Lee University is a private, Christ-centered institution in Cleveland, Tennessee, offering 49 undergraduate majors across six academic colleges. It ranks #31 in the US News Best Regional Universities South 2026 edition, one of its strongest published positions this decade.
Programmes span bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees through the Cleveland campus and Lee Online, all delivered in English. Students from 52 nationalities currently study majors in business, nursing, computer science, education, music and theology. Fall and Spring intakes reopen each academic year with rolling review after Early Action closes.
- Ranking: #31 US News Best Regional Universities South 2026
- Acceptance rate: 82% (as per US News)
- Intakes: Fall (August 2027) and Spring (January 2027)
- UG tuition: USD 25,440 per year (INR 24.12 lakh)
- Application fee: USD 25 (INR 2,371)
- International reach: students from 52 countries
Merit scholarships automatically consider international applicants based on test scores and school transcripts. F-1 visa holders may work up to 20 hours weekly on campus at Lee University. Financial proof requires a sponsor form and a bank statement per the standard MS universities in USA documentation checklist. The Christ-centered curriculum requires twice-weekly chapel attendance and a community covenant applicable to all universities in USA Christian tier.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.83 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 intakes). Undergraduate Spring 2027 applications close 01 December 2026, and graduate Spring 2027 applications close 15 November 2026. Fall 2027 undergraduate Early Action closes 01 December 2026 for priority scholarship review, with the graduate deadline set at 01 April 2027.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Lee University 2027
- Lee University Admission 2027
- Lee University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Lee University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Lee University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Lee University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Lee University Scholarships 2027
- Lee University Rankings 2027
- Lee University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Lee University vs Peer Universities
- Lee University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Lee University 2027
Lee University charges full-time undergraduate tuition of USD 12,720 per semester for the 2026-2027 academic year. A four-year bachelor’s programme runs two semesters annually, bringing total tuition to USD 25,440 (INR 24.12 lakh) per year. Graduate programmes use per credit hour pricing set at USD 960 across most master’s tracks.
The postgraduate table below lists Lee University’s flagship master’s programmes. Only the MBA has a fixed credit total published on the official Lee University fee schedule.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (32 credit hours) | 30,720 | 29.13 lakh | Bachelor’s with GPA 2.75 or 60% (recommended) |
| Master of Education | 960 per credit hour | 0.91 lakh per credit; verify total credits | Bachelor’s with GPA 3.0 or 65% (recommended) |
| Master of Science in Nursing | 960 per credit hour | 0.91 lakh per credit; verify total credits | BSN with GPA 3.0 or 65% and active RN licence |
| Master of Divinity | 960 per credit hour | 0.91 lakh per credit; verify total credits | Bachelor’s with GPA 2.5 or 55% (recommended) |
| MA in Clinical Mental Health Counselling | 960 per credit hour | 0.91 lakh per credit; verify total credits | Bachelor’s with GPA 3.0 or 65% (recommended) |
[Source: Lee University 2026-2027 Graduate Tuition Schedule]
The undergraduate table shows Lee University’s most subscribed bachelor’s programmes with uniform annual tuition. All programmes span eight semesters across four years.
| Programme | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN Nursing | 25,440 | 24.12 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended); science prerequisites |
| BBA Business Administration | 25,440 | 24.12 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | 25,440 | 24.12 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended); Maths in Class 12 |
| BA Psychology | 25,440 | 24.12 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
| BA Communication | 25,440 | 24.12 lakh | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
[Source: Lee University 2026-2027 Undergraduate Tuition Schedule]
Insider note: Indian applicants most often shortlist nursing, business and computer science at Lee University because those fields sit inside the STEM OPT extension pathway after graduation.
Read More: Lee University Fees and Programs Guide
Lee University Admission 2027
Lee University runs a Fall (August) and Spring (January) intake for Indian applicants, with graduate deadlines set earlier than undergraduate ones. Applications sit under rolling review once Early Action closes.
