Apply for Undergraduate Admission

A first-year student is currently in high school or graduated and has not attempted any college credits after graduating.

You must submit the following items:

1. Undergraduate application (apply using the LR Application or Common App)
   

   LR Application    Common App
2. Official high school transcript* that includes senior-year coursework.

*Prospective students may be admitted based on unofficial transcripts and/or as courses are in progress. However, LR must receive a final transcript before enrollment.

A transfer student has obtained a high school diploma (or equivalent) and has been enrolled at any college/university for one or more semesters following high school graduation.

Application Requirements

1. Complete an undergraduate application (our application is free)

   Apply - Undergraduate Transfer Application  
2. Official transcripts* from each college or university attended.**
3. An official high school transcript if less than 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours have been attempted. Official ACT or SAT scores may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
4. The Dean's Reference Form is now available electronically through the application for admission. Completed electronic Dean's Reference Forms are required from each college or university attended. Students are not required to submit a Dean’s Reference Form for institution(s) from which they graduated.

*Prospective students may be admitted based on unofficial transcripts and/or as courses are in progress. However, LR must receive a final transcript before enrollment.

**Credit from an accredited junior or community college is limited to a maximum of 64 semester hours or 96 quarter hours. A maximum of 96 semester hours may be transferred from all institutions.

Transfer Credits Evaluation Tool

Associate Degrees

Students who have earned an Associate of Arts degree from a North Carolina community college may transfer the AA degree to Lenoir-Rhyne to be used in place of the university’s core courses except for the following.

• The LR Orientation course (LRU 100/101/102),
• REL 100
• COM 111
• Six credits of foreign language
• The core's level two courses and a capstone experience

Note that some programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require specific technical requirements. These are evaluated on a course-by-course basis and are not covered under the articulation agreement with the AA transfer policy.

Students who have earned an Associate of Arts degree outside of North Carolina are not subject to the agreement outlined above. The Registrar’s Office will conduct a course-by-course evaluation to determine if the AA degree satisfies the essence of the Lenoir-Rhyne core curriculum.

This information applies to only international degree-seeking students (international F1-visa holders).

Application Requirements

1. Undergraduate application (our application is free)

   Apply - Undergraduate International Application  
2. Official transcripts from each college or university attended, which must be translated into English and evaluated into a course-by-course report by an approved credential evaluation agency.
3. Completed Certificate of Finance certified by a bank official, attorney or notary public.
4. Proof of English proficiency if your native language is not English. The preferred method of proof is an official score report from the TOEFL (LR’s school code is 5365), IELTS, SAT (5365) or ACT (3118). You must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based version, 213 on the computer-based version or 79 on the internet-based version. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. The minimum 17 average on the ACT reading and English tests are required or an SAT score of 480 on the evidence-based reading and writing section. All student-athletes must provide ACT or SAT results.
5. An offer of admission, if applicable, will be sent to you via email.
6. To confirm your enrollment, you submit an enrollment deposit. This enrollment deposit is paid online and applied to tuition. An I-20 form will be forwarded to you.

The following would also be accepted to verify your English language proficiency:

• Completion of a college-level English composition or other reading-intensive courses with a “B” or equivalent at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a non-U.S. college or university where instruction is in English.
• An official transcript showing completion of an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or a higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or a non-U.S. college or university where instruction is in English.

If you do not meet the above minimum English proficiency criteria, the following options are available:

• Complete the iTEP English proficiency exam administered by Lenoir-Rhyne’s partner program, the American Language Academy and attain a minimum score of 3.9.
• Enroll in and complete an accredited English language program, such as the American Language Academy Program, before attending Lenoir-Rhyne. After completing level 5 of the American Language Academy program, you will be recognized as English proficient. Other accredited English Language Proficiency Programs will be accepted as well, as long as you complete a program through the certified level deemed English proficient.

Suppose you do not meet any of the minimum criteria above. In that case, you may request an appeal and, if granted, may participate in a Zoom or WebEx interview to be used as an additional evaluation tool to determine English proficiency. Please note that the findings of this interview are used in conjunction with all other above materials.

Lenoir-Rhyne requires that students whose native language is not English demonstrate their English proficiency on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Applicants must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based version, 213 on the computer-based version or 79 on the internet-based version. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.

