Private not-for-profit

Small

Lees-McRae College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.58

Acceptance Rate76.8%

Lees-McRae is accessible, but the 69% freshman retention and 42% six-year graduation rates make fit and preparation especially important. With a 3.58 average GPA and test-optional policy, your goal is to show steady academic readiness, submitting scores only if they clearly strengthen your application.

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Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Lees-McRae College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Lees-McRae College is a small rural institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 873 students. Lees-McRae has a freshman retention rate of 69% and a 6-year graduation rate of 42%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.

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Location

Banner Elk, NC

Undergrad Enrollment873

Freshman Retention69%

SettingRural

Student to Faculty Ratio11:1

Graduation Rate42%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How does your GPA compare at Lees-McRae?

Key Lees-McRae College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

December 15

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 31

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Lees-McRae, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year and save the summer before senior year and fall for retakes. For the December 15 Early Action deadline, a November retake is the last practical chance to add scores that can arrive in time and potentially improve a superscore.

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What you'll actually pay

Lees-McRae is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $33,850, and 73% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $11,012, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 31.

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Out-of-State Tuition$33,850

Tuition and Fees$33,850

Room and Board$15,200

Average Merit Award$11,012

Application Fee$25

Students on Aid73%

Average Aid Package$24,971

Average Debt at GradN/A

At Lees-McRae College, tuition and fees plus room and board total about $49,050. Financial aid is common, with 73% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $24,971. Merit scholarships can also reduce the price, with an average merit award of $11,012. The actual amount students pay will depend on their financial need and scholarship eligibility.

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