Lees-McRae College
About Lees-McRae College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Lees-McRae College is a private university in Banner Elk, NC. It has a 61.3% acceptance rate and a 46.2% graduation rate, serving approximately 854 students.
Founded
1900
Location
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Students
910
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
76.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
42.1%
Below national average
Tuition
$33,250
Per year
Avg Net Price
$28,340
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$43,415
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$25
Early
Dec 15
Regular
Rolling
Lees-McRae College accepts the majority of applicants at 76.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
N/A
Not reported
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Average: 23 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
42.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
68.8%
4-Year Grad
36%
6-Year Grad
40%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
50%
$/Student
$7.9K
Class Size
Small
The 36% graduation rate is below average, but 68.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$33,250
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,200
Books & Supplies
$600
Total Cost of Attendance
$49,498
After Financial Aid
$28,340
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$23,030
Receive Grants
37.3%
Take Loans
59.4%
The total cost of attendance runs about $49,498/yr, including $15,200 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $28,340.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Lees-McRae College fund their education.
While in School
37.3%
Get Grants
Free money
59.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$42,683
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$17,375
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$184/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $17,375 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Lees-McRae College.
Gender
66.7%
Female
33%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
873
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
37
Graduates
40.1%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
13%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 67% of the student body. 40.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
873
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Baccalaureate
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Lees-McRae College fields 9 varsity teams with 465 student athletes, about 53% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
Conference Carolinas
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
465
53% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
236
Men
229
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Lees-McRae Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$43,415
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Zoology/Animal Biology
$25K
48 grads
1yr Earnings
Human Services, General
$35K
36 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$40K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$39K
21 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
—
16 grads
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$70K
14 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $42K six years out, growing to $43K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lees-McRae College
What is the acceptance rate at Lees-McRae College?▾
How much does Lees-McRae College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Lees-McRae College?▾
How much do Lees-McRae College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.