Lees-McRae College is a special place. We’re an outdoor adventurer’s paradise in the mountains of North Carolina. We’re an intimate campus of approximately 700 undergraduates. We’re a private school located in a small town. Obviously we think we’re great, and we’re going to tell you why. We invite you to read on and decide if you think we’re great, too. You might just be surprised by everything we offer. Imagine taking a biology course taught in the middle of the Elk River. Learning to deliver a baby using the most advanced birthing simulator available. Training a Redtailed Hawk at a one-of-a-kind wildlife rehabilitation center. Then, ending your day with a few runs down Sugar Mountain, a musical at Hayes Auditorium or a sunset drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is the Lees-McRae experience—an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Your future starts today at lmc.edu/admissions >>
Explore In the mountains, of the mountains, for the mountains. At Lees-McRae, we live this motto every day by making the most of our environment in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Located at 4,000 feet above sea level, we are the highest campus on the east coast, and with our elevation comes a natural laboratory of wildlife, outdoor adventure activities, beautiful views and crisp mountain air. You’ll enjoy hiking, camping, climbing, kayaking, fishing, skiing and snowboarding—in addition to relaxing in your hammock— during your time at Lees-McRae.
Expand your horizons at lmc.edu/explore >>
Enjoy the winter by joining our new ski and snowboard club team, taking a ski class or spending weekends on the slopes at nearby Beech and Sugar Mountain Resorts.
Need a break from studying or course work? Take a nap, get some sun, appreciate the view or just have some down time with friends while relaxing in your hammock.
Succeed While Lees-McRae students utilize advanced technology and participate in traditional classroom learning daily, it’s our hands-on opportunities that provide the most valuable experiences. Under the guidance of expert faculty, you’ll build sets for a professional theatre company, practice your athletic training skills on our own student-athletes or nurture a baby rabbit back to health. With an 88% placement rate, our graduate success stories continue to grow as we provide exceptional career and graduate school prep.
Discover your passion at lmc.edu/succeed >>
As a Lees-McRae student, you’ll get unparalleled hands-on experience. You’ll work with students in other disciplines to solve real-world problems, preparing you for life after college.
Need advice? No problem. All of our students with declared majors have discipline-specific advisors who provide support and guidance as you work toward graduation.
Afford Lees-McRae is one of the most affordable private colleges, with tuition costs 10 percent less than other private institutions in North Carolina. We award more than $14 million annually in institutional scholarships and grants and help facilitate more than $25 million in financial aid. This equates to an average Lees-McRae scholarship of $12,471 and an average financial aid package of $22,736. Our goal is to ensure affordability, so while you’re working on your application, we’ll be working on ways to help you pay tuition.
Finance your future at lmc.edu/afford >>
Lees-McRae College is within your reach. We guarantee it! College expenses can be daunting, especially since they change constantly. Our tuition guarantee and flat-rate textbook programs are designed to keep costs as low as possible while helping you plan for your financial future.
Tuition Guarantee Freezes tuition for specific length of time
We’ll help you stay on top of your expenses through graduation.
Flat-Rate Textbook Program Cost savings of 47%
Engage Lees-McRae is a residential campus, spanning more than 450 acres in a beautiful mountain valley. Founded in 1900 by the Rev. Edgar Tufts, our campus is rich with history and natural beauty. Our original native stone buildings, many dating back almost 100 years, serve as both classrooms and residence halls. These historical landmarks provide an intimate setting for faculty, staff and students to work collaboratively, engage in lively debates and enjoy each other’s company.
Build relationships at lmc.edu/engage >>
Feel right at home with your best friend by your side! Dogs, cats and other pets are welcome at Lees-McRae, including in several of our residence halls and other on-campus buildings.
Midweek group study sessions at Starbucks® aren’t so bad, especially when you can end on a high note with a few rounds of pool or air hockey at Wily’s Bar & Grill.
Compete Wellness is essential to the Lees-McRae community. We are a proud member of the NCAA Division II Conference Carolinas and offer 19 highly competitive men’s and women’s sports. In addition to our competition teams, we offer intramurals, clubs and facilities to help all students live a healthy, active lifestyle. Between the organized campus wellness programs and the abundance of outdoor recreation available in the area, we have you covered.
Stay active at lmc.edu/compete >>
Approximately half of Lees-McRae students compete with one of our 19 varsity teams. These award-winning athletes are committed to succeeding both academically and athletically.
