Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Lees-McRae College and Catawba College are both private nonprofit institutions — Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC and Catawba College in Salisbury, NC. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Banner Elk, NC · Private
Acceptance rate: 76.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 873
Tuition: $33,250/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 42.1%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Business and marketing, Education
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Banner Elk, NC with published program strength in Biological sciences and Business and marketing.
Salisbury, NC · Private
Acceptance rate: 75.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,235
Tuition: $34,300/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 47.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Salisbury, NC with published program strength in Business and marketing and Education.
| Factor | Lees-McRae College | Catawba College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 76.8% | 75.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1030–1300 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 23 average | 17–25 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 873 | 1,235 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $33,250/year | $34,300/year |
| Average net price after aid | $28,340 | $17,879 |
| Graduation rate | 42.1% | 47.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $43,415 | $48,793 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 11.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Banner Elk, NC | Salisbury, NC |
| Largest program areas | Biological sciences, Business and marketing, Education | Business and marketing, Education, Biological sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (76.8% vs 75.2%). Catawba College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,879 vs $28,340). Catawba College reports the higher graduation rate (47.3% vs 42.1%). Catawba College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,235 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Lees-McRae College and Catawba College
Lees-McRae College has an acceptance rate of 76.8%; Catawba College is around 75.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Lees-McRae College tuition is $33,250/year. Catawba College is $34,300/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool