We don’t just offer a world-class education—we offer a community of passionate learners to lift you up and inspire you to become your best self.
Lenoir-Rhyne University Homepage
What kind of student are you?
Named a U.S. News Top 40 School for Social Mobility and Best Value in the South.
97%
Employed or in Grad School
within six months of graduation.
![John Amodeo](http://dunziekte.eastalabamaskywarn.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-07/amodeo-john-lre.jpg?itok=mJBS4k7e)
I had a phenomenal college experience, and I now hold a degree in a field in which I'm interested. I’m excited to utilize it in disease research.
$30M
Financial aid awarded to students annually
Making college accessible & affordable.
Hickory Campus
Our picturesque campus serves as the backdrop of our students’ diverse and shared experiences. Our students are leaders, researchers and champions. LR Bears are the heart of this small-college town, and the City of Hickory fosters a thriving community for our students.
Explore Our Hickory CampusNews & Events
See who's making news and what's happening at LR.
![Randy Isenhour, director of public safety](/sites/default/files/styles/290x218/public/2025-01/randy-isenhour.jpg?itok=-6qjVlgw)
Director of Public Safety Randy Isenhour joined LR in fall 2024 after decades with the Hickory Police Department. He reflects on his career and shares his hopes and advice for a safer campus.
View More![Normandy Bryant presents a liturgical dance during the 2024 MLK Celebration](/sites/default/files/styles/290x218/public/2025-01/2024_mlk-day-celebration_liturgical_horiz.jpg?itok=FkDvWN27)
Campus and community will once again join to celebrate the legacy of the Civil Rights icon and continue his work through spiritual and public service.
View MoreEarn a graduate degree on your terms with learning that fits your life.
20+
Graduate Programs
With expert faculty focused on your success.
![Joshua Carter](http://dunziekte.eastalabamaskywarn.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-08/joshua-carter-mat-program_0.jpg?itok=vVkj8UQ1)
The biggest draw for me for this program is being able to work full-time and complete an entire master's degree in 18 months. It makes me more marketable in the workforce.
900+
Graduate Students
Three graduate campus locations in two states
Hickory, Asheville & Columbia
Whether it’s reinventing your career, advancing your professional skills or elevating your business, our three locations offer quality academic programs paired with hands-on learning opportunities in cities filled with cultural and civic opportunities.
View Our LocationsNews & Events
![Randy Isenhour, director of public safety](/sites/default/files/styles/290x218/public/2025-01/randy-isenhour.jpg?itok=-6qjVlgw)
Director of Public Safety Randy Isenhour joined LR in fall 2024 after decades with the Hickory Police Department. He reflects on his career and shares his hopes and advice for a safer campus.
View More![Normandy Bryant presents a liturgical dance during the 2024 MLK Celebration](/sites/default/files/styles/290x218/public/2025-01/2024_mlk-day-celebration_liturgical_horiz.jpg?itok=FkDvWN27)
Campus and community will once again join to celebrate the legacy of the Civil Rights icon and continue his work through spiritual and public service.
View MoreWe shape the entire person for faithful service to the church and to the world.
ELCA
Only ELCA seminary in the southeastern U.S.
Live your faith through public ministry.
![Amanda Burke](http://dunziekte.eastalabamaskywarn.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-07/amanda-burke.jpg?itok=xym-pq-5)
Each of the programs on the Columbia campus shares a beautiful piece in common, serving others. These programs all nurture students that are called to serve others...
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary
As soon as you arrive at LTSS in beautiful Hickory, North Carolina, you’ll experience what it means to be surrounded by caring and passionate professors and a community atmosphere that is both captivating and supportive.
Learn About LTSSNews & Events
![A line of seminary faculty greets and serves communion to a line of LR students and faculty in Grace Chapel](/sites/default/files/styles/290x218/public/2025-01/ltss-opening-service-communion.jpg?itok=jEWLRLNB)
In the first chapel service of 2025, Lenoir-Rhyne celebrated the long-awaited arrival of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary to the Hickory Campus.
View More![In front of red backdrop with LR logo visible, two female students hold out Bears Say Thanks stickers to foreground](/sites/default/files/styles/290x218/public/2024-12/giving-tuesday-2024-thanks.jpg?itok=TxCkE8kF)
Lenoir-Rhyne celebrates the success of Giving Tuesday, an annual global giving movement for the causes and organizations we care most about.
View More