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Lee University

Cleveland, TN·Private nonprofit·2,712 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 2,712 students.

72%
Accept
2,712
Students
$20,399
Net Price
61%
Grad Rate
$37,800
Earnings
10 yr
$19,500
Debt

About This School

Lee University is a private nonprofit institution located in Cleveland, Tennessee with approximately 2,712 undergraduate students enrolled. Lee University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 72%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,399 per year. The graduation rate is 61%, and the typical graduate earns $37,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Lee University is a private Christian university in Cleveland, Tennessee, United States. It was founded in 1918 as the Church of God Bible Training School with twelve students and one teacher, Nora I. Chambers. The school grew to become Lee College, with a Bible college and junior college on its current site, in 1948. Twenty years later, Lee received accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a four-year liberal arts college. In 1997, Lee became a university; it now offers master's degrees as well as undergraduate degrees.

Worth considering if you're looking for a faith-centered liberal arts experience with a relatively affordable net price of around $20,400/year and manageable debt at graduation. The 61% graduation rate is a real concern — nearly 4 in 10 students don't finish — and median earnings of $37,800 a decade out suggest limited financial upside for many graduates. This fits best for students who prioritize the Christian community and mission over career-driven outcomes, and who have a clear plan to stay enrolled and finish.

Founded
1918
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions15%
Business & Marketing15%
Psychology9%
Education8%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Communications6%
Social Sciences3%
English2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Scott StappJordan SmithNathan Chapman

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1144
Reading 75th %ile630
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$22,690
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,690
Avg Net Price
$20,399
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants27%
Median debt at graduation$19,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
61%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
81%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White82%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino1%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,712 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Lee University

1120 N Ocoee St

Cleveland, TN 37311

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Tennessee

Browse all Tennessee schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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