Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Banner Elk, North Carolina |
| Online | lmc.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Rural |
| Religious Affiliation | Presbyterian Church (USA) |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Lees-McRae College, located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, sits at an elevation of 3,720 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachian range. Founded in 1900 as a Presbyterian-affiliated institution, the college occupies a 460-acre mountain campus featuring distinctive stone buildings constructed from native rock. The small private college maintains a residential campus where most students live in on-campus housing, and it operates primarily as a four-year undergraduate institution with selective admission standards. Academic programs focus on professional and pre-professional studies, with notable strengths in nursing, wildlife biology, outdoor recreation management, and performing arts, while the college's location provides direct access to outdoor learning environments. As an NCAA Division II institution, Lees-McRae competes as the Bobcats in the Conference Carolinas, with cycling and skiing programs that leverage the mountain setting.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Lees-McRae College is rated within the lower 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1040/1240 |
| ACT | 20/26 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $600 |
| Other Fees | $2,350 |
| Room and Board | $13,730 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,420 |
| Total One Year Cost | $49,890 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 25% |
| Health Professions | 18% |
| Business | 11% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 9% |
| Social Sciences | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Lees-McRae College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=198808 IPEDS survey data for Lees McRae College.
Current students may use the Lees McRae College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025