LR at a Glance

Fast Facts


Students walking along campus sidewalk with LR red banners on light posts

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
More About Lenoir-Rhyne

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

In the Classroom


  • Majors Offered: 45+
  • Minors: 53
  • Graduate Programs: 20
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
  • Average class size: 22
  • Faculty: 127 full time; more than 80% hold terminal degrees
Explore Our Academic Programs

Athletics


  • Mascot: Joe Bear
  • Conferences: South Atlantic Conference
  • Affiliation: NCAA Division II
  • Teams: 23
Explore Bears Sports
Allie McNeely

Music has given me a family at Lenoir-Rhyne. I have made lifelong friends, and sharing the experience of studying music is such a personal and intense thing that brings people together.

Allie McNeely '19, Music Performance
Architectural rendering of Cromer Donor Wall with donor messages with LR logo

As Lenoir-Rhyne prepares for a major renovation of Cromer Center, alumni, families and friends have a new opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the building through a personalized donor recognition wall.

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Harry Titus takes a selfie with a student in front of the Donuts with the Dean banner

Hickory Young Professionals recognized three members of the Lenoir-Rhyne community for their professional accomplishments, community leadership and commitment to making a difference in the region.

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