Lees-McRae College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Lees-McRae College
Perched in North Carolina's High Country, Lees-McRae pairs a close-knit feel with practical academics. The college is known for strong teaching in the natural and health sciences, business and communication, education, and the creative arts. Students learn by doing in labs and studios, on nearby field sites, and even at an on-campus wildlife rehabilitation center. And support runs deep, with advising, tutoring, counseling, and a career team that helps line up internships and real projects.
Campus life leans outdoorsy and friendly. Between cycling culture, hiking and skiing right up the road, and student-led clubs, there's always something moving. Facilities include a welcoming library, fitness and recreation spaces, and plenty of places to work with faculty. The Banner Elk community adds coffee shops, seasonal arts, and chances to serve. Graduates leave with mountain-tested confidence, grounded experience, and connections across regional schools, clinics, nonprofits, and the outdoor industry.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Lees-McRae College with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in North Carolina. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Biological Sciences (2)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,500 | $132,640 | -$40,860 (-23.6%) |
19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other | $100,440 | $75,570 | -$24,870 (-24.8%) |
19-1099 | Life Scientists, All Other | $101,940 | $126,070 | +$24,130 (+23.7%) |
19-4012 | Agricultural Technicians | $49,680 | $48,660 | -$1,020 (-2.1%) |
19-4013 | Food Science Technicians | $54,400 | $50,150 | -$4,250 (-7.8%) |
19-4021 | Biological Technicians | $58,020 | $53,940 | -$4,080 (-7%) |
19-4092 | Forensic Science Technicians | $75,260 | $44,600 | -$30,660 (-40.7%) |
25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340 | $69,310 | -$32,030 (-31.6%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
26.0709
Wildlife Biology.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
19-1023 | Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $77,920 | $64,310 | -$13,610 (-17.5%) |
19-4021 | Biological Technicians | $58,020 | $53,940 | -$4,080 (-7%) |
Security & Safety (2)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0103
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $103,500 | -$46,390 (-30.9%) |
25-1111 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,820 | $58,120 | -$26,700 (-31.5%) |
33-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $110,990 | $71,140 | -$39,850 (-35.9%) |
Kinesiology (4)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
31.0301
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $95,470 | -$37,650 (-28.3%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $100,820 | -$13,700 (-12%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $77,210 | -$9,850 (-11.3%) |
31.0504
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $77,210 | -$9,850 (-11.3%) |
25-1193 | Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $87,980 | $74,260 | -$13,720 (-15.6%) |
27-2022 | Coaches and Scouts | $58,910 | $60,330 | +$1,420 (+2.4%) |
39-9031 | Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $51,360 | $41,450 | -$9,910 (-19.3%) |
31.0505
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
29-1128 | Exercise Physiologists | $59,620 | $53,900 | -$5,720 (-9.6%) |
31.0601
Outdoor Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
39-1014 | First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $51,400 | $47,990 | -$3,410 (-6.6%) |
39-9032 | Recreation Workers | $37,170 | $34,540 | -$2,630 (-7.1%) |
Education (6)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1001
Special Education and Teaching, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-2051 | Special Education Teachers, Preschool | $72,610 | $50,920 | -$21,690 (-29.9%) |
25-2055 | Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten | N/A | N/A | N/A |
25-2056 | Special Education Teachers, Elementary School | N/A | N/A | N/A |
25-2057 | Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $72,310 | $46,710 | -$25,600 (-35.4%) |
25-2058 | Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $74,610 | $48,540 | -$26,070 (-34.9%) |
25-2059 | Special Education Teachers, All Other | $74,180 | $70,310 | -$3,870 (-5.2%) |
25-9043 | Teaching Assistants, Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
13.1202
Elementary Education and Teaching.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $73,920 | -$4,580 (-5.8%) |
25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $69,790 | $50,640 | -$19,150 (-27.4%) |
13.1305
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $73,920 | -$4,580 (-5.8%) |
25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,400 | $63,670 | -$26,730 (-29.6%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $50,520 | -$19,520 (-27.9%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
13.1318
Social Studies Teacher Education.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $50,520 | -$19,520 (-27.9%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
13.1322
Biology Teacher Education.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340 | $69,310 | -$32,030 (-31.6%) |
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $73,920 | -$4,580 (-5.8%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $50,520 | -$19,520 (-27.9%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
13.1324
Drama and Dance Teacher Education.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $73,920 | -$4,580 (-5.8%) |
