
PO Box 128, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA


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.
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.
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:
Other information:
Job bank on campus
YesJob fairs on campus
YesIndividual job placement
All undergraduatesOn campus employer recruitment
All undergraduatesBACHELOR’S Degree
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Education
English Language and Literature/Letters
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Visual and Performing Arts
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History