Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae College is a quaint private school that specializes in athletics and outdoor recreation. Celebrating 120 years in 2020, Lees-McRae College has the distinction of being the highest college east of the Mississippi in terms of elevation. The college sits at 3,720 feet above sea level, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains in Banner Elk, North Carolina. It’s also one of the few schools named after two women, Suzanna Lees and Elizabeth McRae.

In 2005, Lees-McRae became the first expansion site for New Opportunity School for Women, a program that helps educate and employ women in Appalachia. Out of about 1,000 students in the beautiful native stone buildings of Lees-McRae College, 38% of them can expect to graduate on time. What’s more, those 38% can also expect an ROI of -$56,400 after 20 years have passed.