Not a competitive athlete? We have options for you! Check out our indoor climbing wall, wellness center or take to the outdoors for hiking, biking, kayaking and more.
Lees-McRae College educates and inspires students to approach life and work from a creative, collaborative, and critical perspective in preparation for diverse careers and environments. About
Lees-McRae is a four-year, coeducational residential college offering diverse bachelor’s degrees, strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. Our goal is to prepare you for your chosen career as well as provide a strong foundation in leadership and service.
Location
Lees-McRae is located in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Our unique setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the four distinct seasons provide a home base for year-round outdoor entertainment, including hiking, climbing, rafting, skiing and more.
Lees-McRae College School Colors
Wily the Bobcat
Affiliation
Presbyterian Church USA
Degrees Offered
BA, BS, BFA, BSN
Situated just blocks from downtown Banner Elk, our residential campus spans more than 450 acres along the Elk River and includes the 70-acre Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station.
Academics
Our expert faculty enjoy providing hands-on experiences above and beyond traditional classroom learning. 18 Majors 13 Minors 9 Concentrations
Green and Gold
Mascot
Campus
Enrollment
1,033 total students (678 main campus, 355 extended campus and online)
30 states and 10 countries represented 19% minority 15:1 Student to Faculty Ratio
Scholarships
Ninety-five percent of Lees-McRae students receive financial aid, and we won’t ask you to complete a separate application for meritbased scholarships. Apply today and we’ll calculate your financial aid package.
Student Success
Between our Honors Program, Student Success Center and Career Services, we provide a challenging academic environment, the opportunity to learn and perfect your study skills and field-specific training so you’re ready to tackle your job search or grad school applications when the time comes.
Campus Life
As a Lees-McRae student, you’ll enjoy a social and energetic community while living in one of 11 on-campus housing options. Many of our halls are also pet-friendly, so plan to bring your furry (and not so furry) friends.
Named no. 2 pet-friendly campus in the country
Athletics
Bobcat pride runs deep, especially among our student-athletes. Discipline, hard work and perseverance keep our teams competitive each year. 19
Competitive Athletic Teams
NCAA Division II Conference Carolinas USA Cycling Division I Basketball Cross Country Cycling Lacrosse Soccer Softball Tennis Track and Field Volleyball
(indoor/outdoor)
We also offer two club teams—cheerleading and skiing and snowboarding—to provide additional athletic options.
Visit From the Bobcat Bash at Wildcat Lake to kick off the school year to our annual Mountain Day of Service in April, you’ll have many opportunities to get involved.
We invite you to visit campus to learn more. Tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday–Saturday, and we host several upcoming Open Houses as well. Schedule your visit today at lmc.edu/admissions.
Programs of Study
Athletic Training (M) Biology (M, MI) Health Sciences (C) Nutrition (C) Business Administration (M, MI) Accounting (C) Finance (C) Marketing (C) Communication Arts & Design (M, MI) Art & Design (C) Communication Arts (C) Creative Marketing (C) Criminal Justice (M, MI) Cycling (MI) Education (MI) Elementary Education (M, L) English (M, MI) Emergency Medical Services & Management (M) History (M, MI) Mathematics (MI) Musical Theatre (M) Nursing (pre-licensure) (M) Performing Arts Studies (M, MI) Psychology (M, MI) Religious Studies (M, MI) Special Education (M, L) Sport Administration (M) Theatre Arts Education (M, L) Wildlife Biology (M) Wildlife Rehabilitation (MI, C) (M) Major (MI) Minor (C) Concentration (L) Licensure
Are you ready to take the next step? Now that you have heard about us, we’d like to know your thoughts.
Is Lees-McRae a good fit for you? We hope so, and invite you to apply today following the steps below. If you’re still not sure, plan a visit! Our beautiful campus, surrounded by stunning mountain views, will say more about our school than we ever can in writing.
The Admissions Process
Lees-McRae College operates on rolling admission and is a test-optional institution. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Submit completed application online at lmc.edu/apply Submit a $35 application fee (waived during campus visit) Submit official transcripts Submit official SAT or ACT scores (optional)
Learn more about the admissions process at lmc.edu/admissions >>
Your Future Elevated | Banner Elk, NC | 828.898.5241 | www.lmc.edu