Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University provides a rich liberal arts foundation with more than 50 undergraduate majors and more than 30 graduate degree programs as well as its first doctoral program—the doctor of nursing practice—which launched in fall 2018. 

Classes are taught by highly qualified and experienced faculty 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. 

The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

CORE CURRICULUM
The Core Curriculum, or Core, is the foundation of every undergraduate student’s education at Lenoir-Rhyne. Through the Core, students build essential skills, broaden their thinking, and learn a wealth of information in the liberal arts and sciences—altogether preparing them for success in their professional, personal, and spiritual lives.

The Core has three parts:

• First-Year Experience, an integral part of the Core that helps students adjust to the academic, social, and cultural life of college
• Foundation courses that focus on developing skills and broadening understanding
• Liberal arts and sciences courses at beginning and advanced levels

“I love the personalization of LR academics. I am thankful for all my instructors who make sure I am career-ready and that I understand the material. That is what makes LR so amazing.” – Selina Cortez ’19, Biology

“Lenoir-Rhyne is an environment of strong values, care, and growth. LR offers a unique community of learning committed to the individual success and development of every student.” – Jack D. Williams ’20, Criminal Justice

FYE: FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
First-Year Experience helps students transition from high school to college, preparing them to succeed in their college careers and beyond. Each section of FYE has a specific content area, so students select courses based on their interest in the subject and read, write research, and engage in discussions with their peers.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS
The Office of Student Success provides a dedicated advisor to all first-year and new transfer students as well as academic coaching, peer mentoring, and support to any student in need.

Academic advising at Lenoir-Rhyne centers on the creation of an educational plan that reflects each student’s interests, abilities, goals, and values. This plan includes both the coursework required for a degree as well as such learning opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom as co-curricular activities, study abroad, and internships.

The Lohr Learning Commons, located on the second floor of the Carl A. Rudisill Library, draws together a suite of academic services, learning and computer labs, co-curricular programs, and enrichment opportunities that support and enhance the educational pursuits of Lenoir-Rhyne students.

Academic Support Services

• Writing Center
• Speech Lab
• Math Tutorial Lab
• Computer Science Tutorial Lab
• University Study Hall
• Subject Area Tutoring
• Peer Tutor Service
  • Individual
  • Small Group
• Co-Curricular Workshops
  • Academic Skills
  • Life Skills

“LR provides resources and academic services, such as the Lohr Learning Commons and convocation programs, to enhance my education. I am a more well-rounded individual, eager to graduate and begin my career as a teacher.” – Getzemani Tiscareño ’19, Instructional Studies

SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Study abroad
Teacher certification program

The campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University is at the heart of Bear Nation. Many students call LR their second home. From day one, throughout the college experience, at graduation, and beyond, the University’s heartbeat pulses with an inspiring feeling of belonging.

“Lenoir-Rhyne’s atmosphere brought me here. I love the smaller campus, and I knew there was potential for me from the moment I stepped foot on campus. The opportunities at Lenoir-Rhyne make it exceptional. I don’t know of a place where I could have developed the close relationships with professors I have at LR.” – Jorge Queriapa ’19, Finance

STUDENT LIFE
Lenoir-Rhyne encourages students to engage actively in more than 60 co-curricular clubs and organizations on campus. Inspired by the value of educating the whole person, LR offers dynamic student programs that foster leadership development, complement the classroom experience, and build community. The Lenoir-Rhyne community is full of opportunities to explore, including:

• Academic
• Arts and Culture
• Community Service and Awareness
• Culture and Politics
• Fraternities and Sororities
• Fitness and Intramurals
• Religious and Spiritual
• Student Governance and Leadership

ATHLETICS
Known as the Bears, the University’s athletic teams have been a longstanding source of pride and a vital part of student life. LR’s NCAA Division II athletic program includes 22 intercollegiate athletic teams, 11 for men and 11 for women, which compete in the South Atlantic Conference.

Men’s Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Spirit Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field

Women’s Sports
Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Spirit Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

SCHOOL LOCATION
Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina, the City of Hickory offers many amenities that make LR a comfortable home. A brief walk from campus leads students to Hollar Mill where students can take a break for yogurt at Di’lishi, enjoy live entertainment at Music in the Mill, or dine on the patio of Blowing Rock Brewing Co. Within a short drive, Hickory’s Downtown Union Square features live concerts, a stroll through the Farmers Market, or dinner at Olde Hickory Station, where the occasional train passes through town.

LR students can also enjoy some of the more popular locations in Hickory, including outdoor recreation areas and walking trails; Lake Hickory; and City Walk, a development that will allow LR students and residents a way to circle the city and connect to the campus, downtown shops, and local services. Beyond Hickory, students can make a short trip to the vibrant city of Charlotte or the scenic, beautiful town of Asheville, which offers hiking, skiing, and a stunning view of the Appalachian Mountains.

