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.

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.

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?

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Key Lees-McRae College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

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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.

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.