Lee University UG Admission Dates 2027
Undergraduate applicants target either the Fall 2027 intake through three deadline waves or the earlier Spring 2027 cycle. Each date below is drawn from the official Lee University admissions calendar.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 UG deadline | 01 December 2026 | Limited seats; apply early for a January start |
| Fall 2027 Early Action | 01 December 2026 | Priority merit scholarship review guaranteed by holiday break |
| Fall 2027 Priority deadline | 15 March 2027 | Standard scholarship consideration window |
| Fall 2027 Regular deadline | 15 August 2027 | Space-available basis; no scholarship guarantee |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Required for Class 12 marksheets and Board certificates |
[Source: Lee University International Admissions]
Lee University PG Admission Dates 2027
Graduate applicants have a single deadline per intake. Spring 2027 graduate applications close two weeks before the undergraduate deadline.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 PG deadline | 15 November 2026 | Applies to MBA, MEd, MSN and MA programmes |
| Fall 2027 PG deadline | 01 April 2027 | Same deadline across all graduate schools |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Required for Indian bachelor’s transcripts |
| Programme start (Fall 2027) | Expected late August 2027 | Orientation the week prior; verify at official calendar |
Planning note: Indian applicants targeting the Fall 2027 undergraduate Early Action must send WES-verified Class 12 marksheets by late September 2026 to hit the 01 December 2026 deadline.
Read More: Lee University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Lee University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Lee University sets modest academic thresholds for Indian applicants, with an English test the only mandatory standardised score. Requirements differ slightly between undergraduate and postgraduate tracks.
Postgraduate (3-4 bullets):
- Bachelor’s degree: minimum GPA 2.5 or roughly 55% aggregate on the Indian scale (recommended); some programmes such as MEd and MSN require GPA 3.0 or 65%
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 71, or IELTS 5.5, or PTE equivalent; SAT and ACT scores can substitute for TOEFL
- Credential verification: WES evaluation of Indian bachelor’s transcripts required before the offer
- Financial proof: sponsor guarantee form plus a bank statement showing full first-year funding
Undergraduate (2-3 bullets):
- Class 12 marksheet: minimum GPA 2.0 or roughly 55%-65% (recommended, varies by major)
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 71 or IELTS 5.5; the SAT (1000+) or ACT (19+) can replace the English test
- Housing deposit: USD 200 (INR 18,966) locks a hall spot on offer acceptance
Key insight: Lee University sets one of the lowest English score bars among US regional universities at IELTS 5.5, so IELTS candidates should not confuse this with the higher Ivy or R1 benchmarks.
Lee University Acceptance Rate 2027
Lee University reports an acceptance rate of 82% for the most recent admission cycle. As per US News 2026 data, this figure places Lee among the more open-access regional universities in the American South. The 82% figure counts first-time freshman applications and does not disaggregate international applicants.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82% | Stable |
| 2025 | 83% | Slight rise |
Indian applicants meeting the minimum GPA and TOEFL bar have realistic odds of admission at Lee University. The competitive filter is the merit scholarship tier rather than the admission decision itself.
Reality check: A high acceptance rate does not mean an automatic offer at Lee University; incomplete WES verification or missing sponsor documentation is the most common reason Indian files stall late in the cycle.
Read More: Lee University Acceptance Rate Trends
Lee University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost of attendance at Lee University sits between USD 37,650 and USD 41,000 (INR 35.71 to 38.88 lakh) for a full-time undergraduate. Tuition contributes the biggest share, with housing, board and books making up the balance.
Lee University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
As per Lee University’s 2026-2027 fee schedule, undergraduate tuition is fixed at USD 12,720 per semester regardless of country of origin.
| Fee Head | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (12-16 credits per semester) | 25,440 | 24.12 lakh |
| General student services fee | 820 | 0.78 lakh |
| Housing (double occupancy, mid-tier) | 4,200 to 4,650 | 3.98 to 4.41 lakh |
| Meal plan (board) | 3,900 | 3.70 lakh |
| Books and supplies | 1,600 | 1.52 lakh |
| Estimated total per year | 35,960 to 36,410 | 34.10 to 34.53 lakh |
[Source: Lee University 2026-2027 Fee Schedule]
Monthly Cost of Living in Cleveland for Lee University Students
Cleveland is a small city of about 45,000 residents in southeast Tennessee. Off-campus rents run well below the US metro average.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus housing (double, per semester basis) | 420 to 465 | 0.40 to 0.44 lakh |
| Meal plan or groceries | 390 to 450 (estimated) | 0.37 to 0.43 lakh |
| Transportation (small-city local) | 80 to 120 (estimated) | 0.08 to 0.11 lakh |
| Books and supplies | 160 | 0.15 lakh |
| Personal expenses | 150 to 200 (estimated) | 0.14 to 0.19 lakh |
| Total monthly | 1,200 to 1,395 (estimated) | 1.14 to 1.32 lakh |
| Annual (10-month academic year) | 12,000 to 13,950 (estimated) | 11.38 to 13.23 lakh |
[Source: Lee University fee schedule for on-campus housing, board and books; other categories estimated for Cleveland, Tennessee]
Insider note: Cleveland rents are among the lowest for any US university city hosting Indian students, so a monthly budget below INR 1.25 lakh is realistic when a student picks on-campus housing at Lee University.
