Lenoir-Rhyne University ranked #1 private regional university in Western North Carolina

Lenoir-Rhyne University was ranked #1 private university in Western North Carolina by the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ranking of universities in the South region, released September 22. The rankings evaluate colleges and universities using metrics for academic quality and student success. Among all private regional universities in North Carolina, Lenoir-Rhyne University ranked #3. It also ranked among the Top 25 private colleges in the South, and #18 Best Value university in the South region.

The recognition comes as Lenoir-Rhyne welcomes the largest incoming class in its history in fall of 2026. It has also announced major new investments in its residential and campus experience. Construction begins in October on a four-story first-year residence hall, scheduled to open in fall 2027, and Lenoir-Rhyne begins a major renovation of its Cromer Student Center in January 2027 also slated for completion by next fall. The university recently received a $5 million gift to build a new student Recreation, Health and Wellness Center planned for construction in 2027.

“These rankings affirm both the strong reputation, quality and value of a Lenoir-Rhyne education,” said President Summer McGee, Ph.D. “In particular, Lenoir-Rhyne’s selection as a Top20 Best Value university is a reflection of our innovative merit scholarship programs and of the LR Tuition Free Guarantee.” The LR Tuition-Free Guarantee provides eligible North Carolina and South Carolina students whose families have an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less the opportunity to attend LR tuition-free. Lenoir-Rhyne also significantly increased its merit scholarships.

The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings evaluate colleges and universities using measures related to academic quality and student success. Lenoir-Rhyne is classified in the Regional Universities South category.

The 2027 Best Colleges rankings were released Sept. 22.