91ÁÔÆæ

91ÁÔÆæ at a Glance

Fast Facts


Students walking along campus sidewalk with 91ÁÔÆæ 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: œFair 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 91ÁÔÆæ 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 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
Karina Alegre

Being able to immerse myself in music every day is the best part about the music program here at 91ÁÔÆæ.

Karina Alegre '21, Music Education
Kate Esch leans on a table in the space designated for the new food pantry

A gift from 91ÁÔÆæ alumna Kate Esch ™70 and her husband, Bob, will extend internship microgrant funding for students through the 2028-29 academic year.

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Two students walking on campus with 91ÁÔÆæ banners in background

Fiscal Year 2026 sets new records for giving, donor engagement and annual fund support as Charge Forward campaign surpasses $81.8 million.

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