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Lees-McRae College has been validated and is authenticated as a featured school
Featured schools are institutions that are actively seeking international students. They follow critical elements needed to create a welcoming and supportive environment for international students throughout the application process and once the student arrived to campus.

Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, North Carolina, United States of America
500-1000

Lees-McRae College is an outstanding choice for international students due to its welcoming community, unique location, and comprehensive academic offerings. Located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the college provides a serene and inspiring environment that is ideal for learning and personal growth. The small student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention and a supportive atmosphere, allowing international students to feel at home and thrive academically. Additionally, Lees-McRae’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its efforts to provide resources and support tailored to the needs of international students, helping them integrate seamlessly into campus life.

The college offers a diverse range of programs that cater to various interests and career goals, with particular strengths in wildlife biology, wilderness management, and athletic programs. Lees-McRae’s experiential learning approach allows students to gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, internships, and research projects, enhancing their educational journey. The vibrant athletic program, featuring NCAA Division II sports, provides ample opportunities for international students to engage in competitive sports while developing teamwork and leadership skills. This combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and extracurricular opportunities makes Lees-McRae College an attractive destination for international students seeking a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience.


Among top colleges and universities in the Southeast and recognized for our efforts to increase social mobility by U.S. News and World Report.

Recognized nationally and statewide as a College of Distinction, with special nods to our academic programs in business, education, and nursing.

The college took historic gold in the Top Adventure College competition hosted by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine by becoming the first small school to win the overall title.

The League of American Bicyclists recognized Lees-McRae with a Gold Bicycle Friendly University (BFUSM) award, joining more than 200 visionary colleges and universities from across the country.

#2 Best Small College for Animal Lovers Lees-McRae ranked No. 2 on Best Value Schools' recent list of “15 Best Small Colleges for Animal Lovers.”

Student Enrollment
500-1000
Foreign Student Enrolment
100-250
Accommodation
On Campus Dorms
Climate
Four Seasons, Snow
Affiliation
Christian
Gender Restriction
Coed
Study Types
Bachelor's Degree
Country
United States of America
Environment
Small Town/Rural
Ranked
Yes
Programs
Arts, Biology, Business, Business Administration, Communication, Creative Writing, Criminal Justice, Design, Education, Elementary Education, English, Exercise Science, Health Sciences, History, Marketing, Mathematics, Medicine, Music, Musical Theater, Nursing, Nutrition Sciences, Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, Physical Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Psychology, Recreation Management, Religious Studies, Special Education, Sport Management, Theatre Arts, Veterinary Medicine, Wild Life Biology, Wildlife Sciences
Sport Teams
, , , , , , Men’s Basketball, Men’s Cross Country, Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s Soccer, Men’s Tennis, Men’s Track and Field (Indoor), Men’s Volleyball, , , , , , , Women’s Basketball, Women’s Cross Country, Women’s Lacrosse, , Women’s Soccer, , Women’s Tennis, Women’s Track and Field (Indoor), Women’s Volleyball