• Announcing the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee

    Lenoir-Rhyne announces tuition-free guarantee for North and South Carolina students
    With the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee, tuition will never stand in the way of your dreams. Starting in fall 2026, eligible students from North and South Carolina can earn a world-class education tuition-free—powered by scholarships and grants, not loans.

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Lenoir-Rhyne earns dual recognition in U.S. News & World Report rankings


Lenoir-Rhyne University has achieved significant recognition in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The university has been ranked #18 in the "Best Value – Regional Universities (South)" category, up from #21 in the previous year. Additionally, LR has been ranked #51 in the overall "Regional Universities (South)" category.

Four students assemble a diagram of a molecule at a classroom table

This dual recognition highlights LR's commitment to providing an affordable and high-quality education. Factors such as academic quality, student retention, faculty resources and financial aid offerings are considered during the ranking process.

"We are thrilled to see LR recognized for its exceptional value and overall academic excellence," said Fred Whitt, Ed.D, president of Lenoir-Rhyne University. "This dual ranking is a testament to our dedication to providing a transformative educational experience at an affordable cost."

LR has made a commitment to affordability in recent years. In 2023, tuition was lowered by 30 percent, from $43,000 to $30,000, and the university awarded more than $30 million in scholarships. In addition, the LR Promise guarantees half off tuition to all undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 3.5.

"We are proud to offer our students a world-class education at a competitive price," said Leah Beth Hubbard, DSL, assistant vice president for admission. "Our goal is to make LR accessible to students from all backgrounds and to provide them with the tools they need to succeed."

This latest rankings reinforce Lenoir-Rhyne's position as a leading regional university and further solidifies its reputation as a top choice for students seeking a high-quality, affordable education.

Student in audience smiles to camera while attending commencement ceremony

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Rolanda Gilliard

At 72, Rolanda Gilliard blends decades of service in social work and teaching with a lifelong love of writing, sharing faith through her ministry.

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