Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Banner Elk, North Carolina
80.8% Acceptance Rate
Lees-McRae College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
80.8%Acceptance Rate
1140Avg SAT
$45,886Annual Cost
$43,415Grad Salary
37.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
80.8%
Avg SAT
1140
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1100–1170
Need-Based Aid
37.4% receive Pell
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 80.8%, 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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 80.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Lees-McRae College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Lees-McRae College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Lees-McRae College Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into Lees-McRae College Without SAT or ACT?
Lees-McRae College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
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
SAT 1140 — Less Competitive
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) 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, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Lees-McRae College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Lees-McRae College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Lees-McRae College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Lees-McRae College to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
Lees-McRae College Profile
Full Name
Lees-McRae College
City
Banner Elk
State
North Carolina
ZIP Code
28604
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Lees-McRae College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Lees-McRae College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Lees-McRae College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Lees-McRae College is $55,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.88%.
How much does a degree from Lees-McRae College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Lees-McRae College is $45,886. 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.
37.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 86.6 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 does a Lees-McRae College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $43,415. 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
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 | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, 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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, 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, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Lees-McRae College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Lees-McRae College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Lees-McRae College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $43,415 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $45,886 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
37.4% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Lees-McRae College is 80.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
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.
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.
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.
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