Lees-McRae College, established in 1900 in Banner Elk, North Carolina, is known for its outdoor programs, performing arts, and health sciences.
The 400-acre mountain campus includes the Hayes School of Music, the Arthur Student Center, and the newly renovated Carson Library. The college's high-altitude location provides exceptional outdoor classroom opportunities.
Lees-McRae College Acceptance Rate
Lees-McRae College maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 80.75%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Lees-McRae College Admission Requirements
Admission Chance Predictor
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Lees-McRae College SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Lees-McRae College Average SAT Score: 1140
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Lees-McRae College is 1140 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1140 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1170 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Lees-McRae College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1100, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Lees-McRae College. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 1140 | 1100 | 1170 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1100 then you are below most of the admitted students at Lees-McRae College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1170 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Lees-McRae College with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Lees-McRae College are good but the admission staff at Lees-McRae College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Lees-McRae College Profile
Name: Lees-McRae College
City: Banner Elk
URL: www.lmc.edu/
State: North Carolina
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 28604
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from Lees-McRae College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Lees-McRae College is USD: 45886. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Lees-McRae College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
37.43% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 86.55 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Lees-McRae College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Lees-McRae College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Lees-McRae College as your choice in the form.
How much a Lees-McRae College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 43415. An average Lees-McRae College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Lees-McRae College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Auburn University at Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Spring Hill College, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Grand Canyon University, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| Pacific Union College | Pacific Union College, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1119 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Lees-McRae College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Lynn University, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | University of West Florida, FL | 1137 | 24 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Lees-McRae College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- English Language and Literature, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Frequently Asked Questions About Lees-McRae College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $43415 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $45886 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Lees-McRae College is 80.75 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Lees-McRae College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1140 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1100-1170
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Lees-McRae College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.