Passion and
Purpose Defined

We don’t just offer a world-class education—we offer a community of passionate learners to lift you up and inspire you to become your best self.

Lenoir-Rhyne University Homepage

What kind of student are you?

Named a U.S. News Top 40 School for Social Mobility and Best Value in the South.

97%


Employed or in Grad School

within six months of graduation.

John Amodeo

I had a phenomenal college experience, and I now hold a degree in a field in which I'm interested. I’m excited to utilize it in disease research.

John Amodeo '18, Biology

$30M


Financial aid awarded to students annually

Making college accessible & affordable.

Hickory Campus


Our picturesque campus serves as the backdrop of our students’ diverse and shared experiences. Our students are leaders, researchers and champions. LR Bears are the heart of this small-college town, and the City of Hickory fosters a thriving community for our students.

Explore Our Hickory Campus

News & Events


See who's making news and what's happening at LR.

Student holds a sign reading 'We are community'

The Bear community came together for the seventh-annual Bears Give Back event and raised a record-setting $847,320 to support current and future students.

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Carly Godfrey

As a child, Carly Godfrey '23, MBA '24, learned to swim at LR. Years later, a spot on the swim team would bring her back to learn so much more and make way for a bright future.

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Earn a graduate degree on your terms with learning that fits your life.

20+


Graduate Programs

With expert faculty focused on your success.

Hailey Venable

I gained essential hands-on experience during my occupational therapy internships, which helped prepare me for providing acute inpatient rehabilitation as an occupational therapist.

Hailey Venable MS'18

900+


Graduate Students

Three graduate campus locations in two states

Hickory, Asheville & Columbia


Whether it’s reinventing your career, advancing your professional skills or elevating your business, our three campus locations offer quality academic programs paired with hands-on learning opportunities in cities filled with cultural and civic opportunities.

View Our Campuses

News & Events

Student holds a sign reading 'We are community'

The Bear community came together for the seventh-annual Bears Give Back event and raised a record-setting $847,320 to support current and future students.

View More
Carly Godfrey

As a child, Carly Godfrey '23, MBA '24, learned to swim at LR. Years later, a spot on the swim team would bring her back to learn so much more and make way for a bright future.

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We shape the entire person for faithful service to the church and to the world.

ELCA


Only ELCA seminary in the southeastern U.S.

Live your faith through public ministry.

Kim Bryant

I am grateful for the preparation for ministry and the knowledge we need to serve. The challenges of the courses gave us additional insight and improved our understanding of what it means to serve.

Kim Bryant, MACM '21

100%


Faculty who have doctoral degrees

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary


As soon as you arrive on our campus in beautiful Columbia, South Carolina, you’ll experience what it means to be surrounded by caring and passionate professors and a community atmosphere that is both captivating and supportive.

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News & Events

Chad Rimmer

Today, every seminary of nearly every denomination is contending with strong headwinds across the landscape of theological education.

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Seminary students in a classroom talking amongst themselves

LTSS, one of the ELCA’s seven seminaries, will move from Columbia, South Carolina, to the main campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina.

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