We welcome you to Lenoir-Rhyne through a growing number of international exchange partners from around the world through the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration or as a student from one of our bilateral partners.

Bilateral Partners

• Autonomous University of Coahuila
• Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics
• TU Dortmund University
• University of the Basque Country
• University of Magdeburg-Stendal

As an international student, you have the opportunity to study at LR for one semester or one academic year.

Our adult education program is designed to serve the needs of area adult and/or non-traditional students. These students require evening or more conveniently scheduled courses, although they may select classes at any time during the day.

Application Requirements

1. Undergraduate application (our application is free)

   Apply - Adult Learners Application  
2. Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
3. An official high school transcript if less than 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours have been attempted. Official ACT or SAT scores may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
4. Proof of eligibility to be considered for the adult education program. Candidates must be at least eight years removed from high school graduation (or 26 years of age).

All students admitted to the Gateway Nursing Program (RN to BSN program) will be classified as adult education students and must enroll in 12 credit hours (or less) each term.

University Christian High School

Students attending University Christian High School (UCHS) have the opportunity to dual enroll to take college courses at Lenoir-Rhyne University during their junior and senior year. All of the entry-level courses at LR are available including foreign languages, English, history, science, math, health, sociology, psychology, business, art, drama, music, theatre, and communication classes. These college class credits may be transferred to the college or university of your choice.

Submission Requirements

1. A completed, accurate UCHS application
2. Official high school transcript

Once accepted, please complete and return immunization forms, minor model form and FERPA form.

For more information, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 828.328.7382 or admission@lr.edu.

Apply Today  

High School Scholars Academy

The Lenoir-Rhyne University High School Scholars Academy (HSSA) is a program designed for high school students who seek an alternative opportunity for a full-time on-campus experience. The program is open to senior and junior students.

High School Seniors

Senior students will enroll in English IV Honors plus three college courses in the fall. During the spring, students will enroll in three college courses and have the option to enroll in AP Literature. Senior students are expected to attend for the full year.

High School Juniors

Junior students will enroll in English III Honors, plus two college courses in the fall and AP Language and Composition, a college connections class, and two college courses in the spring. Junior students are expected to attend for both their junior and senior year. (Please note junior coursework is subject to change pending final approval by LR and local school systems.)

Typically, a maximum of 40 seniors and 20 juniors participate in the program. In future years, a maximum of 20 spaces within the senior class will be filled by the previous junior class. An additional 20 spaces will be filled by new senior students (one-year program). Admission preference is given to students enrolled in Catawba County, Hickory public or Newton-Conover school systems. When space is available, applicants from private schools, home schools and other school systems will be considered.

For more information, contact the undergraduate admission at 828.328.7382.

A completed application will include the following: 

1. Official high school transcript
2. School counselor recommendation form (requested through application)
3. Letter of recommendation from a teacher (requested through application)
4. Self-reported disciplinary record (reported on application) 
5. A personal, written statement regarding your desire to participate in HSSA 
6. Official college transcript(s) if any college work has been attempted, even if course(s) are listed on the high school transcript

An interview may be requested by LR. Additional documentation will be required for students who enroll in the program.

Apply Today  

High School Enrichment 

The High School Enrichment Program is designed for students who are juniors or seniors to take up to 2 college courses (6 credit hours) at Lenoir-Rhyne for dual enrollment credit. Exceptions must be approved by the Principal at the High School and LR Office of Admission. Students can receive both high school and college credit or may also choose to receive college credit only. Students are advised to monitor their high school graduation requirements with their high school counselor. Students may take only day courses and will be in classes with university students and university faculty. Students will be admitted on a space available, first-come/first-serve basis.

Submission Requirements

1. A completed, accurate application
2. Official high school transcript

Once accepted, please complete and return the High School Enrichment Contract.

For more information, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 828.328.7382 or admission@lr.edu.

Apply Today  

Please Note: To schedule an information session please email ribn@lr.edu.

The Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) program works to improve the health outcomes of North Carolinians by enhancing the educational preparation and diversity of the nursing workforce.

