Featured
From "never" to newsroom
May 29, 2025
How one alumna's dreams evolved into an award-winning reporting career. Her journey shows how unexpected paths can lead to purpose, impact and lasting change.
Inspired Minds, Transformed Lives
Discover a place where curiosity is encouraged, goals are supported and your path becomes clear—within a community that knows and challenges you.
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What Makes LR Stand Out
98%
Employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
15:1
Student-to-faculty ratio. Small in size, big in opportunities.
Best Value
Named by U.S. News as a Best Value in the South.
Offering exceptional academic quality and real-world experiences at an affordable cost.
$3.60
For every dollar students invest in their education at LR, they receive $3.60 in higher future earnings in their lifetime.
100%
Students who study abroad receive funding each year.
$200K+ awarded annually to support global learning.
Top 40
Ranked among the top 40 schools in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report.
From Our Students
At LR, your learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll be mentored by passionate faculty, challenged to think critically and empowered to lead with purpose.
The LR Experience-
Research Opportunities
Bethany Perry '24, Biology
LR offers a hands-on approach to learning. Unlike my friends at other schools, I had the opportunity to design and lead my own research project and see it through to completion.
Explore Student Research & Scholarship
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Student Experience
Hagan Suchocki ’25, Nursing
Embrace new experiences and stay open to what benefits you—even if it’s different. Take risks, meet new people, connect with professors and start meaningful conversations.
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Community
Zaniya Parks '25, Psychology
College is what you make it. LR helped me pursue my passion for helping others—small classes and supportive professors made all the difference both inside and outside the classroom.
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Study Abroad
Nathan Shackelford '23, Exercise Science
Studying abroad in Madrid was one of the most impactful and fulfilling experiences of my life, shaping who I am and clarifying my goals for the future.
Explore Study Abroad
LR offers a hands-on approach to learning. Unlike my friends at other schools, I had the opportunity to design and lead my own research project and see it through to completion.
Embrace new experiences and stay open to what benefits you—even if it’s different. Take risks, meet new people, connect with professors and start meaningful conversations.
College is what you make it. LR helped me pursue my passion for helping others—small classes and supportive professors made all the difference both inside and outside the classroom.
Studying abroad in Madrid was one of the most impactful and fulfilling experiences of my life, shaping who I am and clarifying my goals for the future.
A Path for Everyone
Whether you're an undergraduate, graduate or seminary student, you'll find programs that support your goals and prepare you for what’s next.
Undergraduate Students
Start your journey here—where curiosity is nurtured, passions are discovered and community lifts you up. Explore our undergraduate programs designed to help you grow academically, personally and professionally.
Graduate Students
Advance your career, expand your impact. Our graduate programs blend academic depth with real-world relevance, giving you the tools to lead with confidence in today’s changing world.
Seminary Students
Answer the call to serve. Grounded in faith and community, our seminary programs prepare students for ministry, leadership and service in a dynamic and evolving world.
Our Location
Located in Hickory, N.C., our scenic campus offers small-town charm, outdoor adventure and proximity to major cities and mountain getaways.
Explore Our LocationInvest in Your Future
An LR education delivers both quality and value—with personalized support to help make college financially possible.
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A Valuable, Affordable Education
We work with our students to bring costs within reach. Let us help you turn your dreams of college into a reality.
Explore Scholarships & AidBear Bound: A Pathway for Community College Transfer Students
Providing community college students with a seamless and affordable pathway to a four-year degree. The program enhances student pathways and removes the obstacles transfer students often face when seeking a bachelor’s degree.
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Accelerated Master's Degrees
Complete your master's and bachelor's degrees at the same time saving both time and money.
Explore Accelerated Master's DegreesPresidential Scholarships
All high-achieving, highly motivated students should apply for LR’s prestigious Presidential Scholarship, which offers automatic admission to Fritz Honors College and covers the cost of tuition at Lenoir-Rhyne for eight regular semesters.
Explore Presidential Scholarships
Calendar
Stay connected to campus life. From performances to lectures and special events, there’s always something happening at LR. Discover events that inspire, engage and bring our university community together.
Featured
August 22, 2025
August 17, 2025
September 11, 2025
September 26, 2025
Go Bears!
LR is home to 23 NCAA Division II varsity teams, where grit, heart and championship spirit define what it means to be a Bear. It’s where champions are made—and school spirit runs deep.