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
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Lees-McRae College offers 18 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 194 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Biological Sciences (2 programs, 55 graduates), Security & Safety (1 programs, 30 graduates), Kinesiology (4 programs, 27 graduates), Education (2 programs, 21 graduates) and Business (1 programs, 20 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 55 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Biology | 43 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0709 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 30 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0103 |
Kinesiology (4 programs, 27 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parks and Recreation Management | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0301 |
| Sport and Fitness Management | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0505 |
| Outdoor Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0601 |
Education (2 programs, 21 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Special Education Teaching | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1001 |
Business (1 programs, 20 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
Psychology (1 programs, 11 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 11 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Agriculture (1 programs, 10 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Veterinary Studies | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
01.1302 |
Communication (1 programs, 6 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0199 |
Health (1 programs, 5 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
English (1 programs, 3 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Lees-McRae College.
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
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 18 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (1 programs)
- Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation (4 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 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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