The program provides a four-year nursing option that concurrently enrolls students in a community college – where students obtain their associate degree in nursing – and later, a university – where they complete their bachelor's degree in nursing. RIBN, which started in 2010, has expanded to include several regional RIBN partnerships across the state.

Students in the RIBN track spend the first part of the program at a community college and take at least one course per semester at Lenoir-Rhyne University, most of which are online.

After receiving an associate nursing degree and having passed the state licensure exam, students continue on to the final year of the program and complete one more year of classes online at Lenoir-Rhyne. The BSN RIBN program allows students to receive a valuable baccalaureate degree affordably and provides the option to work as a registered nurse during the final year of studies. Students of the program also receive support from a RIBN student success advocate.

Deadlines

• For current high school students and those with less than 26 college credits – March 1, 2023.
• For transfer students – May 1, 2023.

Apply

• Undergraduate Application

Admission Requirements & How to Apply

For admission requirements, information on how to apply, and deadlines, select the community college of your choice.

• Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
• Catawba Valley Community College
• Gaston College
• Mitchell Community College
• Western Piedmont Community College
• Wilkes Community College

Related Links

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sample Program Sequence
• RIBN Handbook

The RN to BSN Program is an education plan for registered nurses who have an Associate Degree in Nursing. Students that have satisfactorily completed prerequisite general education courses and meet admission requirements are eligible for the program.

The program permits these nurses to complete the nursing requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in three to four semesters depending on transfer credit. A student enrolled in the RN to BSN Program needs a minimum of 128 semester hours to graduate.

Admission Requirements

The RN to BSN Program has rolling admission. You can apply for fall, spring or summer.

• Hold a current and unrestricted RN license
• An overall cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Have completed 56 credits
• Interview with nursing faculty

Apply for Admission

Apply - RN to BSN Program Application  

Tuition & Fees

Nurses receive the Life Long Learning tuition rate, which is comparable to other universities. Financial aid may also be available and students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA application.

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a partner with several hospitals and medical centers. Through this partnership, students are able to receive significant discounts. Ask your employer if they have partnered with Lenoir-Rhyne or contact the Office of Admission.

This classification is for individuals who generally never plan to obtain a degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Non-degree students may take a maximum of 12 undergraduate-level credit hours per semester. Admission as a non-degree student is granted on a semester-by-semester basis and is only permissible when space is available. While a student may not be required to submit an additional application for subsequent semesters (depending on the length of time between enrollment), permission to enroll in more than one semester under the status must be pre-approved.

Students seeking enrollment for multiple semesters should contact the Division of Enrollment Management for current policies and procedures. Non-degree students will be considered for admission upon meeting the requirements listed below. Because this classification is designed for students taking courses purely for their edification, academic advisors are not assigned.

Applicants who are under current suspension from Lenoir-Rhyne, or who were denied admission as degree-seeking first-year, transfer or graduate students are not eligible for non-degree status. A non-degree student is not eligible for financial aid.

Graduate Non-Degree Student Policy

The collegiate environment continues to be an academic resource beyond the completion of the undergraduate degree. In order to make its resources available for a broad range of purposes not confined to the pursuit of specific degrees, a student who holds a baccalaureate or graduate degree may register for individual courses at the graduate level without making a formal application to a degree program.

A student not pursuing a graduate degree at Lenoir-Rhyne applies to the university as a non-degree student and is required to furnish proof of an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 or a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Admission as a non-degree student does not guarantee future admission into a specific degree program, nor into a public school licensure program.

A non-degree student who holds a baccalaureate or graduate degree may take either undergraduate or graduate courses. Under this classification, a student may enroll in no more than 6 hours of graduate-level classes or 12 hours of undergraduate-level classes. Upon completion of 6 hours of graduate courses, a student must apply to a degree-seeking program in order to continue graduate coursework. If the non-degree student is taking undergraduate classes, admission must be granted each semester. A non-degree student is not eligible for financial aid.

If you are a former undergraduate student and you were last enrolled at LR three or fewer semesters ago (including the summer semester), you are not required to reapply. Instead, you will work with the Registrar's Office for re-entry to Lenoir-Rhyne. Please contact the Registrar's Office at registrar@lr.edu or 828.328.7279 for further instruction. If your last enrollment period at LR was more than three semesters ago, please proceed with the application.