Academic Comparison between Appalachian State and Lees-McRae

Appalachian State University and Lees-McRae College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Appalachian State is a four-year, public school located in Boone, NC and Lees-McRae is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Banner Elk, NC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Appalachian State is a public and Lees-McRae is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Lees-McRae has more expensive tuition & fees ($33,850) than Appalachian State ($25,212).
  • It is harder to admit to Lees-McRae than Appalachian State.
  • Appalachian State has more students with 21,570 students while Lees-McRae has 910 students.
  • Lees-McRae has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Appalachian State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Appalachian State has more full-time faculties with 1,092 faculties while Lees-McRae has 62 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Appalachian State Lees-McRae
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Appalachian State Universityvs.Lees-McRae College
Boone, North CarolinaLocationBanner Elk, North Carolina
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate College - Diverse Fields
In-State$7,579
Out-Of-State$25,212
2025 Tuition & Fees$33,850
44%% Receiving Financial Aid96%
$8,899Average Amount of Financial Aid$18,588
90.14 %Acceptance Rates76.78 %
18.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.94 %
1,200SAT Score-
25ACT Score-
75 %Graduation Rate42 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate41 %
84 %Retention Rate69 %
21,570Student Population910
1,092Number of Faculties62
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services