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $70,620 | -$31,620 (-30.9%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $50,520 | -$19,520 (-27.9%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $51,640 | -$22,060 (-29.9%) |
Public Services (1)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
44.0000
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $74,450 | -$11,650 (-13.5%) |
21-1093 | Social and Human Service Assistants | $47,090 | $44,240 | -$2,850 (-6.1%) |
21-1099 | Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $58,360 | $53,300 | -$5,060 (-8.7%) |
Business (1)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $245,590 | -$17,340 (-6.6%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $95,470 | -$37,650 (-28.3%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $122,190 | -$38,740 (-24.1%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $95,330 | -$30,700 (-24.4%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $100,820 | -$13,700 (-12%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $119,210 | -$9,970 (-7.7%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $96,430 | -$19,580 (-16.9%) |
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $125,270 | -$30,960 (-19.8%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $122,810 | -$37,670 (-23.5%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $107,730 | -$32,860 (-23.4%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $110,400 | -$9,260 (-7.7%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $77,210 | -$9,850 (-11.3%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $74,450 | -$11,650 (-13.5%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $63,190 | -$7,430 (-10.5%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $103,500 | -$46,390 (-30.9%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $68,490 | -$14,670 (-17.6%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $69,440 | -$10,290 (-12.9%) |
13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $71,950 | -$15,650 (-17.9%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $85,450 | -$22,650 (-21%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $89,890 | -$24,820 (-21.6%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $68,530 | -$14,390 (-17.4%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $66,040 | -$26,340 (-28.5%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $99,870 | -$13,970 (-12.3%) |
Psychology (1)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101
Psychology, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $103,500 | -$46,390 (-30.9%) |
19-3032 | Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $134,400 | N/A | N/A |
19-3033 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $106,850 | $80,980 | -$25,870 (-24.2%) |
19-3039 | Psychologists, All Other | $111,340 | $143,900 | +$32,560 (+29.2%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $49,390 | -$14,170 (-22.3%) |
25-1066 | Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $93,530 | $74,660 | -$18,870 (-20.2%) |
Agriculture (1)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
01.1302
Pre-Veterinary Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0199
Communication and Media Studies, Other.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Health (3)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0701
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9111 | Medical and Health Services Managers | $137,730 | $111,900 | -$25,830 (-18.8%) |
51.1109
Pre-Physical Therapy Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
51.3801
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in North Carolina
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | North Carolina Avg | NC vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1072 | Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $87,090 | $76,170 | -$10,920 (-12.5%) |
29-1141 | Registered Nurses | $98,430 | $79,860 | -$18,570 (-18.9%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Lees-McRae College
How much does it cost to attend Lees-McRae College?
The annual tuition at Lees-McRae College is $31,740 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $50,490 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,730 and books and supplies $600.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Lees-McRae College offer?
Lees-McRae College offers 31 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (6 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (4 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (3 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (3 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Lees-McRae College?
Lees-McRae College has an 80.7% acceptance rate and a 13.8% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,787
- Students admitted: 1,443
- Students enrolled: 199
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Lees-McRae College?
Lees-McRae College provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $19,843 and average loans of $7,278.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,121
- State/Local grants: $7,181
- Institutional grants: $16,663
- Federal loans: $5,800
The university supports 212 students with grants and 193 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Lees-McRae College graduates?
Lees-McRae College graduates earn a median salary of $41,599 after 6 years and $43,415 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $25,563 (25th percentile) to $58,373 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $63,000 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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