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


  • 2,686+ students
  • 1,783 undergraduate (on-campus in Hickory, N.C.)
  • 903 graduate (on-campus and online)
  • Student distribution: 40 states/territories; 77 North Carolina counties; 31 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: 50
  • Minors: 53
  • Graduate Programs: 20
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 13:1
  • Average class size: 22
  • Faculty: 140 full time; 81% hold terminal degrees
Explore Our Academic Programs

Athletics


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

LR is unique for the small class sizes that allow the professors to get to know the students one-on-one.

Amelia Coger '20, Music Education
Class officers Diego Sanjuan and Bethany Perry lead the line of 2024 graduates

In the second week of May, Lenoir-Rhyne University will hold commencement ceremonies recognizing the Class of 2024 at our three campus locations in Hickory, N.C., Asheville, N.C. and Columbia, S.C.

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Aerial view of LTSS campus with City of Columbia skyline

The university will grant an honorary doctorate to the Rev. Virginia S. Aebischer, M.Div. ’89, at the May 9 commencement ceremony in Columbia, South Carolina.

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