Lees-McRae College
Lees-McRae College is a private nonprofit university in Banner Elk, NC ranked #1480 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 873 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 76.8%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 68.8% first-year retention, and 42.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $28,340, about $11,342 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -63.3%, roughly 148.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $41,599. That's about $2,089 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Lees-McRae College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Lees-McRae College graduates 42.1% of students within six years and keeps 68.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Lees-McRae College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $33,250 |
| Books and Supplies | $600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,200 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,272 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $49,498 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 37.3% of Lees-McRae College students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $23,030 to $33,664 depending on family income. Use Lees-McRae College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $28,854/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $33,664/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $41,599
- 10-Year Median Earnings $41,599
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 55.3%
- Employment Rate 88.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Lees-McRae College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Lees-McRae College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Lees-McRae College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Lees-McRae College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Lees-McRae College graduates earn $41,599 median, the -63.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 873
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 68.8%
- Graduation Rate 42.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Lees-McRae College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Lees-McRae College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 76.8%, Lees-McRae College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 76.8% acceptance rate, Lees-McRae College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Lees-McRae College undergraduates. Criminal Justice and Corrections, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Zoology/Animal Biology draw the most students.
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 14.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 12.6%
- Zoology/Animal Biology 12.6%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 12.6%
- Human Services, General 10.0%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 9.5%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 6.1%
- Biology, General 4.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $82,456
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $68,923
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections $44,593
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $44,097
- 5. Zoology/Animal Biology $35,006
- 6. Human Services, General $34,811
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $82,456—137% more than Human Services, General ($34,811). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Lees-McRae College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Zoology/Animal Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
- English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degree, 7 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (19 programs)▼
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- History
- Special Education and Teaching
- Communication and Media Studies
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Nutrition Sciences
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 873
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 33.3%
- Female Students 66.7%
- Caucasian 56.5%
- Asian 1.5%
- Hispanic 4.7%
- Black 6.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 37.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Lees-McRae College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Lees-McRae College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lees-McRae College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lees-McRae College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 66.7% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lees-McRae College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lees-McRae College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Lees-McRae College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -63.3% ROI. Ranked #1480 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $28,340 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $41,599 median earnings. With 42.1% graduating within six years and 68.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Lees-McRae College's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1480 ranking, Lees-McRae College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $28,340 annually, Lees-McRae College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 68.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,838 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -63.3% ROI and $41,599 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $18,340+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Lees-McRae College ranks #1480 of 1942 institutions, with 1489 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 42.1% six-year graduation rate sits 20.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 68.8% first-year retention is 8.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -63.3% return on investment is 148.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $41,599 run about 5% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $28,340 is roughly $8,322 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 68.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.0% employment rate within three years sits 19.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $28,340 is about $8,322 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Lees-McRae College, a private nonprofit university in Banner Elk, NC, secures a C+ grade in our latest review. It holds a #1480 national ranking Completion earns C+, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 68.8% of first-year students return, and roughly 42.1% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -63.3% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $28,340 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $49,498.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $21,158 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 37.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $41,599 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 5% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 88.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -63.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
76.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Lees-McRae College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Banner Elk, NC 28604
- Website www.lmc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$34.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate41.2%