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: 50+
  • 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
Alexis Ivey

At Lenoir-Rhyne, my professors and classmates know my name. They are supportive of me as a student-athlete, which is so important to my success.

Alexis Ivey '19, Exercise Science and Sports Management
Three students walking across campus with Grace Chapel and Shaw Plaza in the background

Promoting kindness, empathy and community through arts, education and entertainment, makes LR and The Art of Compassion a perfect fit for partnership.

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Charles Cooke in front of a chalkboard in the lab in 1984

2024 saw the retirement of three of the university's longest-serving faculty members, with more than 150 years of combined service between them. Colleagues, students and alumni shared their memories and gratitude.

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