Fast Facts
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
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
- $100,000+ 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
Lenoir-Rhyne has a number of engaged and challenging programs that can lead you down the path to a fulfilling career.
In the Classroom
- Majors Offered: 45+
- Minors: 53
- Graduate Programs: 20
- Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
- Average class size: 22
- Faculty: 127 full time; more than 80% hold terminal degrees
LR's passionate fan base supports a number of championship-caliber intercollegiate athletic programs that compete as a member of the NCAA and South Atlantic Conference.
Athletics
- Mascot: Joe Bear
- Conferences: South Atlantic Conference
- Affiliation: NCAA Division II
- Teams: 23
I have had many awesome professors that have encouraged me to continue using my art to fight against social injustices.
Thank you to the 1,469 donors who made Bears Give Back 2025 a success, raising $695,472 to support Lenoir-Rhyne University programs and students. Your generosity strengthens our community and fuels our future.
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For graduate assistant Lucas Quinn, M.A. '25, Carl A. Rudisill Library is more than a workplace — it’s a space for leadership, advocacy, and community.
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