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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Hickory, North Carolina · www.lr.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

84.6%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$31,900

$45,300 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

1,472

Student-faculty ratio 15:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

39.2%

4-year; 6-year rate 51.3%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Lenoir-Rhyne University, located in Hickory, North Carolina, is known for its commitment to academic excellence and a strong emphasis on liberal arts education. Established in 1891, the university has a rich history and a tradition of fostering intellectual growth and personal development among its students. The university's motto, "Lux et Veritas," meaning "Light and Truth," reflects its dedication to providing a transformative educational experience that encourages critical thinking and moral integrity. Lenoir-Rhyne offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including fields such as business, education, health sciences, and the humanities, catering to a variety of academic interests and career goals.

The campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University is known for its beautiful and welcoming environment, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that support both academic and extracurricular activities. The university boasts a vibrant campus culture, with numerous student organizations and opportunities for involvement, promoting a sense of community and belonging among students. Additionally, Lenoir-Rhyne places a strong emphasis on athletics, with competitive NCAA Division II sports teams that encourage student participation and school spirit. The university's commitment to student success is reflected in its supportive faculty and staff, who are dedicated to mentoring students and preparing them for successful careers. Lenoir-Rhyne University not only provides a quality education but also fosters a holistic development approach, ensuring that students thrive both academically and personally.

Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Retention Rates

Lenoir-Rhyne University showcases significant trends in various metrics over the years, particularly in tuition fees, graduation rates, and student retention. From 2014 to 2023, there has been a steady increase in tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students, rising from $29,310 to $43,000. This 46.5% increase may reflect broader national trends in higher education where tuition prices have consistently outpaced inflation, placing a heavier financial burden on students and families.

In terms of graduation rates, the university's performance has been somewhat inconsistent. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students showed fluctuations, beginning at 38.2% in 2013 and dipping to a low of 32% in 2020. While there was a slight recovery to 36.7% in 2023, these figures suggest challenges in student success and completion. The disparity in graduation rates could lead potential students to question the value of their investment, especially considering the rising tuition costs.

Retention rates have also shown variability, peaking at 76.1% in 2015 and then declining to around 62.1% in 2022, before experiencing a modest recovery to 71.1% in 2023. This decline may indicate that students are either transferring to other institutions or leaving higher education altogether, which can further impact enrollment numbers in the long run. The retention rate is crucial as it often correlates with student satisfaction and institutional support services.

Overall, while Lenoir-Rhyne University maintains a private institution status that typically offers smaller class sizes and potentially more personalized education, the rising costs of tuition paired with inconsistent graduation and retention rates highlights ongoing challenges that need to be addressed to improve student outcomes and institutional reputation.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Charlotte, about 45 mi
Nearest international airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 40 mi
Hickory, North Carolina
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Evangelical Lutheran Church
President
Summer McGee (President)
Phone
8283281741
City
Hickory, North Carolina
Address
625 7th Avenue NE, Hickory, NC 28601

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
84.7%
Women
84.7%

In 2020: men 77.1%, women 78.4%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Lenoir-Rhyne University

The admission trends at Lenoir-Rhyne University over the years reflect a notable evolution in both acceptance rates and enrollment figures. Starting from 2009, the male acceptance rate was approximately 76.36%, while female applicants enjoyed a higher acceptance rate of around 84.70%. As the years progressed, a gradual decline in acceptance rates for both genders was observed, reaching a low in 2015, where the male acceptance rate fell to 64.40% and the female rate to 66.63%.
However, a significant turnaround occurred in 2016, where acceptance rates surged, with males at 82.11% and females at 85.76%. This year marked a peak in enrollment numbers, with 448 students matriculating, indicating that the university may have enhanced its outreach or adjusted its admission strategies to accommodate a greater number of successful applicants.
The years following 2016 show fluctuating acceptance rates, but the overall trend indicates a gradual increase in both enrollment and acceptance rates. By 2023, the male acceptance rate stabilized at 82.88%, while the female acceptance rate was slightly lower at 83.17%, suggesting a consistent effort by the university to maintain a balanced and inclusive admission process.
Additionally, the number of applicants denied admission remained high, peaking at 1,579 denials in 2013, highlighting the competitive nature of the admission process. This competitive environment is reflective of broader trends in higher education, where institutions strive to attract a diverse and academically strong student body while managing limited resources. Overall, Lenoir-Rhyne University's admission data illustrates the dynamic nature of university enrollments and the importance of adapting to changing applicant pools.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Nursing School#506▼26

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Health Specialty2 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Scores at Lenoir-Rhyne University

The data from Lenoir-Rhyne University spanning from 2007 to 2023 reveals notable trends in standardized test scores and submission rates among admitted students. A significant observation is the declining number of students submitting SAT scores. For instance, in 2007, 88% of admitted students submitted their SAT scores, which decreased to just 56% in 2023. This decline may reflect a broader trend in higher education, where many institutions are moving towards a test-optional policy, allowing students the flexibility to choose whether to submit standardized test scores.

