Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College is a private, residential college that awards baccalaureate and graduate degrees. At nearly 4,000 feet—the highest elevation of any campus on the East Coast—the college celebrates its location through distinct programming. An emphasis on experiential education inspires students to learn by doing and gain broad knowledge through study across disciplines. To provide continuing education opportunities for all, the college also offers bachelor’s and master’s programs online and in surrounding communities.

Located in the heart of Banner Elk, the campus spans over 1,000 acres, which includes North Campus, South Campus, the 70-acre Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station, the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Wildcat Lake, and hundreds of acres of undeveloped land. With its historic stone buildings and panoramic mountain views, the campus creates a supportive and inspiring environment for learning and growth.

Lees-McRae offers more than 50 academic programs in fields like biology, wildlife biology, pre-veterinary medicine, criminal justice, business administration, sport management, education, theatre arts, communication arts and design, and outdoor recreation management. The college is particularly well known for programs that reflect its mountain setting and commitment to sustainability, such as Wilderness Medicine and Rescue, Cycling Studies (minor), Ski Industry Business and Instruction (minor), Field Biology (specialization), Tourism and Resort Management, and Wildlife Rehabilitation (specialization and minor). Students have the unique opportunity to work alongside professional veterinarians and rehabilitators at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, a facility located on campus that provides care for nearly 2,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year.

The college’s motto, “In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains,” captures its mission perfectly. The surrounding mountain landscape allows students to integrate outdoor adventure with academic exploration. Activities like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and mountain biking are part of everyday life, providing both recreation and learning experiences. The emphasis on experiential learning ensures that students graduate with not only a degree but also practical skills and a strong sense of purpose.

Campus life at Lees-McRae is built around community, leadership, and engagement. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, classes are small and interactive, allowing for close mentorship and personalized education. The college encourages students to get involved through clubs and organizations, service projects, and athletics—Lees-McRae competes in NCAA Division II as part of Conference Carolinas and USA Cycling Division I.

Lees-McRae College continues to uphold its founding values of faith, knowledge, and service, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to their communities, locally and globally. Whether pursuing a passion for the outdoors, the sciences, or the arts, students find in Lees-McRae a college that values curiosity, compassion, and courage.