Lees-McRae Academic Snapshot

Admission Selectiveness:

  • Admission Rate: 76.78%. Not very selective

Tuition Overview:

  • Tuition: $33,850
  • Tuition is moderate, reflecting a balance between quality and cost.

Student Population at Lees-McRae:

  • Total Enrollment: 910, including 190 online students
  • 873 Undergraduate, 37 Graduate
  • Gender Distribution: 32.6% men, 67.4% women.
  • This is a very small institution, offering an intimate and personalized campus experience.

Graduation & Retention Rate

  • Graduation Rate: 42%. Lower graduation rate, which may reflect challenges in student retention or completion.
  • Transfer-Out Rate: 41%. A significant portion of students transfer to other institutions.
  • First-Year Retention Rate: 69%. Lower retention, which may reflect challenges in student engagement or support.

Programs & Degrees Offered

  • Programs Offered: 29 academic programs available.
  • Online Programs: 5 programs available fully online.
  • Graduate Programs: 5 graduate-level programs offered.
  • Special Programs: Health Professions.
  • Degrees Awarded: Bachelor's, Master's.

Lees-McRae Overview

Lees-McRae College (Lees-McRae) is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Banner Elk, NC. It is classified as Baccalaureate College - Diverse Fields by Carnegie Classification

The Lees-McRae's tuition & fees is $33,850 for the academic year 2024-2025. 96% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $18,588.

The school has a total enrollment of 910 and the students to faculty ratio is 11 to 1 (9.09%).

Lees-McRae's acceptance rate is 76.78% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 13.94%.

Lees-McRae College is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation

For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of Lees-McRae College is $33,850. For graduate programs, its 2025 graduate school tuition & fees is $10,485.

The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $36,100 based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $11,275.

Undergraduate$33,850
Graduate$10,485
Undergraduate$36,100
Graduate$11,275

The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.


Admission Key Statistics

Acceptance Rate »76.78% Acceptance Rate / 13.94% Yield
Graduation Rate »42%
Transfer-out Rate41%
Retention Rate69%(full-time)
Student to Faculty Ratio9.09% (11 to 1)
Student Population »910 (873 undergraduate)
Average Financial Aid »$18,588

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), College Scorecard

Learning Opportunities and Campus Services

Lees-McRae College offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Special Learning Opportunities at Lees-McRae
Learning Opportunities
ROTCNo
Weekend/Evening CollegeYes
Teacher CertificationYes
Study AbroadYes
On-Campus Services
Academic/career counseling serviceYes
Employment services for studentsYes
Placement services for completersYes
On-campus day care for students' childrenNo

Lees-McRae College Directory Information

Address191 Main Street, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Phone828-898-5241
WEBSchool's Website
AdmissionAdmission Information
Online ApplicationApply Online
Financial AidDeadlines and Applications
Net Price CalculatorNet Price Calculator
Veterans TuitionVeterans Benefit Information
AthleticAthletic Team Information
Disability ServiceDisability Services
School Typefour-year, private (not-for-profit)
Carnegie CategoryBaccalaureate Colleges
Highest Degree OfferedMaster's degree

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