LR at a Glance

Fast Facts


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
  • $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

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
Explore Our Academic Programs

Athletics


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

LR has provided me the support to pursue my bachelor’s degree by offering financial help with the LR Promise, as well as having the support from people on campus to help with whatever is needed.

Ataysha Fininen '22, Psychology
The 2025 induction class of Alpha Alpha Alpha in Grace Chapel

Lenoir-Rhyne inducted the first members of the Kappa Eta chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for first-generation students.

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Tishara Sneed stands next to her art on exhibit, a woven design with traditional masks

Appearing in “The Art of Profession” exhibition, the four students shared work inspired by nature, street art and Indigenous cultures.

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