Lees-McRae College is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Banner Elk, North Carolina with 873 undergraduates. It admits 77% of applicants, costs an average of $28,253 a year after grants and graduates 47% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Lees-McRae College acceptance rate and admissions
Lees-McRae College admitted 77% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Neither required nor recommended (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
Lees-McRae College application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early action | Dec 15, 2026 |
| Regular decision | May 1, 2027 |
Next deadline: Early action, Dec 15, 2026. Application fee through the Common App: $25 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Lees-McRae College’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Lees-McRae College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $34,770 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $16,030 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $53,853 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $28,253 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $28,253 a year after grants and scholarships, $25,600 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Lees-McRae College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Lees-McRae College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 47% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $52,058 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $16,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 32% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Lees-McRae College majors and what graduates earn
Lees-McRae College awarded bachelor's degrees in 22 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($87,523).
All 22 majors at Lees-McRae College
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 5 | $75,846 | $87,523 | n/a |
| Business administration | 20 | $40,892 | $60,108 | n/a |
| Criminal justice | 20 | $40,239 | $50,085 | $15,000 |
| Teacher education by grade level | 18 | $43,467 | $45,862 | $11,750 |
| Psychology | 11 | n/a | $44,161 | n/a |
| Human services | 20 | $43,672 | $43,273 | $10,060 |
| Zoology/Animal Biology | 43 | $27,875 | $38,699 | $17,000 |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 13 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biology | 12 | n/a | n/a | $18,750 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Communication | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Special education | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| English | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Outdoor Education | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Art and design, general | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Nutrition Sciences | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Theater | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Arts management | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Lees-McRae College
1 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 1 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal justice | Master's | 10 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 873 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 67% women, 33% men
- 11 students for every faculty member
- Setting: rural, distant
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lees-McRae College?
Lees-McRae College admitted 77% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Lees-McRae College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $34,770. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $28,253 a year in 2024-25.
Is Lees-McRae College test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Lees-McRae College reported that test scores were: neither required nor recommended. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Lees-McRae College?
47% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Lees-McRae College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $52,058 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in North Carolina · Lees-McRae College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.