LR at a Glance

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

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

Athletics


  • Mascot: Joe Bear
  • Conferences: South Atlantic Conference
  • Affiliation: NCAA Division II
  • Teams: 23
Explore Bears Sports
Amelia Coger

LR is unique for the small class sizes that allow the professors to get to know the students one-on-one.

Amelia Coger '20, Music Education
Kids in College students working and socializing on the steps of Rhyne Building

For more than 35 years, Kids in College at Lenoir-Rhyne has offered elementary- and middle-grade students a hands-on STEM exploration combined with the joys of a college campus.

View More
Ivy Throneburg, Stephanie Roberts, Diego Sanjuan holding BGB signs

Lenoir-Rhyne’s ninth annual Bears Give Back set a new record with 1,514 donors contributing $627,995. See how the LR community came together to support students, programs, and campus initiatives.

View More