When examining the SAT reading and math scores, there is a slight fluctuation over the years. The 25th percentile scores for reading and math have remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 430 to 480 for reading and 530 to 590 for math. The upper range scores also show a similar trend, indicating that while the overall performance may not be drastically changing, the university may be facing a more diverse applicant pool in terms of academic preparedness.

The data suggests that Lenoir-Rhyne University is adapting to the evolving landscape of college admissions, where an increasing number of institutions are prioritizing holistic review processes over traditional standardized testing metrics. This shift could be beneficial for students who may excel in other areas not captured by standardized tests, thereby enriching the campus community with diverse talents and experiences. However, the university must ensure that it maintains academic rigor while being inclusive in its admissions approach.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

3,666 applicants in 2025, 84.6% admitted

3,101 admitted 565 not admitted Yield 11.0%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's34826 international (7.5%)
Master's2596 international (2.3%)
Doctoral190 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
51
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
40
Management Science
28
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
24
Psychology, General
21
Finance, General
19
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
17
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
15
Accounting
12
Elementary Education and Teaching
10

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Occupational Therapy/Therapist · Master's67 (1% international)
  • Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's60 (2% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's48 (6% international)
  • Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's13 (0% international)
  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services · Master's10 (0% international)
  • Divinity/Ministry · Master's10 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Lenoir-Rhyne University

The graduation data from Lenoir-Rhyne University for 2023 reveals significant trends in the completion of various degree programs. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with a substantial number of graduates at the bachelor level, reflecting the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals in a post-pandemic world. The data shows 49 graduates in this area, indicating a strong commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs.

In contrast, the Occupational Therapy master's program boasts 67 graduates, showcasing the program's robust growth and relevance, especially as mental health awareness rises. The absence of international students in both bachelor's and doctorate levels across several programs, particularly in health-related disciplines, points to potential areas for recruitment and diversity enhancement.

Business Administration also presents an interesting case, with 64 master’s graduates, including 9 international students. This suggests that the program attracts a global audience, which is pivotal for fostering a diverse learning environment. Furthermore, the Management Science program has a notable representation of international students at the bachelor level, with 6 graduates, indicating its appeal to a wider demographic.

Overall, the data emphasizes the importance of healthcare programs in meeting societal needs while also highlighting opportunities for growth in international student enrollment across various fields. As universities continue to adapt to changing global circumstances, these trends could inform future academic offerings and recruitment strategies to enhance diversity and address workforce demands.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 213 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health and Wellness, General.-
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.-
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.-
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.$47,768
Public Health, General.-
Occupational Therapy/Therapist.$69,583
Dietetics/Dietitian.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$69,759-$102,385
Nursing Administration.$69,759-$102,385
Nursing Practice.$69,759-$102,385
Businesshas 140 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.$51,342
Organizational Leadership.$51,342
Accounting.-
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.-
Finance, General.-
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Management Science.$50,349
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 81 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$37,089
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$37,089
Educationhas 47 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$44,193-$46,356
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.$44,193-$46,356
Secondary Education and Teaching.$44,193-$46,356
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other.$44,193-$46,356
Music Teacher Education.-
Psychology has 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.-
Biologyhas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Biochemistry.-
Theology has 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Religious/Sacred Music.-
Divinity/Ministry.-
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other.-
Social sciencehas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Economics, General.-
International Relations and Affairs.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
American Government and Politics (United States).-
Sociology, General.-
Public administrationhas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Human Services, General.$45,538
Computer and information sciencehas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Information Science/Studies.-
Visual and Performing artshas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Music, General.-
Music Performance, General.-
Homeland security has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
English has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
English Language and Literature, General.-
Creative Writing.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Sustainability Studies.-
History has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-
Communication has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Communication, General.-
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.-
Physical scienceshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Engineeringhas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Applied Engineering.-
Natural resources has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Environmental Studies.-

Students

2,256 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53 · Freshman retention 75.5%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,472)

White
907 · 61.6%
Black
191 · 13.0%
Hispanic
122 · 8.3%
International
109 · 7.4%
Two or more races
62 · 4.2%
Unknown
42 · 2.9%
Asian
33 · 2.2%

Data insights

Student Demographics at Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2023

The student composition at Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2023 reveals a diverse and dynamic academic environment. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 395 students, with a nearly balanced gender distribution, where males represent 47.3% and females account for 52.7%. This trend continues among the undergraduate sophomores, with 943 students, showcasing a higher female population at 58.2%.

