Fast Facts

Students walking along campus sidewalk with LR red banners on light posts

Lenoir-Rhyne is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

University Information

Founded in 1891 by four Lutheran pastors
Three locations: Hickory, N.C.; Asheville, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.
Motto: Veritas vos Liberabit (the truth shall set you free)
Alma mater: “Fair Star of Caroline”
Mission, vision and values

More About Lenoir-Rhyne

Student Body

2,230+ students
1,477 undergraduate (on-campus in Hickory, N.C.)
753 graduate (on-campus and online)
Student distribution: 39 states/territories; 75 North Carolina counties; 29 countries
$30+ million awarded in scholarships and financial aid annually
$200,000+ in study abroad scholarships for LR students
17,643+ living alumni (undergraduate and graduate degree holders) from all 50 states and many countries around the globe

Students looking over an assignment on a computer

Health students diagnose symptoms on a simulation

Turn Passion into Purpose

At Lenoir-Rhyne, you’ll explore meaningful programs that challenge you, support your goals and prepare you for a fulfilling career and life of purpose.

In the Classroom

Majors Offered: 45+
Minors: 53
Graduate Programs: 20
Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
Average class size: 22
Faculty: 127 full time; more than 80% hold terminal degrees

Explore Our Academic Programs

LR football celebrates in end zone after scoring in Moretz Stadium

Former LR star Kyle Dugger running with the football

Go Bears!

LR's passionate fan base supports a number of championship-caliber intercollegiate athletic programs that compete as a member of the NCAA and South Atlantic Conference.

Athletics

Mascot: Joe Bear
Conferences: South Atlantic Conference
Affiliation: NCAA Division II
Teams: 23

LR has provided me the support to pursue my bachelor’s degree by offering financial help with the LR Promise, as well as having the support from people on campus to help with whatever is needed.

Ataysha Fininen '22, Psychology

Financial Aid & Admissions

Move-in crew of four people high-five in parking lot outside Fritz-Conrad

Fun-facts for Move-In Day 2025

As LR welcomes its largest incoming class since 2020, see the numbers, majors, and fun facts that will make this year’s campus buzz!

Close up of a woman at a desk in a classroom, hands poised over a textbook on Christianity

LTSS Explore Courses invite alumni and church leaders back to the classroom

LTSS alumni and church leaders can participate in this fall’s Explore courses, exploring holistic Christianity, monastic life and other topics that foster lifelong learning.