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 does Lees-McRae College offer in terms of athletics?

Lees-McRae College features a variety of athletic programs that compete primarily in NCAA Division II. The college emphasizes both individual and team sports, offering students opportunities to participate in men's and women's teams across multiple disciplines. These include basketball, soccer, cross country, and golf, among others, providing a well-rounded athletic experience.

The institution highlights its commitment to student-athletes by fostering competitive programs that balance academics with athletics. Facilities on campus support training and competition, enhancing the student experience in sports. Additionally, the college's teams participate in the South Atlantic Conference, which includes other regional institutions, facilitating a robust level of competition.

Prospective students interested in athletics will find a supportive community aimed at developing skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The college also encourages participation in less traditional sports and intramural activities, broadening the range of options for student involvement beyond varsity competition.

What student groups and Associations are available at Lees-McRae College?

Lees-McRae College offers a variety of student groups that contribute to campus life and provide social and organizational opportunities for its students. Among these are the CAB Welcome Bash and SGA Starry Night Formal, events likely organized by student leadership and activities committees. The campus also supports distinct residence life organizations with both South Campus and North Campus Resident Assistants facilitating community engagement.

Additionally, there is the Fellowship of Christian Students, which provides a space for students interested in faith-based fellowship and activities.

According to recent data, the college has a total enrollment of 855 students, with 289 men and 566 women represented. While specific percentages of student participation in social organizations are not provided, the variety of groups indicates a campus environment with multiple avenues for involvement across different interests.

Who studies at Lees-McRae College?

Lees-McRae College enrolls a diverse student body with a range of backgrounds and ages, though the majority aligns with traditional college-age groups. Most undergraduate students are between 18 and 21 years old, with 336 aged 18-19 and 291 aged 20-21. There is also a smaller representation of older students, including 74 aged 22-24 and 40 students aged 25-29, among others across higher age brackets. Graduate students are fewer and tend to be slightly older, primarily between 22 and 49 years old.

Regarding enrollment status, the college hosts an average number of freshmen and transfer students relative to similar institutions. The fall cohort includes 199 freshmen and 114 transfer students, totaling 313 new enrollees, a figure that positions Lees-McRae in the lower third nationally in terms of size for these groups.

Geographically, the college draws a significant portion of its students from outside North Carolina, with out-of-state students making up 44% of the population-placing Lees-McRae in the top 25% among peers for out-of-state representation. However, only 52% are in-state students, a proportion considered low compared to other institutions. Most students are from the United States overall, at 96%, while international representation is modest, with students from four foreign countries, situating the college near the median nationwide.

The racial and ethnic composition of Lees-McRae College demonstrates moderate diversity. The student body includes 493 white students, 60 African American students, and 41 Hispanic students, each representing levels assessed as average but on the lower side nationally. Smaller numbers of Asian (13), Native American (7), and Pacific Islander (2) students are part of the campus community. Students identifying with two or more races number 10, a relatively low proportion. Notably, a large segment of 204 students have their racial or ethnic identity unreported or unknown, which is slightly above average compared to national figures.

How does student life look like at Lees-McRae College?

Lees-McRae College offers a campus environment that balances academic focus with select cultural activities. The college supports student engagement through performing arts opportunities, including drama and chorus groups. While there is no campus newspaper, radio, TV, or band, students interested in theatrical and vocal arts have avenues to participate.

Health and counseling services are accessible on campus, with both a health clinic and psychological counseling provided. These resources contribute to student well-being and support throughout their studies.

The campus spans a substantial 935 acres, offering a spacious setting for student life. However, services such as legal assistance, veterans' affairs office, and women's center are not available on campus, which may be a consideration for some prospective students.

What libraries are available to students at Lees-McRae College?

Lees-McRae College offers students access to the Dotti M. Shelton Learning Commons, its primary library facility. The college maintains a single library, which places it in the lower percentile range compared to other institutions in terms of the number of libraries available on campus.

The collection includes approximately 65,597 physical books, a moderate figure that situates the library in the bottom 40 percent nationally for this metric. Subscriptions to periodicals and other resources number 225, also ranking in the bottom 40 percent, while the digital collection is more substantial. The college provides nearly 185,000 digital subscriptions, placing it slightly above average in access to electronic materials.

Lees-McRae also offers access to around 642,784 ebooks and maintains 148 databases, figures that fall just below the median compared to peer institutions. Students benefit from various library services, including study rooms and access to both physical and digital library facilities. Although the library does not offer all-day access, it has established service hours and trained staff to assist students. Additionally, users can access shared collections, enhancing the range of available resources beyond the campus holdings.

Lees-McRae College Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

910

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

223

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

61 full time, 61 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Lees-McRae College Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Dotti M. Shelton Learning Commons

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Lees-McRae College Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Lees-McRae College Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Lees-McRae College Location & Map