At $25,765/yr net price, Lees-McRae College graduates earn $43,415/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,415/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,765 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $103,060 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,415/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,415/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,375 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,829/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,139/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,899/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,761/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,115/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,935 | $19,339 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,649 | $17,605 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,393 | $15,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $14,050 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $23,456 | $25,624 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $21,052 | |
| Zoology/Animal Biology. | Bachelor | $20,596 | $23,000 |
The Risk Factor
44.2% of students at Lees-McRae College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Lees-McRae College delivers weak returns for most students, with median earnings of $43,415 barely justifying the $25,765 annual price tag. The 44% graduation rate means more than half of students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Nursing stands as the clear financial winner at this North Carolina mountain school, with graduates earning $63,935 and manageable debt loads. Business administration offers moderate returns at $44,649, making it viable for students committed to completing their degree. Education majors face challenging economics with $34,393 starting salaries in a region where teaching pay remains low.
Avoid psychology and criminal justice programs entirely. Psychology graduates earn just $23,456 while carrying $25,624 in debt, creating an unsustainable financial burden. Criminal justice majors fare only slightly better at $28,816, insufficient for the region's cost of living.
You face significant completion risk here. The 62% retention rate signals many students struggle academically or financially in their first year. The rural Banner Elk location limits internship and job opportunities, making networking important for career placement.
This school works financially if you plan to study nursing and can handle the academic rigor required for program completion. Students seeking liberal arts education or uncertain about their major should look elsewhere, as the graduation rates and earnings data show poor outcomes for exploratory students.
Financial aid reaches only 37% of students, suggesting limited institutional support. Focus on state aid and federal grants rather than expecting substantial merit scholarships. The relatively low median debt of $17,375 reflects either good aid packaging or students leaving before accumulating more debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lees-McRae College worth the cost?
Lees-McRae College's nursing programs offer strong returns with graduates earning $63,935 annually, but other programs lag significantly. With a 44% graduation rate and median earnings of $43,415 after 10 years, the college provides mixed value depending on your major.
What are the highest paying majors at Lees-McRae College?
Nursing programs at Lees-McRae College produce the highest earnings at $63,935 annually, followed by business at $44,649. Education majors earn $34,393 while psychology graduates average just $23,456, well below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do Lees-McRae College graduates have?
Lees-McRae College graduates carry a median debt of $17,375, which is manageable for nursing majors but problematic for lower-earning fields like psychology and criminal justice. The debt-to-income ratio varies dramatically by program.
Does Lees-McRae College have a good graduation rate?
Lees-McRae College has a 44% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students don't finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall return on investment for most students.