About Lees-McRae College
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $25,765 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $43,415 ten years later. That creates a manageable debt load with typical monthly payments of $184. However, the 44% six-year graduation rate means many students struggle to finish their degrees. Those who do graduate find employment at a 94.5% rate.
Women make up 67% of the student body, creating a female-dominated campus culture. The college fields 17 varsity sports in NCAA Division II, with 352 athletes receiving $2.9 million in athletic scholarships. The 62% retention rate reflects the reality that mountain college life isn't for everyone, but those who stay often form lifelong bonds with classmates and the stunning Appalachian landscape.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 52.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.2%
- Retention Rate
- 62.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,415
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,935 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,649 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,393 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,816 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $23,456 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $21,052 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | Bachelor | $20,596 |
Campus Life
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but it also means fewer social options than at larger schools. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities like skiing at nearby Grandfather Mountain or hiking the Appalachian Trail, which runs close to campus. The college's outdoor recreation programs take advantage of the stunning natural setting. With 352 student-athletes out of 817 total students, sports culture runs strong among the Bobcats. The remote location creates a close community where 66.71% female enrollment skews the social active, but isolation can feel limiting for students craving city amenities.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 673 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–34°F
- July Avg
- 56°–68°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 101.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 33.3%
- Women
- 66.7%
- White
- 74.1%
- Black
- 8.3%
- Hispanic
- 5.3%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 58.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.4%
Location
- Address
- Banner Elk, North Carolina 28604
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,415
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,201
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $184/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,375
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lees-McRae College?
Lees-McRae College accepts 61.34% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small mountain college. The school values students who appreciate outdoor adventure and tight-knit community living in Banner Elk's Blue Ridge Mountain setting.
How much does Lees-McRae College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,765 annually after aid, with 86.55% taking federal loans. The Presbyterian-affiliated college offers institutional grants averaging $18,205 to help offset the $31,140 tuition for this rural mountain experience.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lees-McRae College?
The college maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 817 total students, ensuring personalized attention in this small liberal arts environment. The intimate scale allows professors to know students by name and create mentoring relationships typical of mountain college culture.
What are graduation rates like at Lees-McRae College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 44.20%, while graduates earn a median of $43,415 ten years after starting college. The outdoor recreation focus and small college environment attract students who value experiential learning over traditional academic metrics.
Where do students live at Lees-McRae College?
Campus housing accommodates 673 students, supporting the close-knit community culture in Banner Elk's rural mountain setting. With 66.71% women and a 62.26% retention rate, the residential experience centers around outdoor activities and Presbyterian values.
Does Lees-McRae College have strong athletics programs?
The Bobcats compete in NCAA Division II with 17 varsity sports and 352 total athletes receiving $2,917,880 in athletic scholarships. The Conference Carolinas member leverages its Blue Ridge Mountain location for outdoor sports and recreation programs that define campus culture.
