Fast Facts
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
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
- $100,000+ 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
Lenoir-Rhyne has a number of engaged and challenging programs that can lead you down the path to a fulfilling career.
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
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
I would define Lenoir-Rhyne as an engaging community that challenges you to seek new opportunities.
On the Hickory campus, 505 students received their degrees, along with 50 in Columbia and 72 in Asheville, during the 2025 Commencement ceremonies.
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From the football field to the classroom, Carson Keaton ’25 has built an active college experience grounded in leadership, education and lifelong connections.
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