Lenoir-Rhyne announces tuition-free guarantee for North and South Carolina students

Opening doors to higher education for families across the Carolinas

Lenoir-Rhyne University is taking bold steps to expand access to higher education by launching the Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee initiative that removes the cost of tuition for qualifying families in North and South Carolina.

Beginning in fall 2026, new first-year and transfer students from the Carolinas with a family adjusted gross income (AGI) of $100,000 or less will have tuition fully covered for up to four years (eight semesters). The award is funded entirely through scholarships and grants.

In addition, Lenoir-Rhyne University announced new merit scholarships for all students including a new $30,000 Presidential Scholarship as the top merit award. These new scholarships also reaffirm Lenoir-Rhyne's commitment to college affordability.

“The Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee reflects our commitment to expand college access, to reduce barriers and to invest in the next generation of leaders who will serve our communities across the Carolinas,” said Dr. Summer McGee, president of Lenoir-Rhyne University. “Outstanding private education is now affordable for all North and South Carolina families. The Lenoir-Rhyne Guarantee is a game-changer.”

Quick Facts

• Covers 100 percent of full-time undergraduate tuition for up to four years (eight semesters)
• Available to North and South Carolina families with an AGI of $100,000 or less, according to FAFSA
• Applies to new first-year and transfer students beginning fall 2026
• Tuition funded entirely by scholarships and grants — no loans required

For more information about the Lenoir-Rhyne Guarantee, visit www.lr.edu/guarantee. 

Related Links

• Lenoir-Rhyne Tuition-Free Guarantee
• Frequently Asked Questions
• College Affordability