Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, North Carolina · Private nonprofit, 4-year

At a glance

Average net price

$28,340

In-state, after aid

6-year graduation rate

42.1%

Admission rate

77%

Undergrad size

873

In-state tuition

$33,250

Out-of-state tuition

$33,250

Cost of attendance

$49,498

Median earnings (10y)

$43,415

Admissions

SAT average
Not available
ACT midpoint
23
Retention
68.8%
Locale
Rural

Programs breakdown

14 program areas reported · Academic mix is led by trades & services (28%), stem (27%), social sciences (25%).

  • STEM27%
  • Health3%
  • Business10%
  • Humanities & arts7%
  • Social sciences25%
  • Trades & services28%

Share of all degrees and certificates awarded in each broad CIP-2 program area (U.S. Department of Education, latest reporting year). Estimated students/yr = share × undergrad size.

Specific majors offered

13 specific majors with reported completions. Earnings shown are median annual earnings 1 year after graduation; debt is median student-loan debt at graduation.

MajorCredentialGradsMedian earningsMedian debt
Zoology/Animal Biology.Bachelor's81$18,174$24,120
Human Services, General.Bachelor's65$27,980$15,750
Criminal Justice and Corrections.Bachelor's54$34,325$15,000
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.Bachelor's50$35,351$15,000
Business Administration, Management and Operations.Bachelor's49$33,268$18,500
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness.Bachelor's29$24,560
Biology, General.Bachelor's27
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.Bachelor's25$59,914$23,125
Psychology, General.Bachelor's22$17,244$27,250
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs.Bachelor's8
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management.Bachelor's7
Communication and Media Studies.Bachelor's6
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.Bachelor's6

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study. Earnings cover graduates who received federal financial aid and are working / not enrolled. Cells marked "—" are not reported or were suppressed for privacy.

About Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae College is a small institution located in Banner Elk, North Carolina, primarily awarding the bachelor's degree. It enrolls roughly 873 undergraduate students in a rural setting. The most popular fields of study include Biological sciences, Parks & recreation, Education.

Cost & tuition

The average net price at Lees-McRae College — what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships — is $28,340 per year, which is above the national average compared to other U.S. institutions. Published tuition is $33,250 per year before aid. Total cost of attendance, including housing, books, and living expenses, comes to about $49,498 annually.

Graduation & earnings outcomes

The 6-year graduation rate is 42.1%, a average completion outcome. 68.8% of first-time students return for a second year, a useful proxy for student satisfaction and academic fit. Ten years after enrolling, the median graduate earns $43,415 per year according to U.S. Department of Education earnings tracking.

Programs & majors

Lees-McRae College confers degrees and certificates across 14 broad program areas, with the largest concentrations of completions in Biological sciences, Parks & recreation, Education. Grouped into wider academic categories, the mix is led by trades & services (28% of credentials), stem (27% of credentials), social sciences (25% of credentials), which gives a quick read on the school's overall academic profile. Use the programs breakdown below to see every reported area, an estimated number of students per program per year, and links to compare other U.S. colleges in the same field.

Admissions

Lees-McRae College accepts 77% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The ACT midpoint for admitted students is roughly 23.

Location & campus

Set in Banner Elk, North Carolina (rural), Lees-McRae College draws students from across North Carolina and beyond. Prospective students often weigh proximity, cost of living, and local industry demand when choosing between schools in this area.

Frequently asked questions about Lees-McRae College

Q.How much does Lees-McRae College cost?

The average net price at Lees-McRae College is $28,340 per year after grants and scholarships, with total cost of attendance around $49,498.

Q.What is the graduation rate at Lees-McRae College?

Lees-McRae College has a 6-year graduation rate of 42.1% according to the latest U.S. Department of Education data.

Q.How hard is it to get into Lees-McRae College?

Lees-McRae College admits 77% of applicants, which is considered moderately selective.

Q.How much do Lees-McRae College graduates earn?

Ten years after enrolling, the median Lees-McRae College graduate earns $43,415 per year.

Q.What is tuition at Lees-McRae College?

Published tuition is $33,250 in-state. Most students pay less than the sticker price after financial aid.

Q.Where is Lees-McRae College located?

Lees-McRae College is located in Banner Elk, North Carolina (ZIP 28604).

Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS, the federal sources colleges are required to report to. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with Lees-McRae College at their official website.