Private nonprofit Institution

Lees-McRae College — Banner Elk, North Carolina

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Annual Tuition $31,140

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 80.8%

Open Admission

Enrollment 817

Active Students

Avg. Salary $43,415

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Banner Elk, North Carolina
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 7/15/1988

Academic Mission & Environment

"Lees-McRae College stands as a pillar of higher education in Banner Elk, providing a robust academic foundation for 817 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Lees-McRae College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Lees-McRae College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Biological Sciences
28%

Enrollment Share

Public Admin
17.1%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
11.9%

Enrollment Share

Education
10.4%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation
9.5%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
7.6%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Lees-McRae College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Public Admin College

The Public Admin program at Lees-McRae College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Lees-McRae College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Lees-McRae College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 80.8%
Difficulty Low

Lees-McRae College maintains an acceptance rate of 80.8%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 33.3%
Women Enrollment 66.7%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Lees-McRae College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $31,140
Out-of-State Tuition $31,140

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 37.4%
Median Student Debt $17,375

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $31,140, graduates see a median starting salary of $43,415, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can Lees-McRae College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $43,415

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 44.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $25,765
Median Salary (6yr) $41,599
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk?

817 Students

Gender Comparison

33.3% Men
66.7% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

62.3%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.9%
Pacific Islander
0.2%
Asian
1.7%
Black
8.3%
White
74.1%
Unknown
4%
Hispanic
5.3%
Two or More Races
1.5%
International
4%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 25
🎓
First-Generation 40.1%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 64.8%
💍
Married Students 21.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $55,854
Average Family Income $53,939
Median Family Income $42,683

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

45.2%
54.8%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Banner Elk Campus Environment

Located at 191 Main Street, Lees-McRae College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Lees-McRae College

Is Lees-McRae College a good college in Banner Elk, North Carolina?
Lees-McRae College is a recognized institution in Banner Elk with an enrollment of 817 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in North Carolina based on Department of Education data.
Is Lees-McRae College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Lees-McRae College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $43,415. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Lees-McRae College cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Lees-McRae College is approximately $31,140. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $31,140. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Lees-McRae College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Lees-McRae College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 64.8% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Lees-McRae College good for Biological Sciences and Public Admin programs?
Lees-McRae College is highly regarded for its Biological Sciences and Public Admin programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Lees-McRae College?
Graduates of Lees-McRae College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Biological Sciences. With a median salary of $43,415, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Lees-McRae College?
Lees-McRae College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Lees-McRae College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Lees-McRae College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Lees-McRae College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Lees-McRae College earn a median salary of $43,415 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Lees-McRae College a good investment compared to other NC colleges?
Lees-McRae College stands out as a high-value investment in North Carolina. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Lees-McRae College located and what is the campus like?
Lees-McRae College is located at 191 Main Street in Banner Elk, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 817 learners.
Who typically attends Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC?
The student body at Lees-McRae College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 40.1% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: North Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Lees-McRae College with other leading institutions in North Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
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