LR at a Glance
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
- $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
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
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
Lenoir-Rhyne offers a phenomenal amount of support to students. These academic services allow me to always find extra help with my course material, along with the wonderful professors.
The milestone reflects strong alumni and donor support as Lenoir-Rhyne advances student-centered priorities and future campus investments.
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Spring 2026 events feature a conversation on “On Tyranny,” a Mardi Gras concert highlighting American composers and a panel discussion about what binds a nation.
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