Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae College

Southeast Region
Rural Campus Setting
Very Small Size
818 Undergrad Enrollment
10:1 Student:Faculty
Master's degree Highest Degree
Accepts Tuition Rewards

From Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae is a four-year, coeducational residential college offering diverse baccalaureate degrees, 21 strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. With 20 majors and 20 minors, our challenging intellectual environment has something for every student.

From Wildlife Biology to a Cycling Studies minor, our unique offerings are perfectly suited for our precious environment. An Honors Program and five honors societies provide scholarly exchange for gifted students. Click here to learn more about all of the academic programs available.

Located in the town of Banner Elk, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, LMC has the highest elevation of any college campus east of the Mississippi. Boasting an invigorating and healthful climate, the Appalachian region is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Area attractions include Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests, Beech and Sugar Mountain Ski Resorts, and much more. We are proud to say that Blueridge Outdoors named us the Top Adventure College in 2018.

Lees-McRae College is Private Yet Affordable. We all worry about cost. That’s why Lees-McRae College works hard to ensure affordability for students and families. Lees-McRae College is one of the region's most affordable private colleges, with tuition costs 10 percent less than other private institutions in North Carolina.

Neighborhood

Banner Elk is a small mountain town in the High Country of North Carolina, offering a peaceful setting surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking and skiing at nearby Beech Mountain. The downtown area features local shops, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance, creating an intimate community atmosphere where students can easily access essentials and social gathering spots. While the town is quiet and rural compared to urban college settings, it provides a close-knit environment ideal for students seeking a tight community and easy access to mountain activities.
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Car-Dependent
Walk Score
0
Minimal Transit
Transit Score
0
Minimal Biking
Bike Score
½ mile
1 mile
2 miles
Food & Drink
Restaurants & Bars
Daily Needs
Grocery & Services
Shopping & Entertainment
Shopping & Entertainment
Health & Wellness
Gyms, Parks & Hospitals
Transit Access
Rail (subway, train, light rail)
Bus stops & stations

Admissions & Enrollment

2026-27 Application Deadlines Deadline  
Early Action Dec 15, 2026
Regular Decision May 1, 2027
Application deadlines are based on information from the college website or publicly available sources. Deadlines can change, so be sure to verify all deadlines with the college before applying.
  REQ Required REC Recommended CON Considered NR Not Required
Highschool GPA
Highschool Rank
Highschool Record
College Preparatory Program
Recommendations
Admission test scores
Personal essay
· REQ = Required
· REC = Recommended
· CON = Considered
· NR = Not Required
Freshmen Class Total Men Women Another
Number of applicants 1,787 36 % 63 % 102 %
Number admitted 1,443 35 % 64 % 1 %
Number enrolled 199 39 % 60 % -
Does not fall into either of the mutually exclusive binary categories provided

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Majors & Degrees

Degree is in the top 10 based on undergradate enrollment.
Degree is in the top 5 based on enrollment at the postgraduate level.
Area of Study Major Bachelor Master
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Pre-Veterinary Studies
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biology/Biological Sciences
Wildlife Biology
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Business Administration and Management
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Communication and Media Studies
Education
Special Education and Teaching
Elementary Education and Teaching
Biology Teacher Education
Drama and Dance Teacher Education
English/Language Arts Teacher Education
Social Studies Teacher Education
English Language and Literature/Letters
English Language and Literature
Health Professions and Related Programs
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
Health/Health Care Administration/Management
Health and Wellness
Pre-Physical Therapy Studies
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
History
History
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Nutrition Sciences
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Outdoor Education
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Religion/Religious Studies
Psychology
Psychology
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Human Services
Visual and Performing Arts
Theatre/Theatre Arts Management
Musical Theatre
Visual and Performing Arts

Athletics

NCAA Division II without football
Sport Men Women
All Track Combined
Basketball
Lacrosse
Other Sports
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball

Campus Images

Mission Statement

Lees-McRae educates and inspires students to approach life and work from a creative, collaborative, and critical perspective in preparation for diverse careers and environments. Through common ambition, we maintain our focus on the needs of all learners-residential on the main campus and degree-completion through our online programs. Some are athletes, some are in the honors program, and some are working while returning to school. Regardless of where you are and where you want to go, our expert faculty and committed staff will help you get there.