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Lees-McRae College and Salem College are both private nonprofit institutions — Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC and Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Banner Elk, NC · Private
Acceptance rate: 76.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 873
Tuition: $33,250/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 42.1%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Business and marketing, Education
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Banner Elk, NC with published program strength in Biological sciences and Business and marketing.
Winston-Salem, NC · Private
Acceptance rate: 76.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 423
Tuition: $33,848/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 57.4%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, Health professions, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Winston-Salem, NC with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and Health professions.
| Factor | Lees-McRae College | Salem College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 76.8% | 76.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1066–1243 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 23 average | 16–22 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 873 | 423 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $33,250/year | $33,848/year |
| Average net price after aid | $28,340 | $18,277 |
| Graduation rate | 42.1% | 57.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $43,415 | $44,640 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Banner Elk, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
| Largest program areas | Biological sciences, Business and marketing, Education | Visual and performing arts, Health professions, Business and marketing |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (76.8% vs 76.7%). Salem College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($18,277 vs $28,340). Salem College reports the higher graduation rate (57.4% vs 42.1%). Lees-McRae College is the larger undergraduate campus (873 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Lees-McRae College and Salem College
Lees-McRae College has an acceptance rate of 76.8%; Salem College is around 76.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Lees-McRae College tuition is $33,250/year. Salem College is $33,848/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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