Lees-McRae College
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Lees-McRae College is a private institution in Banner Elk, North Carolina with 817 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $31,140 compared with a North Carolina nursing-school average of $11,351. The school reports a graduation rate of 44.2%, median earnings of $43,415, and median federal debt of $17,375.
$31,140 is higher than the state average of $11,351.
44.2% is lower than the state average of 46.3%.
$43,415 is higher than the state average of $36,095.
About Lees-McRae College
| Location | Banner Elk, North Carolina |
| Institution Type | Private Nonprofit |
| Highest Degree | bachelor |
| Website | www.lmc.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $31,140 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $31,140 |
| Total Enrollment | 817 |
| Acceptance Rate | 80.8% |
| Graduation Rate | 44.2% |
| Retention Rate | 62.3% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $43,415 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,375 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $184 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 37.4% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 86.6% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.4 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
37.4% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 86.6% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is common in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Lees-McRae College depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $124,560, while the reported median debt is $17,375 with an estimated monthly payment of $184. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (74.1%), followed by Black students (8.3%) and Hispanic students (5.3%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($43,415) divided by median debt ($17,375)