Lees-McRae College and Western Carolina University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Lees-McRae is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Banner Elk, NC and Western Carolina is a four-year, public school located in Cullowhee, NC.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Lees-McRae College | vs. | Western Carolina University |
|---|---|---|
| Banner Elk, North Carolina | Location | Cullowhee, North Carolina |
| Four-year, Private (not-for-profit) | School Type | four-year, Public |
| Master's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Baccalaureate College - Diverse Fields | Carnegie Classification | Doctoral / Research University |
| $33,850 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630 |
| 96% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 65% |
| $18,588 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $6,267 |
| 76.78 % | Acceptance Rates | 81.83 % |
| 13.94 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 12.70 % |
| - | SAT Score | 1,180 |
| - | ACT Score | 23 |
| 42 % | Graduation Rate | 60 % |
| 41 % | Transfer-out Rate | 27 % |
| 69 % | Retention Rate | 79 % |
| 910 | Student Population | 11,686 |
| 62 | Number of Faculties | 549 |
| 11 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 16 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare |