Liberty University vs Lee University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Liberty University and Lee University are closely matched on financial return. Liberty University scores 28/100 while Lee University scores 27/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, Lee University comes in at $18,878 per year (net price after aid) versus $29,357 at Liberty University - a difference of $10,479 annually, or roughly $41,916 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Liberty University graduates earn a median of $44,813 compared to $43,222 at Lee University. The payback period is 26.2 years at Liberty University versus 26.2 years at Lee University.
Graduates leave Liberty University with a median $24,500 in debt versus $25,750 at Lee University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.68 and 0.86 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Liberty University | Lee University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $22,465 | $23,790 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,465 | $23,790 |
| Net Price (avg) | $29,357 | $18,878 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $117,428 | $75,512 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $35,800 | $30,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $43,222 |
| Graduation Rate | 65.3% | 62.6% |
| Payback Period | 26.2 yr | 26.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $25,750 |
| Monthly Payment | $260 | $273 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.68 | 0.86 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 61.2% | 71.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 44.7% | 64.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.0% | 70.5% |
| Enrollment | 50,012 | 2,617 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Liberty University | Lee University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $30,667 | $12,834 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $27,807 | $13,845 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $27,347 | $17,029 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $27,142 | $19,699 |
| $110,001+ | $30,545 | $24,641 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Liberty University | Lee University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $82,883 | $70,388 |
| Accounting | $63,307 | $79,208 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,269 | $59,274 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,911 | $44,095 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $45,257 | $54,203 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $51,061 | $45,221 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $50,891 | $43,241 |
| Teacher Education | $40,952 | $48,382 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $47,241 | $36,999 |
| Psychology | $45,340 | $46,719 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | $46,531 | $45,844 |
| History | $46,496 | $44,096 |
| Music | $42,960 | $35,702 |
| English Language and Literature | $42,576 | $30,977 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Liberty University | Lee University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 20 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 20 | 20 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 32 | 11 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 69 | 64 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 19 | 43 |
| Overall ROI Score | 28 | 27 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Liberty University edges out Lee University by 1 points (28 vs 27), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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Liberty University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Lee University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.