Lees-McRae College
Banner Elk, North Carolina 28604
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
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.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
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
13.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.4%/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%
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.
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
Estimated from NC state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
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Nearby Hotels
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