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 talking to a representative at career fair with other booths visible in the background

LR graduates look forward to a bright future. 98% of the class of 2024 is currently engaged in full-time work or graduate school.

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Processional of graduates in robes pause to touch the model of the Charge as they enter Moretz stadium for commencement

On the Hickory campus, 505 students received their degrees, along with 50 in Columbia and 72 in Asheville, during the 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

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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.

Cathleen Gaffney

The community and family aspect makes LR rare. I have never experienced a group of people that are more a family than Bear nation. The support we get from the Hickory area is unlike any other school.

Cathleen Gaffney '20 Finance/Marketing, MBA '21

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 locations offer quality academic programs paired with hands-on learning opportunities in cities filled with cultural and civic opportunities.

View Our Locations

News & Events

Student talking to a representative at career fair with other booths visible in the background

LR graduates look forward to a bright future. 98% of the class of 2024 is currently engaged in full-time work or graduate school.

View More
Processional of graduates in robes pause to touch the model of the Charge as they enter Moretz stadium for commencement

On the Hickory campus, 505 students received their degrees, along with 50 in Columbia and 72 in Asheville, during the 2025 Commencement ceremonies.

View More

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.

Amanda Burke

Each seminary program shares a beautiful piece in common, serving others. These programs all nurture students that are called to serve others.

Amanda Burke, M.Div'21

100%


Faculty who have doctoral degrees

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary


As soon as you arrive at LTSS in beautiful Hickory, North 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.

Learn About LTSS

News & Events