate?
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts has the higher graduation rate, at about 78% against 43% at Lees-McRae College.
- Do graduates of Lees-McRae College or University of North Carolina School of the Arts earn more?
- Lees-McRae College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $43,415 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,357 for University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Lees-McRae College and University of North Carolina School of the Arts require SAT or ACT scores?
- Lees-McRae College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of North Carolina School of the Arts considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Lees-McRae College and University of North Carolina School of the Arts look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1240 at Lees-McRae College and 1140–1370 at University of North Carolina School of the Arts. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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