“I like to take part in the various festivals that Hickory has to offer. It’s a great atmosphere to experience with friends.” – Cigi Sparks ’17, Multimedia Journalism and Public Relations

“Hickory is in a central location. There’s a lot to do, but if you want to venture out, you can.” – Allison Sperger ’18, Middle Grades Education

RESIDENCE LIFE

Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 68%
Undergraduates: 54%

Campus housing options.
Coed dorms (Male- and Female-Only Floors)
Fraternity/sorority housing
Theme housing

Lenoir-Rhyne knows that students need to understand the value of their education now more than ever. For all the reasons that LR is a clear choice—from the hands-on opportunities offered through internships to the unwavering support from faculty and administrators who want to see their students succeed—the University truly delivers on future outcomes. The experience at LR has a purpose: to better the chances of career success.

Here are just a few ways LR helps its students gain the knowledge and experience it takes to compete in the workforce and launch their résumé to the top of the list:

BRIDGES TO DREAMS
LR’s Bridges to Dreams program assists undergraduate students toward completion of a graduate degree. Through dual enrollment, qualified LR undergraduates may begin graduate courses while still completing an undergraduate degree. Students enroll in up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level coursework provided they meet the academic criteria for admission and are accepted into the Bridges program. These graduate courses may meet both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT
The Alex Lee Career and Professional Development Center helps students explore academic majors and career options, find internships and part-time work, and prepare for life after graduation. They also offer confidential counseling and coaching for students and alumni as well as workshops for classes or groups on career assessments, job search tips, interview preparation, résumé writing assistance, graduate school preparation, and more.

“I was blessed to be able to go to four different hospitals and numerous other outpatient facilities to complete clinical hours. LR prepared me for experiences such as those so I was able to enter in with confidence.” – Erin Walker ’18, Nursing

“My favorite thing about my major is the internship opportunities. I think that the business program does the best job of matching students up with great internship experiences that are really beneficial to their futures.” – Cortney Hildebran ’20, Marketing and English

STUDY ABROAD
Many co-curricular activities on campus enrich the Lenoir-Rhyne education. By participating in study abroad or interacting with international students on LR’s campus, students expand their knowledge and engage other cultures in ways that broaden their perspective. In recent years, more than 250 students have studied abroad for a year, semester, or summer in locations such as Costa Rica, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom, and China.

Students can study abroad at 200 universities in over 60 countries. LR’s programs are categorized as the following:

• Faculty-led Study Abroad programs are short-term study tours over breaks, intersessions, or summer programs.
• Exchange Study Abroad programs offer a more independent experience and are generally for a semester or year.
• LR Affiliate programs are approved through agreements with institutions at which students are registered for classes while studying abroad.

“While studying in Spain, I only met two other Americans studying at my university. My other friends were from all over the world. I made so many International friends that I was able to make a trip the following summer to Europe to visit six different countries and nine of my friends. Studying abroad gave me the ability to really open my eyes to those around me and learn about so many different traditions and cultures.” – Grace Caldwell ’17, Elementary Education; Minor: Spanish

BUSINESS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Undergraduate students who want to obtain their MBA can participate in LR’s dual enrollment Bridges to Dreams program
• 160+ local internship opportunities within business-related majors (97 percent are paid internships)
• Nearly 25 percent of students complete at least one internship with an average of 200 hours during each academic term
• Programs designed to prepare students for the workforce upon graduation or for studies in graduate school
• Graduates find employment in banking, human resources, state and federal agencies, nonprofit, and social enterprise environments

EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• 100 percent pass rates on Praxis II, the North Carolina Foundations of Reading licensure exam, and the North Carolina General Curriculum licensure exam
• Learning environment fosters hands-on experience through research, teaching, engagement, and clinical intervention
• Site visits to schools start immediately when introduced to education courses
• Student teaching placements include face-to-face interviews with student and school system
• Option to complete teaching certification and master’s degree in five years for students interested in secondary education

NURSING PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Automatic acceptance into the School of Nursing if admission criteria are met
• 100 percent job placement rate
• 94 percent of LR’s nursing undergraduates passed the NCLEX on their first attempt (three-year average)
• Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Variety of career opportunities, ranging from entry-level practitioner to doctoral-level researcher

Admission

ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA | Standardized test scores

Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Class rank | Application Essay | Recommendation(s)
Extracurricular activities | Character/personal qualities | Volunteer work | Work experience

Considered
Alumni/ae relation

FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 590
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT English
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 25

Tuition & Cost

Tuition: $37,400
Room & Board: $12,510

Financial Aid

LR’s goal is to remove financial barriers and allow students to invest in a high-quality education. The University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to award students who show a high level of achievement in specific areas, such as academics, athletics, leadership, and the arts. These scholarships, which have specific eligibility requirements but need not be repaid, can be an important part of college financial planning.

Additionally, more than 99 percent of students are awarded financial aid. The best way to ensure consideration for the full range of LR’s financial assistance opportunities is to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The federal government requires a completed FAFSA to allocate awards.

Things to remember:

• File promptly soon after October 1 of your senior year to be considered for all need-based federal and state financial assistance.
• Apply at fafsa.ed.gov
• Include Lenoir-Rhyne’s FAFSA code, 002941
• LR’s priority deadline to file the FAFSA is March 1