Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC

private nonprofitbachelors

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

“In Montibus, Ex Montibus, Pro Montibus (Latin)”(In the mountains, of the mountains, for the mountains)

Private college

Type

817

Total Students

$35M

Endowment

$31K

Tuition (In-State)

$31K

Tuition (Out-State)

$26K

Avg Net Price

81%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Graduation Rate

6-year

62%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

President: H. Lee King

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae: A mountain-rooted college empowering students since 1899.

Nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Banner Elk, North Carolina, Lees-McRae College offers a unique educational experience that truly embodies its Latin motto: "In Montibus, Ex Montibus, Pro Montibus" (In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains). As a private college with a close-knit student body of 855, it fosters a vibrant academic community deeply connected to its stunning natural surroundings.

The college's rich history began in 1899 as an all-female high school, The Elizabeth McRae Institute, founded by the visionary Presbyterian minister, Reverend Edgar Tufts. Over the decades, it underwent significant transformations, including adding the name of benefactor Suzanna Lees in 1903 and merging with an all-male branch from Plumtree in 1927. This evolution culminated in 1931 when it officially became Lees-McRae College, an accredited coeducational junior college, solidifying its commitment to comprehensive education.

Lees-McRae continued its growth in the late 1980s, eventually achieving status as a four-year college in 1990. Today, it stands as a testament to perseverance and community spirit. The college is also known for its strong community engagement, notably becoming the first expansion site for the New Opportunity School for Women in 2005, a program dedicated to educating and employing women in the Appalachian region. For prospective students and families, Lees-McRae offers an inspiring journey where personal growth and academic pursuit are nurtured amidst the grandeur of the mountains.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1899 as The Elizabeth McRae Institute, an all-female high school.
✦Located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Banner Elk, North Carolina.
✦A private college serving a close-knit community of 855 students.
✦Its inspiring motto, "In Montibus, Ex Montibus, Pro Montibus," reflects its deep connection to its mountain home.
✦Evolved from a junior college to an accredited, coeducational four-year institution by 1990.
✦Hosts the first expansion site for the New Opportunity School for Women since 2005, aiding Appalachian women.

Timeline

1899

Founded as The Elizabeth McRae Institute by Reverend Edgar Tufts in Banner Elk.

1903

Name changed to The Lees-McRae Institute with the addition of benefactor Suzanna Lees' name.

1907

Chartered by the state; an all-male branch founded in Plumtree, North Carolina.

1927

Plumtree facility destroyed by fire, leading to the merger of the two campuses in Banner Elk.

1931

Renamed Lees-McRae College, becoming an accredited, coeducational junior college.

1987

College President recommends moving toward a four-year program.

1990

Granted status as a four-year college by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

2005

Became the first expansion site for the New Opportunity School for Women.

Leadership

H. Lee King

President

Pam Vesely

Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Lees-McRae College

Start Your Free Search