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Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private Nonprofit

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72.2%
Acceptance
1120
SAT
$28,124
Sticker Price
$16,890
Net Price*
$43,222
Earnings
8.2 yrs
Payback
2,150
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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What is Lee University's acceptance rate?

Down 17 percentage points since 2018

With a 72.2% acceptance rate, Lee University is considered accessible. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Lee University?

Lee University received 2,150 applications in 2023, down 12% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 36% is moderate for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Lee University?

Psychology, General leads as the most popular major at Lee University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Lee University?

Tuition has increased by 48% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 43% from $19,604 to $28,124.

Tuition Total Cost

How much do Lee University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Accounting and Related Services earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $55,625 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Accounting and Related Service... $55,625
$8,500 $106,421
Special Education and Teaching $39,099
$8,500 $106,421
English Language and Literatur... $39,009
$8,500 $106,421
Business Administration, Manag... $38,122
$8,500 $106,421
Teacher Education and Professi... $36,282
$8,500 $106,421
Teacher Education and Professi... $35,843
$8,500 $106,421
Sociology $35,060
$8,500 $106,421
Public Relations, Advertising,... $29,374
$8,500 $106,421
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Lee University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 2,150 1,552 72.2% 35.6%
2022 2,014 1,462 72.6% 35.4%
2021 2,222 1,843 82.9% 33.6%
2020 2,236 1,856 83.0% 36.9%
2019 2,416 1,975 81.8% 40.1%
2018 2,443 2,179 89.2% 40.4%
2017 2,387 2,030 85.0% 44.4%
2016 2,277 1,986 87.2% 44.8%
2015 2,141 1,830 85.5% 45.6%

Is Lee University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
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Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Lee University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,222
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$6,100 $43,222 median $60,400

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $6,100 while the top 10% earn $60,400. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$38,082
Median Debt
$25,750
6-Year Graduation Rate
60.7%

How much does Lee University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Lee University is approximately $28,124 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

Tuition
$18,840
Fees
$700
Room & Board
$8,584
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,124

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $13,887
$30-48k income $13,815
$48-75k income $16,890
$75-110k income $23,697
$110k+ income $26,299

Which majors pay the most?

  • Accounting and Related Services $55,625
  • Special Education and Teaching $39,099
  • English Language and Literature, General $39,009
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations $38,122
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $36,282

Who attends Lee University?

Lee University enrolls 3,680 students, with 3% from outside the United States. Women make up 61% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 3,680
Retention Rate 81%
International 3%
Women 61%
Race/Ethnicity
White 75%
Black 4%
Hispanic 3%
Asian 1%

How much financial aid is available?

76% of students receive some form of financial aid at Lee University. About 27% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 76%
Avg: $13,255 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 27%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 45%
Avg: $6,770
School's Own Grants 89%
Avg: $9,958 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Lee University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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