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Application Types
- First Year Undergraduate
- Undergraduate Transfer
- International Student
- Adult Education
- High School Programs
- RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing)
- RN to BSN Program
- Non-Degree Student Policies
First Year Undergraduate
A first year student is currently in high school or graduated and has not attempted any college credits after graduating. LR offers two application periods for first year students: Priority Notification and Early Notification. All application periods are non-binding. LR accepts applications on a rolling basis after Early Notification.
The Following Items Must Be Submitted:
- A completed, accurate application for undergraduate admission and a $35 non-refundable application fee
- Official high school transcript that includes senior-year coursework
| Minimum course requirements | |
| English | 4 Units |
| Language (other than English) | 2 Units |
| Mathematics including Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry | 4 Units |
| Biology | 1 Unit |
| Laboratory Science | 1 Unit |
| American History | 1 Unit |
| World History | 1 Unit |
| Chemistry (preferred for students planning to major in Nursing) | 1 Unit |
*Prospective students may be admitted based on unofficial transcripts and/or as courses are in progress. However, a final transcript must be received prior to a student enrolling at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Undergraduate Transfer
A transfer is a student who 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.
The Following Items Must Be Submitted:
- A completed, accurate application for undergraduate admission and a $35 non-refundable application fee.
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended.*
- Dean's reference form from each college or university attended.**
- An official high school transcript if less than 30 semester or 45 quarter hours have been attempted. Official SAT or ACT scores may be requested on a case by case basis.
Credit from an accredited junior or community college is limited to a maximum of 64 semester or 96 quarter hours. A maximum of 96 semester hours may be transferred from all institutions.
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 with the exception of:
- The LR Orientation course (LRU 100/101/102)
- REL 100
- COM 111
- Six credits of foreign language, and
- The core's level two courses and 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. A course by course evaluation will be conducted by the Registrar's Office to determine if the AA degree satisfies the essence of the Lenoir-Rhyne core curriculum.
*Prospective students may be admitted based on unofficial transcripts and/or as courses are in progress. However, a final transcript must be received prior to a student enrolling at Lenoir-Rhyne.
**Prospective students may be admitted without a Dean's Reference Form (unless applying to the Nursing Program). However, a completed Dean's Reference Form from each college attended prior to applying to LR must be received prior to a student enrolling at Lenoir-Rhyne.
International Student
International Freshman & Transfer Applicants
* This applies to International Degree Seeking Students Only (F1 Visa Holders)
The Following Items Must Be Submitted:
- A completed undergraduate application and a $35 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee.
- Official transcripts for each college or university attended which have been translated into English and evaluated into a course-by-course report by an approved credential evaluation agency.
- A completed Certificate of Finance certified by a bank official, attorney, or notary public.
- Proof of English proficiency if the applicant’s 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). 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. The minimum SAT score is 480 on the evidence-based reading & writing section and a 17 average on the ACT reading & English tests. All student-athletes must provide SAT or ACT results.
Note: The following would also be accepted to verify English language proficiency of the applicant:
- 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 an applicant does not meet the above minimum English proficiency criteria, the following options are available to the applicant:
- Take the iTEP English proficiency exam which is administered by Lenoir-Rhyne’s partner program, the American Language Academy (www.ala.edu), and attain a minimum score of 3.9;
- Enroll in and complete an accredited English language program, such as the American Language Academy Program, prior to attending LRU. The student will be recognized as English proficient after completion of level 5 of the American Language Academy program. Other accredited English Language Proficiency Programs will be accepted as well, as long as the student completes through the certified level deemed English proficient.
If an applicant does not meet any of the minimum criteria above, s/he may request an appeal and if granted may participate in a WebEx or Skype interview to be used as an additional evaluation tool to determine English proficiency. Please note that the findings of this interview will be used in conjunction with all other above materials.
International Undergraduate Enrollment Guidelines
- An offer of admission, if applicable, will be sent via email.
- To confirm enrollment, the applicant will submit the enrollment deposit. This enrollment deposit may be paid online and will be applied to tuition.
- An I-20 form will be forwarded to the deposited student.