Read More: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students
Lee University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Lee University sits on a compact 120-acre campus in Cleveland, Tennessee, roughly 45 minutes from Chattanooga and two hours from Knoxville.
- Location and transport: The campus is walkable end-to-end and served by a free shuttle; Chattanooga airport is the nearest regional hub for Indian students arriving through Atlanta.
- Housing: On-campus double-occupancy rooms cost USD 1,890 to 2,860 per semester (INR 1.79 to 2.71 lakh); Lee University guarantees housing for all four undergraduate years.
- Facilities: The Squires Library holds over 220,000 volumes; the Communication Arts and Music buildings run recording studios open to enrolled students.
- Community life: Chapel attendance twice weekly is a graduation requirement, alongside 10 hours of service each semester and Global Perspectives study-abroad participation.
- Indian student base: The international cohort spans 52 countries; South Asian students typically cluster in business, nursing and computer science majors.
What Indian students say: The campus is quieter than a large US city and the community covenant sets clear expectations; the trade-off is safe surroundings, affordable meal plans and easy faculty access without hyper-competitive classrooms.
Lee University Scholarships 2027
Lee University offers over 300 named scholarships, six of which are open to international undergraduate applicants regardless of country. Only one earmarked award, the Asian Pacific Scholarship, excludes Indian nationals by design.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Automatic merit | USD 7,500 per year (INR 7.11 lakh); max USD 30,000 (INR 28.45 lakh) | ACT 28+ or SAT 1310+ and GPA 3.5+ | 01 December 2026 (Early Action) |
| Dean’s Scholarship | Automatic merit | USD 5,000 per year (INR 4.74 lakh) | ACT 24+ and GPA 3.3+ | 01 December 2026 (Early Action) |
| Ignite Scholarship | Automatic merit | USD 2,000 per year (INR 1.90 lakh) | ACT 21+ and GPA 3.0+ | 01 December 2026 (Early Action) |
| Charles Paul Conn Centennial Scholarship | Competitive | Full tuition renewable (INR 24.12 lakh annually) | 10 incoming freshmen; separate application | 15 March 2027 |
| Poiema Scholarship | Programme-specific | USD 5,000 per year (INR 4.74 lakh) | School of Theology & Ministry majors with GPA 3.4+ | 01 February 2027 (freshmen); 15 March 2027 (others) |
[Source: Lee University Financial Aid]
Planning note: The Presidential and Dean’s scholarships are ACT-driven, so Indian applicants relying only on IELTS forgo automatic merit consideration; sitting the ACT costs USD 68 and unlocks tuition support at Lee University.
Read More: Lee University Scholarships Guide
Lee University Rankings 2027
Lee University’s strongest ranking sits in the US News Regional Universities South tier, where it holds #31 in the 2026 edition. The university is not currently ranked in the global QS or THE lists, which typically cover research-intensive universities rather than regional Christian institutions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition |
|---|---|---|
| US News Best Regional Universities South | 2026: #31 | 2023: #33 |
| US News Best Value Schools (Regional South) | 2026: #12 | 2023: #13 |
| US News Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional South) | 2026: #14 | 2023: #19 |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked |
[Source: US News 2026 Best Colleges]
As per US News 2026 Best Colleges, Lee University moved up two spots in the Regional South table since its 2023 edition ranking of #33. The Best Value position at #12 reflects the ratio of scholarship coverage to sticker price.
Key insight: A regional US News rank still satisfies most Indian employer verification and Indian bank education loan panels; the QS gap matters only if a candidate later applies for a public-sector research role in India.
Read More: Lee University Rankings Analysis
Lee University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Lee University does not publish a central placement rate, though the Career Development Center coordinates recruiter visits, résumé reviews and internship placements each semester.
- Employment support: The Career Development Center runs on-campus recruiting fairs, alumni-led mentoring and interview coaching sessions.
- Median starting salary: Not officially disclosed by Lee University; nursing, business and computer science graduates track close to the Tennessee median for entry-level roles.
- Top hiring sectors: Healthcare, K-12 education, faith-based non-profits, small-business management and computer support services form the bulk of graduate placements.
- OPT and STEM OPT: All Indian F-1 students qualify for 12 months of OPT after graduation; STEM majors add 24 months for a total 36-month US work window.
- Notable alumni: Graduates hold roles across the Church of God ministry network, southeastern US school districts and regional healthcare systems.
Insider note: Indian applicants who want strong recruiter access should pair the BSN or BS Computer Science pathway at Lee University with a summer internship in Atlanta or Nashville, both under three hours by road.
