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 delivers below-average financial returns with median earnings of $43,222 ten years after graduation, placing it in the bottom tier for ROI among four-year institutions.
Your best bet financially is accounting, which pays $55,625 annually with just $16,750 in debt. This program stands out as Lee's only strong financial performer. Business administration graduates earn $39,369 but carry $25,950 in debt, creating a weaker return. Education majors face the worst deal with $36,000 in debt for $39,369 in earnings, making loan payments difficult on teacher salaries.
The 60% graduation rate signals completion risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed for higher earnings. The $25,750 median debt load becomes problematic when paired with the school's modest earning outcomes.
Lee works financially if you're targeting accounting or can attend with minimal borrowing. The school's Tennessee location offers lower living costs, but the regional job market limits earning potential compared to major metropolitan areas. Only 27% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for families who need it most.
Skip Lee if you're considering education programs, planning to borrow heavily, or need strong earning potential to justify college costs. The combination of high debt and modest earnings creates financial strain for most graduates. Your money goes further at public universities or higher-earning private schools in this price range.
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.