Interestingly, the figures for undergraduate transfer students and graduate students show a different narrative. The transfer students, numbering 55, present a similar gender ratio to the freshmen, while the graduate student population of 825 shows a significant gender imbalance, with only 25.6% being male and 74.4% female. This disparity may reflect broader trends in graduate education, where females increasingly pursue advanced degrees.

Delving deeper into the racial and ethnic breakdown, the data indicates that the majority of students across all categories are white, followed by other races and ethnicities. For instance, among freshmen, 224 are white, representing a notable proportion. However, the university would benefit from enhancing its efforts to attract a more diverse student body, especially in light of ongoing discussions around equity and inclusion in higher education.

Overall, Lenoir-Rhyne University’s demographics reflect both positive trends in gender representation and the need for greater racial diversity. These insights could guide future recruitment strategies and support initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive campus culture.

Analysis of Age Demographics at Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2023

The age distribution of students at Lenoir-Rhyne University reveals significant trends that reflect both the traditional and non-traditional student populations. The majority of undergraduate students fall within the 18-24 age range, which is typical for many universities. Notably, students aged 18-19 and 20-21 together account for a substantial portion of the undergraduate demographic, with 132 male and 161 female students aged 18-19, and 270 male and 364 female students aged 20-21, indicating a robust influx of young, traditional students.

Interestingly, there is a noticeable presence of non-traditional students, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups. The presence of 89 total students aged 25-29, including 26 male undergraduates and 202 female graduates, reflects a trend towards adult learners pursuing higher education, possibly due to career transitions or personal development goals. Similarly, the 30-34 age group shows 42 total students, indicating a continued interest in education among older adults.

Furthermore, the data indicates that the gender distribution among graduate students skews towards females, with a total of 202 female graduates compared to 72 male graduates in the 25-29 age bracket. This could suggest an increasing trend of women pursuing advanced degrees, which aligns with broader societal shifts towards gender equity in higher education.

Overall, this demographic analysis highlights Lenoir-Rhyne University's ability to cater to a diverse student body, including both traditional and non-traditional students, with an encouraging trend of increased female representation in graduate programs. This diversity not only enriches the campus experience but also prepares students to engage in an increasingly complex workforce.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates7.4%

109 in 2025 · 2.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.3%2017: 2.3%2018: 3.2%2019: 3.7%2020: 4.3%2021: 3.8%2022: 5.4%2023: 5.7%2024: 6.9%2025: 7.4%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students3.6%

28 in 2025 · 2.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.2%2017: 1.2%2018: 1.2%2019: 1.9%2020: 2.0%2021: 2.3%2022: 2.5%2023: 3.9%2024: 3.5%2025: 3.6%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Lenoir-Rhyne University

The data on international students at Lenoir-Rhyne University reveals an interesting trend over the years. Starting from a mere 0.07% of the undergraduate population in 2004, the percentage of international students has shown a significant upward trajectory, reaching 5.69% in 2023. This growth can be seen as a reflection of the university's increasing appeal to students from diverse backgrounds and its efforts to foster a more global campus environment.

In the graduate programs, although the percentage of international students has been consistently lower than that of undergraduates, it has also seen a gradual increase. In recent years, the numbers indicate a growing interest from international students in pursuing advanced degrees at Lenoir-Rhyne. The highest recorded international student representation in graduate programs peaked at 3.88% in 2023, which, while modest, suggests potential for further growth.

This trend aligns with broader national statistics that indicate a rising number of international students in U.S. higher education institutions. Factors such as the increasing globalization of education, the search for quality academic programs, and favorable immigration policies might all be contributing to this trend.

