Lees-McRae College is only private institution in western North Carolina among top 25 regional colleges in southern United States according to U.S. News and World Report

BANNER ELK, N.C.— Over the past five years, Lees-McRae has made countless improvements to the college through extensive renovations of residence halls, investments in experiential learning facilities on campus, new dining and bookstore partnerships, the acquisition of the South Campus property, and more.

These improvements are reflected in the college’s latest ranking by U.S. News and World Report, which ranks Lees-McRae at number 22 on the organization’s Regional Colleges South list, up six places from last year’s ranking of 28.

“Lees-McRae is future-focused and guided by our distinctiveness,” President Lee King said. “We are thriving because of our commitment to educational excellence and the determined pursuit of meaningful student experiences.”

This ranking makes Lees-McRae one of only five North Carolina private colleges or universities and the only one in the western part of the state in the list’s top 25 institutions. Lees-McRae also improved in the organization’s regional rankings for Best Value—ranked number 21—and Top Performers on Social Mobility—ranked number 50.

Read more about the college’s ranking for this year and how U.S. News and World Report ranks institutions >>

###

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. For more information, please visit www.lmc.edu or call 828.898.5241.