Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC · Rural (distant)

Private nonprofitBaccalaureate college – diverse fieldsReligious affiliationTest optional

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Acceptance rate

76.8%

Most recent year reported

Average net price

$28,340

Sticker price $49,498

Graduation rate

42%

Within 6 years

Median earnings

$43,415

10 years after starting

Admissions

Acceptance rate (most recent year): 76.8%
Applicants (fall 2023): 1,787
Admitted (fall 2023): 1,443
Enrolled freshmen (fall 2023): 199
Yield (admitted who enroll): 14%
Acceptance rate – women (fall 2023): 82%
Acceptance rate – men (fall 2023): 78%
SAT reading, middle 50%: —
SAT math, middle 50%: —
ACT composite, middle 50%: —
Enrollees who sent SAT / ACT: 0% / 0%

Source: IPEDS Admissions survey, fall 2023 entering class; test ranges and rate from U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)

What they look at

High school GPA: required
High school class rank: considered
High school record (transcript): required
College-prep program completed: required
Recommendations: considered
Demonstration of competencies: not considered
SAT/ACT scores: considered
English proficiency test (TOEFL etc.): required
Other test: not considered
Work experience: considered
Personal statement or essay: required
Legacy status: considered

“Considered” means the college uses it if you submit it, but it isn’t required.

Source: IPEDS Admissions survey, fall 2023 entering class

What families actually pay

Average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) for first-time, full-time students who got aid, by family income.

Family income $0–30k$23,030

Family income $30–48k$22,733

Family income $48–75k$25,905

Family income $75–110k$28,854

Family income $110k+$33,664

Full sticker price (per year): $49,498
Tuition & fees – in-state: $33,250
Tuition & fees – out-of-state: $33,250
Median debt at graduation: $17,375
Students with federal loans: 59%

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)

Outcomes

Graduate within 6 years: 42%
Freshmen who return for year 2: 69%
Median earnings, 1 year after graduating: $38,074
Median earnings, 10 years after starting: $43,415

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)

Students & campus

Undergraduates: 873
Graduate students: 37
Student-to-faculty ratio: 11 : 1
Women: 67%
Students receiving Pell grants: 37%
Full-time faculty: 50%

Undergraduate diversity

White56%

Unknown23%

Black6.9%

International4.9%

Hispanic4.7%

Asian1.5%

Two or more1.1%

American Indian/Alaska Native0.8%

Pacific Islander0.2%

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)

Most popular majors

Biology & Biomedical Sciences27%

Business & Marketing13%

Education13%

Parks, Recreation & Fitness12%

Public Administration & Social Services11%

Homeland Security & Law Enforcement9.8%

Agriculture5.9%

Psychology4.3%

Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release) (share of bachelor’s degrees awarded)

Contacts & links

President: Herbert L. King
Main phone: (828) 898-5241
Address: 191 Main Street, Banner Elk, NC 28604

Athletics Disability services

Source: IPEDS Institutional Characteristics, 2024–25

How to apply (2026–27)

Plan	Apply by	Decision
Early Action	December 15	January 15
Priority deadline	April 1	—

Also admits on a rolling basis.

Apply with: Own application, Common App
Application fee: $25 (waivers available)
SAT/ACT: Optional
Essays: 250–650 word essay/personal statement, or a personal interview instead
Recommendations: Optional; 1 letter, academic source preferred

Testing: Honors applicants may submit strong scores

Financial aid policies

$25 fee waived on the Lees-McRae application

Deadlines Visit

Source: the college’s official website: lmc.edu, lmc.edu, content.commonapp.org. Dates can change, so always confirm on the college’s site.