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Lees-McRae College

  • 4 Year
  • Banner Elk, NC
  • 248 reviews
    How to Apply
    C+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      C+
    2. Value
      B-
    3. Diversity
      B+
    4. Campus
      C
    5. Athletics
      B
    6. Party Scene
      C+
    7. Professors
      C+
    8. Location
      B
    9. Dorms
      C-
    10. Campus Food
      C-
    11. Student Life
      C+
    12. Safety
      B+
    View Full Report Card
    Lees-McRae is a private, Christian college located in Banner Elk, North Carolina. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 891 undergraduate students. Admissions is somewhat competitive as the Lees-McRae acceptance rate is 71%. Popular majors include Nursing, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, and Elementary Education. Graduating 32% of students, Lees-McRae alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $29,600.
    About Lees-McRae College...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division II (without football)
    Athletic Conference
    Conference Carolinas
    Address
    191 Main Street
    Banner Elk, NC 28604
    Website
    lmc.edu

    Lees-McRae College Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    71%
    Application Deadline
    —
    SAT Range
    —
    ACT Range
    18-22
    Application Fee
    $35
    SAT/ACT
    Recommended
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    —

    Cost

    Net Price
    $21,832/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $19,544/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    100%

    Academics

    Professors
    C+
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    12:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    Yes
    77%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.13 responses
    80%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.15 responses
    67%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.15 responses

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Nursing
      95 Graduates
    • Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
      54 Graduates
    • Elementary Education
      38 Graduates
    • Zoology and Entomology
      33 Graduates
    • Business
      23 Graduates
    • Sport and Fitness Management
      18 Graduates
    • Human Services
      17 Graduates
    • Biology
      12 Graduates
    • Psychology
      12 Graduates
    • Communications
      7 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    891Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    30
    Undergrads Over 25
    21%
    Pell Grant
    43%
    Varsity Athletes
    31%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    • More opinions are needed to display this poll.Take our surveyto add your opinion.

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    96%
    Poll
    44%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.18 responses
    Poll
    43%
    of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.23 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 8 responses
    Report
    • Friendly
      50%
    • Community
      25%
    • Small
      25%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $33,200/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    32%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    90%
    National
    83%
    71%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.7 responses
    Colleges like Lees-McRae College
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    Lees-McRae College Reviews

    248 reviews
    All Categories
    Lees McRae College has really become my second home. I play soccer for the women’s team and I am involved in many clubs including Student Government, Dean’s Council, Career Ambassadors, Order of the Tower, and I am an Orientation Leader. I do very well in my classes and I love the small classroom environment! I do feel as though there are some things that could be amended at the school but that is the same with any institution really. Nothing is perfect. A great school over all. I love it with all my heart!
    Start Your Review of Lees-McRae College
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    I think the school is excellent! So friendly and welcoming. The campus is easy to get around and not get lost. You're close enough away from Boone if you want to be, but if you're going to go into town its a quick 35-minute drive. Since Lees McRae is such a small school, it is easy for you to get to know your professors and to connect to others. The school isn't "clicky" and has such a warm atmosphere (despite the cold weather in the winter). The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains is a reason in itself to come to Lees McRae.
    Go somewhere less expensive lol. The view is nice if you drive to the top of Beech but at the actual college, you just get bored of it. You can't have a pet until you've been here for two semesters. The courses are more difficult than public colleges/universities since they are at a private college. There's nothing to in banner elk, everyone drives 30+ minutes if they want to go into town. The dorms are kind of run down and they keep them insanely hot in the winter so we have to keep the windows open (good way to catch a cold). Not to mention the black bears. Many people have to park far from their dorms and take a hike just to get to their car. And the cafeteria food is so gross that you'll end up wasting all your money eating out. There is a friendly, homely atmosphere to the college and you'll find a few hobbies/ clubs though. Since the campus is small, you never walk more than 5 minutes to get to class. But, save your money and go someplace with a higher grad rate.