Incoming Exchange Student Applicants
INCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENT APPLICATION FORM
*If you are applying to LRU as an exchange student through the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC) or as a student from one of our bilateral partners: University of Magdeburg-Stendal, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, TU Dortmund University, University of the Basque Country, or the Autonomous University of Coahuila.
Adult Education
The 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.
The Following Items Must Be Submitted:
- A completed, accurate application for undergraduate admission and a non-refundable $35 application fee.
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
- An official high school transcript and official SAT or ACT scores if less than 24 semester or 36 quarter hours have been attempted.
- 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).
*Note that the admission criteria for students who wish to enroll through the Asheville Center vary slightly. Please consult with the Asheville enrollment counselor for more specific information.
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.
High School Programs
High School Scholars Academy (HSSA)
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. Senior students will enroll in English IV Honors plus three college courses in the fall. During the spring, students will enroll in three college course and have the option to enroll in AP Literature. Senior students are expected to attend for the full year. 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.)
For 2020-2021, a maximum of 40 seniors and 20 juniors will participate. 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 Office of Admission at 828.328.7382.
The Following Items Must Be Submitted:
-
A completed, accurate HSSA application (via the Apply to LRU button above).
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Official high school transcript, including discipline records.
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Official PLAN/PSAT/SAT/ACT scores (if scores are not included on official transcript).
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Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an individual who can comment on academic performance).
- Personal, written statement regarding desire to participate in the HSSA program.
- Official college transcript(s) if any college work has been attempted, even if course(s) are listed on a high school transcript.
An interview may be requested by LR. Additional documentation will be required for students who enroll in the program.
High School Enrichment
Outstanding high school students may enroll in courses at LRU while still in high school. The University permits this arrangement for students who will be at least 16 years old on or before August 31 of the year in which enrollment is desired, and classified as a junior at their high school. High School Enrichment students may take two undergraduate courses per term at Lenoir-Rhyne.
The Following Items Must Be Submitted:
- A completed, accurate High School Enrichment application.
- Official high school transcript with proof of a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Official SAT/ACT/PSAT/PLAN score report (if score is not included on official transcript).
- Completed high school enrichment contract.
- Approval of participation by the administration of the student's high school.
RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing)
Please Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are currently hosting virtual Information sessions for fall 2021. 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.
Deadline for current high school students and those with less than 26 college credits is March 1, 2021.
Deadline for transfer students is May 1, 2021.
Admission Requirements & How to Apply
Quick Links
Contact:
RN to BSN Program
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
Deadlines
Tuition and 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 LRU or contact LRU Admission.
How to Apply
The School of Nursing does not require an official transcript for the application process.
Students interested can submit an application on the Apply Page.
Contact:
Non-Degree Student Policies
Undergraduate Non-Degree Student Policy
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 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 course work. 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.
Application Deadlines
- Priority Notification: October 16, 2020
- Early Notification Deadline: November 13, 2020
Campus safety and security is important to current and prospective members of the Lenoir-Rhyne University community. Because we value campus safety and security, and in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”), Lenoir-Rhyne publishes an annual security report containing crime statistics, security policies, and other security information.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Lenoir-Rhyne University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, political affiliation, age, marital status, sex/gender, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran status in any educational programs and activities, including admissions.
Lenoir-Rhyne’s policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity extends to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, reassignment, demotion, discipline, discharge, performance evaluation, compensation and benefits.
Lenoir-Rhyne is committed to providing an environment that promotes non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and inclusion for faculty, staff, students, contractors, volunteers, and visitors.
Learn more about our non-discrimination policy.
ACT and SAT Codes
Please send your ACT/SAT standardized test score report with your application and use the Lenoir-Rhyne CEEB school code(s):
ACT - 3118
SAT - 5365
Unofficial test scores may be used for the purposes of admission to the University. However, official test scores are required prior to a student enrolling at Lenoir-Rhyne.
TOEFL and IELTS
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). It is expected that applicants have a score of at least 550 paper, 213 computer, or 79 internet based TOEFL or 6.5 IELTS.
The Lenoir-Rhyne school code is:
TOEFL - 5365