Lebanon Valley vs Elizabethtown College

Lebanon Valley College and Elizabethtown College, both esteemed institutions in Pennsylvania, offer distinct educational experiences. Lebanon Valley boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Elizabethtown maintains a slightly smaller student population. In terms of academics, Lebanon Valley excels in the fields of business, education, and health professions, whereas Elizabethtown shines in the areas of engineering, nursing, and the liberal arts. Both colleges boast impressive graduation rates, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about these institutions and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Elizabethtown College	Lebanon Valley College
Overview
Location	Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania	Annville, Pennsylvania
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	84.0%	84.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Methodism

Admission
Acceptance rate	79.5%	77.6%
Application fees	$50
SAT range	1070 - 1280	1078 - 1290
ACT range	24 - 28	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	4.0%
Total number of applicants	2,510	3,019
Total number of admissions given out	1,995	2,344
Admitted students who chose to enroll	434	474
Yield rate	21.8%	20.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$44,556	$63,590
Average net price	$26,534	$26,944
Tuition	$34,000	$45,860
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,100 Meal plan: $6,230	Room/dormitory: $6,190 Meal plan: $6,620
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan Other alternative tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $19,157	100.0% Average amount $33,021
Students receiving federal student loan	69.0% Average amount $5,362	70.0% Average amount $5,260
Students taking out private loans	22.0% Average amount $14,342	21.0% Average amount $16,934

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,691 Men 40.9% Women 59.1%	1,691 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%
Graduate students	242 Men 23.1% Women 76.9%	350 Men 35.1% Women 64.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	25.3%	N/A
International students	1.4%	1.0%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	1,418	1,270
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania New Jersey Maryland Delaware Virginia	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Communication and Journalism	Education Health Professions Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Business Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	11:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	75.5%	67.9%
Dropout rate	4.4%	5.7%
Transferred out	19.9%	25.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $92,826 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,381 Year 2: $62,508 Year 3: $70,731 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,063 Year 2: $64,307 Year 3: $70,253 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,660 Year 2: $54,386 Year 3: $61,588 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,810 Year 2: $48,901 Year 3: $54,166 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,433 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $45,335 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,346 Year 2: $41,441 Year 3: $42,984 Human Services, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,564 Year 2: $34,526 Year 3: $42,401 Criminology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $39,592 Year 3: $41,007 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,772 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $33,533	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,297 Year 2: $73,425 Year 3: $75,201 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $69,335 Year 2: $71,104 Year 3: $72,562 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,852 Year 2: $53,629 Year 3: $56,149 Criminology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,491 Year 2: $41,007 Year 3: $54,586 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,807 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $50,588 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,953 Year 2: $42,930 Year 3: $49,963 Special Education and Teaching (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,750 Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: $44,115 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,551 Year 2: $42,309 Year 3: $43,956 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $43,426 Year 3: $38,347 Music (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,124 Year 2: $31,133 Year 3: $37,019

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic strengths of Lebanon Valley College (LVC) and Elizabethtown College?

Lebanon Valley College is particularly strong in the sciences, particularly in its pre-med and health-related programs, as well as music and the arts. Elizabethtown College is well-regarded for its programs in allied health, business, and education, and is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning and career preparation.
How do the campus environments of LVC and Elizabethtown College compare?

Both colleges offer a traditional, residential campus experience. LVC has a more compact campus, fostering a close-knit community feel. Elizabethtown College's campus is slightly larger, with a mix of historic and modern buildings, and a more expansive feel. Both campuses are generally considered safe and welcoming.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each college, and what does this mean for students?

Both LVC and Elizabethtown College boast favorable student-to-faculty ratios, typically around 12:1 or 13:1. This means students can expect smaller class sizes, more individualized attention from professors, and greater opportunities for mentorship and research.
How do the costs of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) compare between LVC and Elizabethtown College?

The overall cost of attendance at both colleges is relatively similar. However, it's essential to check the most recent tuition and fee information on each college's website, as these figures can change annually. Both colleges offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help make education more affordable.
What are the main extracurricular activities and clubs available at Lebanon Valley College and Elizabethtown College?

Both colleges offer a wide range of extracurricular activities. LVC has a strong emphasis on music and the arts, with numerous performance groups and opportunities. Elizabethtown College has a robust offering of clubs and organizations, including those focused on service, leadership, and academic interests. Both schools have active Greek life and a variety of athletic programs.
How do the athletic programs at LVC and Elizabethtown College differ?

Both colleges are members of NCAA Division III. LVC's athletic programs are generally well-regarded, with a focus on a variety of sports. Elizabethtown College also has a strong athletic program, with a competitive presence in the Landmark Conference. The specific sports offered may vary slightly between the two institutions.
What is the surrounding area like for each college?

LVC is located in Annville, PA, a small, charming town with a rural feel. Elizabethtown College is situated in Elizabethtown, PA, which is also a small town, but with slightly more amenities and a closer proximity to larger cities like Harrisburg and Lancaster. Both locations offer a safe and pleasant environment for students.
How do the career services departments at LVC and Elizabethtown College assist students?

Both colleges have dedicated career services departments that provide resources for career exploration, resume writing, internship opportunities, and job placement. Elizabethtown College is particularly known for its emphasis on career preparation and its strong alumni network, which can be a valuable resource for students. LVC also offers comprehensive career services to support students in their career goals.
What are the typical class sizes at Lebanon Valley College and Elizabethtown College?

Both colleges are known for their small class sizes. You can generally expect classes to have around 20-25 students, especially in upper-level courses. This allows for more interaction with professors and a more personalized learning experience.
Which college is a better fit for me if I'm interested in pre-med or health-related fields?

Both colleges offer strong programs in pre-med and health-related fields. However, LVC has a particularly strong reputation in the sciences and offers a well-established pre-med track. Elizabethtown College also has excellent programs in allied health and nursing, and its emphasis on experiential learning can be beneficial for students in these fields. Consider the specific program offerings and your personal preferences when making your decision.

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