Lenoir-Rhyne University

Our community passionately embraces the unknown. Our curiosity propels us to explore new ideas, to crave knowledge, and to engage the world in bold ways. United by our liberal arts mission, we make it a point to know who you are and where you want to go. Your professors will know you by name, and will challenge you in ways you never imagined. With nearly 50 majors to choose from and intimate class atmospheres, you’ll be inspired and prepared to make your mark in the world.

In pursuit of the development of the whole person, Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build a sense of community, and promote responsible leadership for service in the world.

As an institution of the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the University holds the conviction that wholeness of personality, true vocation, and the most useful service to God and the world are best discerned from the perspective of Christian faith.

As a community of learning, the University provides programs of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing study committed to the liberal arts and sciences as a foundation for a wide variety of careers and as guidance for a meaningful life.

Our goal is to be a nationally recognized liberal arts university of choice – known for our excellence in building leaders for tomorrow, developing patterns of lifelong learning, positioning our graduates for success in their professional, personal and spiritual lives and providing an unparalleled quality of caring within our university community.

our next great adventure begins at Lenoir-Rhyne University. No matter your ambitions, dreams or goals for the future, you’ll find your new home and path to success at LR. Our enrollment counselors are here to help you explore your options from the moment you step on campus. With a wide range of majors and minors that allow you to pursue various interests, as well as multiple graduate school options, you’ll soon discover how life-changing your LR experience will be.

Lenoir-Rhyne University strives to offer exceptional academic programs to meet the evolving needs of our students. Over 50 undergraduate majors and nearly 30 graduate programs are available for students to choose from. Classes are taught by highly qualified and experienced faculty who are passionate about teaching. Class sizes are small, with a student to faculty ratio of 13:1, to allow for individualized attention. The challenging academic coursework is supported by internships, mentor opportunities, work study, and study abroad programs designed to enhance the learning experience.

The Division of Student Life is deeply committed to the mission of Lenoir-Rhyne University. We provide diverse programs and services that are designed to develop a sense of self-worth, responsibility, and accountability and to engage students in active service to the world around them. We support the development of ethical conduct that promotes the values of good citizenship and leadership. Additionally, we strive to provide an inclusive campus that offers a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment.

It is the people of our LR Bears family who continue to make the University strong. Our students, faculty and staff, alumni, and donors work together to make LR and Hickory and great place to live, work and learn.

Opportunities for arts and culture are abundant throughout the Lenoir-Rhyne campus and surrounding community. Students can enjoy performances of music and theatre; listen to prominent authors and speakers from around the globe, visit museums and art exhibits, and attend cultural events and festivals.

The dream of Lenoir-Rhyne began in 1891 when four Lutheran pastors founded a school where young people could pursue an education founded on religious principles and Christian values.

Lenoir-Rhyne University students experience all that the City of Hickory has to offer. Nestled in North Carolina’s foothills, the city provides everything from outdoor activities to a plethora of dining options, shopping, entertainment events and more.

We assist students in maximizing their potential for career and professional success - both in college and beyond! You can set up an individual appointment for career research, resume review, choosing the right major and planning for post-graduation.

At Lenoir-Rhyne University, we believe that all students should have the opportunity to achieve their higher education goals. Representatives are available through our Admission Office to help students find and apply for financial aid assistance and scholarships. Through the generous support of our alumni and community, LRU is able to offer almost all students who enroll some level of financial aid. Academic, merit, talent, need based, and other scholarships are also available at LRU for qualified and deserving students.

The Common Data Set (CDS) initiative is a collaborative effort among data providers in the higher education community and publishers as represented by the College Board, Peterson's, and U.S. News & World Report. The combined goal of this collaboration is to improve the quality and accuracy of information provided to all involved in a student's transition into higher education.