Research.com
Lees-McRae College logo

Lees-McRae College

PO Box 128, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA

Lees-McRae College award
Lees-McRae College award
US ranking
position: 785
Tuition & fees per year: $35,390
Acceptance rate: 81.00%
Median alumni salary: $38,074
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1140 SAT, 23 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What are the graduation rates for students at Lees-McRae College?

Lees-McRae College has relatively low graduation rates compared to many institutions. The overall graduation rate stands at 44%, placing the college in the bottom 25% of comparable schools nationally. When considering gender, 48% of women complete their degrees, while 39% of men graduate, both figures also ranking among the lowest quartiles. The four-year graduation rate is slightly lower, at 40%, which is classified as average but still falls within the bottom 45% of schools.

Retention-which significantly influences graduation-reflects a similar trend. Lees-McRae's retention rate is 62%, a low figure that situates the college in the bottom 20% nationwide, highlighting challenges in keeping students enrolled from the first to the second year. The six-year graduation rate remains consistent with the overall trend at 44% and ranks in the bottom 30% compared to peer institutions. These statistics suggest that prospective students should carefully consider persistence and completion factors when evaluating Lees-McRae College.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Lees-McRae College?

Graduates of Lees-McRae College exhibit a range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Those completing programs in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing tend to achieve the highest salaries, with median earnings around $59,914. This suggests strong returns for students pursuing careers in nursing and healthcare administration.

Students in education-related fields also see noteworthy outcomes. For example, graduates focused on Teacher Education and Professional Development at specific levels and methods earn approximately $35,351, while those specializing in Criminal Justice and Corrections earn near $34,325. Business Administration, Management, and Operations graduates have earnings close to $33,268, indicating solid prospects in the business sector.

Other disciplines offer more modest earnings. Human Services graduates report median incomes near $27,980, and those in Health and Physical Education/Fitness typically earn around $24,560. Several science-related fields show lower earnings; Zoology/Animal Biology graduates earn about $18,174 and Psychology majors roughly $17,244, reflecting a different economic range within the college's offerings.

Lees-McRae College Graduation Rate

Avg. graduation 44%
Graduation rate, total cohort
4-year Graduation 40%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 4 years, total
6-year Graduation 44%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 6 years, total

Lees-McRae College Career Help & Outcomes

Career Centers:

Full time employees: Data not available

Part time employees: Data not available

Career Counselling:

Individual: All undergraduates

Group: All undergraduates

Career Center services:

  • Resume preparation
  • Interview workshop
  • Alumni network

Other information:

Job bank on campus

Yes

Job fairs on campus

Yes

Individual job placement

All undergraduates

On campus employer recruitment

All undergraduates

Lees-McRae College Graduations Per Degree

BACHELOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields

303

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

101

Education

20222

English Language and Literature/Letters

202

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

441559

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

011

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

71320

Psychology

235

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

111425

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

31536

Visual and Performing Arts

426

Health Professions and Related Programs

16016

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

8614

History

101