However, the fluctuations in enrollment numbers, particularly the drop in total student numbers in 2022, reflect the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As universities adapt to these challenges, it will be essential for Lenoir-Rhyne University to continue enhancing its support systems and outreach efforts to attract and retain international students.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$45,300

Undergraduate tuition
$31,900
Room and board
$13,400
Graduate tuition
$13,020
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose -1% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 21%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$64.8M

Tuition and fees
$28.1M43.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$9.8M15.2%
Investment return
$6.0M9.3%
Gifts and private grants
$5.3M8.2%
Government grants and contracts
$3.8M5.8%
Other
$11.8M18.2%

Expenses$62.8M

Instruction
$21.9M34.9%
Student services
$16.2M25.7%
Institutional support
$10.6M16.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.7M9.1%
Academic support
$5.2M8.2%
Other
$3.3M5.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$69,906peers $68,006
Professor
$80,231peers $78,041
Associate professor
$70,861peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$64,292peers $63,827
Instructor
$61,650peers $55,171

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · South Atlantic Conference

South Atlantic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)133106
Football164-
Lacrosse6224
Soccer4240
Baseball61-
Swimming2519
Basketball1921
Tennis1412
Golf159
Softball-24
Volleyball-23
Other Sports-12
2024
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Football146-
Track and Field (Indoor)5240
Track and Field (Outdoor)5240
Soccer4139
Lacrosse5821
Baseball60-
Swimming2120
Basketball1722
Cross Country1418
Softball-27
Golf1311
Volleyball-24
Tennis1210
Other Sports-17
2023
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)157121
Football139-
Lacrosse5727
Soccer4037
Baseball55-
Basketball1819
Swimming1522
Tennis1311
Softball-23
Volleyball-22
Golf129
Other Sports-12
Weight Lifting--

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Lenoir-Rhyne University:

  1. Davidson College - Ranked 16th in the 2024 US News rankings, Davidson College is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to liberal arts education. It offers a vibrant community for students to thrive in both academics and extracurricular activities.

  2. Wake Forest University - With a rank of 47, Wake Forest University is a highly respected institution that combines a strong liberal arts education with professional programs. It is recognized for its small class sizes and emphasis on student-faculty engagement.

  3. Duke University - Ranked 7th, Duke University is one of the leading research universities in the United States. It offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its beautiful campus and strong athletic programs.

  4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - As the 22nd ranked university, UNC Chapel Hill is renowned for its research initiatives and vibrant campus life. It is one of the oldest public universities in the U.S. and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  5. Furman University - This liberal arts college is ranked 46th and is known for its beautiful campus and commitment to undergraduate education. Furman University emphasizes a well-rounded education and encourages students to engage in various extracurricular activities.

These institutions not only provide excellent educational opportunities but also contribute to the rich academic environment of the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
28
Drug referrals
11
Burglary
8
Rape
6
Drug arrests
6
Dating violence
5

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Lenoir-Rhyne University

The crime rates at Lenoir-Rhyne University have shown a noticeable fluctuation over the past decade. Starting from 12.78 incidents per 1,000 students in 2013, the average crime rate steadily increased, reaching a peak of 21.90 in 2018. This surge raises concerns regarding student safety and the effectiveness of campus security measures during those years.

Interestingly, there has been a subsequent decline in crime rates since 2018, with the average dropping to 7.99 per 1,000 students in 2023. This downward trend could reflect improved safety protocols, better awareness among students, or a community response to previous crime incidents. The data indicates a significant decrease in incidents, suggesting that the university may have implemented effective strategies to mitigate crime.

Focusing on the specific types of crimes, it was noted that incidents related to gun arrests and domestic violence were reported, albeit in varying numbers. The lack of substantial incidents in recent years could be indicative of a safer campus environment. However, continued vigilance is crucial, as crime can be unpredictable and influenced by various factors, including socio-economic conditions and national trends.

In conclusion, while Lenoir-Rhyne University has made progress in reducing crime rates, ongoing efforts and community involvement are essential to maintain this positive trajectory. For a deeper understanding of crime rate calculations and their implications, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Lenoir-Rhyne University include Burgess Jenkins (Actor known for One Tree Hill and Remember the Titans), Tom Segura (Stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster) and Kyle Dugger (NFL safety for the Cincinnati Bengals).

More alumni (4, by field)

Sports

  • Justin Dean 1996–

    Outfielder for the Chicago Cubs

  • Blake Harrell 1979–

    Head football coach at East Carolina University

    Also attended: Western Carolina University

  • Craig Keith 1971–

    Former NFL tight end

Other fields

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.