Lees-McRae College provides access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college, with nearly 40% being first-generation students.
The college's nursing program stands out with strong earnings outcomes, though overall financial returns are modest compared to larger institutions.
Lees-McRae College is a small private nonprofit institution nestled in Banner Elk, North Carolina, serving about 1,000 students in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the college doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for overall value, it offers something distinctive: a tight-knit academic community where nearly 40% of students are first-generation college-goers and about 37% receive Pell Grants, indicating strong commitment to serving students from diverse backgrounds.
The college's outcomes reflect both its mission and its challenges. Graduates earn a median of $43,415 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below national averages for long-term earnings. However, Lees-McRae's strength lies in specific programs like nursing, where graduates earn significantly more, and in providing access to students who might not otherwise attend college.
As a small mountain college, Lees-McRae offers an intimate educational experience with close faculty relationships and a strong sense of community. The institution serves students seeking personal attention and a supportive environment, though families should understand that earnings outcomes vary significantly by program choice and that the college's overall financial returns are modest compared to larger public universities.
Lees-McRae College's program portfolio reflects its mission as a small liberal arts institution with professional programs. The Adult Health Nursing program represents the college's strongest financial outcome, graduating 29 students annually with median earnings of $63,935—nearly 50% higher than the institutional average. This program demonstrates how targeted professional preparation can deliver strong returns even at a smaller institution.
Corrections Administration serves as the college's largest program with 33 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $28,816, reflecting typical public service compensation in criminal justice fields. Business Administration, with 22 graduates earning around $44,649, provides outcomes close to the institutional median and represents a solid middle ground for students seeking general business preparation.
The concentration of students in these three programs—representing a significant portion of the college's graduates—shows Lees-McRae's focus on practical, career-oriented education. Students considering the college should understand that program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes, with health-related fields offering the strongest earning potential while other programs provide more modest but still viable career preparation in a supportive small-college environment.
Graduates of Lees-McRae College see modest long-term earnings, with a median income of $43,415 ten years after enrollment. This places the institution below national averages for post-graduation earnings, reflecting both the college's program mix and the economic realities of its rural North Carolina location. The college's earnings outcomes rank in the lower portion of institutions nationally, with graduates earning somewhat less than what similar students achieve at peer colleges.
Program choice makes a significant difference in financial outcomes at Lees-McRae. The standout program is Adult Health Nursing, which graduates 29 students annually and leads to median earnings of $63,935 ten years out—substantially higher than the institutional average. Business Administration graduates, representing 22 students per year, earn around $44,649, which aligns closely with the college's overall median. Corrections Administration, the largest program with 33 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $28,816, reflecting the public service nature of many criminal justice careers.
The variation in outcomes underscores the importance of program selection at Lees-McRae. Students in health-related fields, particularly nursing, see strong financial returns that justify their investment, while those in other programs should expect more moderate earnings that may require careful financial planning to manage student debt effectively.
Lees-McRae College presents a mixed affordability picture, with net prices that vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $18,829 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $20,899 per year. High-income families see substantially higher net prices at $29,115, reflecting the college's aid strategy of supporting students with the greatest financial need while expecting higher-income families to pay closer to full costs.
Debt levels at Lees-McRae are manageable but require careful consideration given the college's earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $17,375 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable amount that most borrowers can handle with standard repayment plans. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,670, which is relatively modest compared to many private colleges. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that most graduates successfully manage their debt obligations despite the modest earnings levels.
What makes affordability challenging is the relationship between debt and earnings. With median graduate income around $43,415, students need to be strategic about borrowing and program choice. Those entering higher-earning fields like nursing can comfortably service typical debt levels, while students in lower-earning programs should minimize borrowing and consider whether the investment aligns with their career goals and financial expectations.
Lees-Mcrae College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
