Campus Identity
Lees-McRae College is a small private nonprofit university in Banner Elk, NC. Approximately 873 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 77% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Watauga Lake, just 10 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 3 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 35/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Lees-McRae College is a small private nonprofit university in Banner Elk, NC. Approximately 873 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 77% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Watauga Lake, just 10 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 3 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 35/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Campus Lifestyle
Lees-McRae College is a under 1,000, rural school with NCAA D2 athletics and an active Greek scene. The campus is 2 miles from Beech Mountain Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D2
Carolinas
Greek Life
Active Organizations
Fraternities & sororities present
School Size & Setting
Under 1,000
Rural setting
Weather
Cold Climate
45°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Lees-McRae College students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Beech Mountain Resort, 2 miles away with 8 lifts and 95 skiable acres. All are within 3 miles of campus.
North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina
Lake Life Campus
Watauga Lake is 10 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Lees-McRae College students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Watauga Lake
Lake access within 10.0 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Banner Elk, NC
Banner Elk has a cool climate, with winters averaging 31°F in Jan and summers peaking around 68°F in Jul.
Station: BANNER ELK · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Lees-McRae College in NC earns a composite safety score of 35/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $33,250 |
| Fees | $1,800 |
| Room & Board | $15,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $50,250 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
25 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lees-McRae College located?
Lees-McRae College is located in Banner Elk, NC. The main campus address is 191 Main Street, Banner Elk, NC. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Lees-McRae College?
Lees-McRae College has an acceptance rate of 77%, making it accessible. Out of 2,084 applicants, 1,600 were admitted in the most recent year. 873 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Lees-McRae College?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Lees-McRae College scored between ? and ? on the ACT, with a median of 23. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Lees-McRae College?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Lees-McRae College charges $33,250/year in tuition. Including room and board ($15,200/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $28,290/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $28,340/year — what students actually pay. Use Lees-McRae College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Lees-McRae College?
The undergraduate application fee at Lees-McRae College is $25. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Lees-McRae College have college sports?
Yes — Lees-McRae College competes at the NCAA D2 level in the Carolinas. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.
Is Lees-McRae College the right fit for me?
Whether Lees-McRae College is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (77% admit rate), avg net price ($28,340/year after aid), campus culture in Banner Elk, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Lees-McRae College against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Lees-McRae College directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Banner Elk, NC
- Size
- Under 1,000
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's
- NCAA
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- Carolinas
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 45°F avg
- App Fee
- $25
- On Campus Safety Score
- 35/100
- Nearest Airport
- Blountville, TN (TRI) · 37 mialso HKY (40 mi), AVL (63 mi)
Location
Banner Elk, NC