Campus Vibe
Known for biology — close-knit campus
Lees-McRae College is a private rural institution in Banner Elk, North Carolina. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 817 undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
44% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $43,415 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $25,765.
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News & Alerts
Lees-McRae College Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
13.4%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
5
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (25)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
62%
- •62% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Lees–McRae College was founded in Banner Elk as an all-female high school in 1899 by the Reverend Edgar Tufts, a Presbyterian minister.
- •He named the school "The Elizabeth McRae Institute" after a well-respected educator in 1900.
- •The name of school benefactor Suzanna Lees was added in 1903, and the school became "The Lees–McRae Institute" when it was chartered by the state in 1907.
- •An all-male branch was founded in 1907 in nearby Plumtree, North Carolina.
- •The Plumtree facility was destroyed in a 1927 fire, leading the two campuses to merge at the Banner Elk site.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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