LR at a Glance

Fast Facts


Students walking along campus sidewalk with LR red banners on light posts

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
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
  • $200,000+ 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 14:1
  • 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
Cortney Hildebran Cooke

My favorite thing about LR is the people. All of the students and staff are so friendly and the campus community is wonderful. The overall campus experience is what makes me love LR.

Cortney Hildebran Cooke '20, MBA 2021
Architectural rendering of Cromer Donor Wall with donor messages with LR logo

As Lenoir-Rhyne prepares for a major renovation of Cromer Center, alumni, families and friends have a new opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the building through a personalized donor recognition wall.

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Harry Titus takes a selfie with a student in front of the Donuts with the Dean banner

Hickory Young Professionals recognized three members of the Lenoir-Rhyne community for their professional accomplishments, community leadership and commitment to making a difference in the region.

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