Lee University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below matches Lee University against three Christian private universities in the American South that Indian applicants often shortlist together. All four blend faith-based curricula with regional employer networks.
| University | US News 2026 | Annual UG Tuition (USD) | Annual UG Tuition (INR) | One-line Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee University | #31 Regional South | 25,440 | 24.12 lakh | Lowest tuition in this set with a Christ-centered small-city campus |
| Samford University | #179 National | 41,910 | 39.74 lakh | Baptist heritage with strong health sciences in Birmingham |
| Belmont University | #213 National | 43,750 | 41.49 lakh | Nashville location with music-industry and healthcare recruiting |
| Union University | #242 National | 41,470 | 39.32 lakh | Baptist liberal arts with a large teacher-education programme |
Lee University stands out for its price point, coming in nearly USD 15,000 below the peer average annual tuition. Its rolling admissions and modest IELTS bar make it more accessible than nationally-ranked MBA universities in USA in the same faith-based tier.
Lee University fits an Indian applicant who wants a mid-cost private US undergraduate experience in a safe small city with strong scholarship access. The USD 35 to 41 lakh annual investment recovers over a three-year STEM OPT window when tied to nursing or computer science outcomes.
Lee University is not the right choice for an applicant chasing QS or THE-ranked research prestige, a large Indian-diaspora social scene or a secular campus culture. Samford University or Belmont University suits those seeking urban placements and a nationally-ranked profile.
Lee University FAQs
Ques. Does Lee University accept the SAT in place of a TOEFL score?
Ans. Yes, Lee University accepts an SAT total of 1000 or higher, or an ACT composite of 19 or higher, as an English proficiency substitute for the TOEFL and IELTS. Indian applicants who took the SAT or ACT for other US applications can reuse those scores here without sitting a separate English test. The Sponsor Guarantee and Bank Statement remain mandatory regardless of which score type is submitted.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Lee University?
Ans. F-1 visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and 40 hours during official breaks. Lee University lists jobs in the library, cafeteria, admissions office and residence life every semester. Off-campus employment is limited to Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training tied to the degree programme, and both require prior approval from the Designated School Official.
Ques. What is the application fee at Lee University and can it be waived?
Ans. Lee University charges a USD 25 (INR 2,371) application fee for international undergraduate applicants. The fee is waived automatically for candidates who apply through the university’s official campus visit, virtual visit or approved education fair. Applicants unable to attend either event should email the International Admissions counsellor for a case-by-case fee waiver code before submitting the online application.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers finance Lee University tuition?
Ans. SBI Global Ed-Vantage, HDFC Credila, Avanse and InCred all fund US undergraduate and graduate programmes at accredited private universities such as Lee University. Collateral loans typically cover up to INR 1.5 crore with a residential property or fixed deposit as security. Non-collateral loans from HDFC Credila or Avanse cap at INR 40 to 50 lakh and rely on the co-applicant’s credit profile.
Ques. Is there an interview requirement for Lee University international applicants?
Ans. Lee University does not require an admissions interview for standard undergraduate or graduate applications from Indian students. The Charles Paul Conn Centennial Scholarship and School of Music auditions do include an on-camera interview or audition round. All F-1 visa candidates separately face the mandatory US consular interview at the Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad consulate.
Ques. How long does a Lee University offer letter take for Indian applicants?
Ans. Complete Early Action files receive a decision by the winter holiday break, typically within four weeks of submission. Priority and Regular deadline files receive decisions within four to six weeks under the rolling model. Applicants who submit WES verification, transcripts, TOEFL and financial documentation together see the fastest turnaround from Lee University’s admissions office.
Ques. Does Lee University offer dependent visas for the spouses of Indian students?
Ans. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of an F-1 student may apply for the F-2 dependent visa alongside the primary applicant. Lee University issues an I-20 for the dependent once the student uploads a marriage or birth certificate plus additional bank statements showing extra funds. F-2 spouses cannot work in the US but may enrol in part-time academic study at Lee University.
Ques. What documents must an Indian applicant upload during the Lee University application?
Ans. Indian applicants upload the completed online application, official Class 12 marksheet in English, TOEFL or IELTS score report, passport bio-page copy, Sponsor’s Guarantee Form and a recent bank statement showing at least one year of funds. Graduate applicants add the bachelor’s transcript, degree certificate, resume and two academic reference letters. WES verification runs in parallel and is sent directly to Lee University by WES.
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Yes, Lee University Cleveland accepts transfer admissions for students who have fulfilled the eligibility requirements. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. The transfer application deadline may vary depending on the program, so it's recommended to check the university's website or contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information.