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Lenoir-Rhyne University

Hickory, NC·Private nonprofit·1,348 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,348 students.

81%
Accept
1,348
Students
$23,393
Net Price
51%
Grad Rate
$43,600
Earnings
10 yr
$15,750
Debt

About This School

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private nonprofit institution located in Hickory, North Carolina with approximately 1,348 undergraduate students enrolled. Lenoir-Rhyne University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 81%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,393 per year. The graduation rate is 51%, and the typical graduate earns $43,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Lenoir–Rhyne University is a private university in Hickory, North Carolina, United States. It was founded in 1891 and is affiliated with the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 51% graduation rate means roughly half of students who start don't finish, which is a real concern worth discussing before committing. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively modest $15,750, and the small campus of about 1,300 undergrads means more personal attention than you'd get at a larger school. Worth considering if you're drawn to a tight-knit, faith-affiliated community in western NC, but ask hard questions about support services and what's driving that low completion rate.

Founded
1891
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing22%
Health Professions19%
Education8%
Psychology6%
Biological Sciences6%
Social Sciences4%
Computer Science4%
Physical Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Burgess Jenkins

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$30,900
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,900
Avg Net Price
$23,393
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants40%
Median debt at graduation$15,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
51%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
71%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White60%
Black14%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,348 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Lenoir-Rhyne University

625 7th Avenue NE

Hickory, NC 28601

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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