At $20,399/yr net price, Lee University graduates earn $43,222/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,222/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,399 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,596 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,222/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,222/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,887/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,815/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,890/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,697/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,299/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,625 | $16,750 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,087 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $39,369 | $25,950 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,369 | $36,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $39,099 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,122 | $24,788 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $37,808 | $42,100 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $36,282 | $29,625 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $36,141 |
The Risk Factor
60.7% of students at Lee University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lee University gives you a mixed financial return that leans weak. Median earnings ten years out land at $43,222, barely above the $25,750 median debt in ratio terms, and below what you'd want from a private college charging $20,399 a year net.
Accounting is the clear winner here. It pays $55,625 with only $16,750 in debt, the best combination on this list by a wide margin. If you're aiming for a career, that's the program that makes the math work. Everything else on the top-earnings list sits in the high $30,000s, which is where the problem shows up. English pays $39,009 but carries $27,000 in debt. Teacher Education pays $36,282 against $29,625 in debt, meaning you borrow more than you earn in a year. The education and English tracks at Lee do not clear a return that justifies private-college pricing.
The specific risk is the gap between what most programs pay and what you borrow. A $43,222 median with education-heavy offerings means many of you graduate into modest-paying fields while carrying near-$26,000 in debt. A 60.7% grad rate also means four in ten of you leave without a degree, and debt without a credential is the worst outcome available.
Lee fits you if you're going into accounting or business and can control borrowing. Look elsewhere if you want to major in education or English and would need heavy loans to attend.
On price, the tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $48,000 in family income, you pay around $13,800. That jumps to $23,697 in the $75-110k band and $26,299 above $110k. Middle- and upper-income families pay close to sticker here, so the value depends heavily on which major you pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lee University worth the money?
Lee University's graduates earn $43,222 after 10 years, which is below average for a private university costing $20,399 annually. The accounting program offers better returns at $55,625, but most other programs struggle to justify the cost.
What is Lee University's return on investment?
Lee University's ROI is weak overall, with graduates earning less than $45,000 a decade after enrollment. Only the accounting program shows solid earnings potential, while education and business majors face lower salaries that may not offset student debt.
How much debt do Lee University students graduate with?
Lee University graduates carry a median debt of $25,750. With average starting salaries around $43,000, this debt load is manageable but leaves little room for financial mistakes.
Which Lee University programs have the best job prospects?
Accounting graduates from Lee University earn $55,625 on average, making it the clear winner for career earnings. Education and general business programs cluster around $39,000-$46,000, which is modest given the tuition investment.