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
Ataysha Fininen

I would describe the LR community as diverse and very inclusive; everyone has the opportunity to be involved in anything that they want to since there are so many different clubs and organizations.

Ataysha Fininen '22, Psychology
Closeup low angle of the stained glass panels in the LTSS chapel with the dove visible

In honor of his family and his Lutheran faith, Robert Isenhour Jr. has committed $7 million, the largest single donation ever pledged to LR and the seminary.

View More
Roachel Laney

Lenoir-Rhyne is pleased to announce the appointment of Roachel Laney as the university’s Interim Athletic Director. This appointment comes as LR embarks on a national search for a permanent athletic director to lead its Division II athletics program.

View More