Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private nonprofit university in Hickory, NC ranked #1212 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 1,348 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 80.7%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Day to day, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.0% first-year retention, and 51.0% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $23,393, about $6,395 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -52.1%, roughly 137.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $44,799. That's about $1,111 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Lenoir-Rhyne University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates 51.0% of students within six years and keeps 71.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Lenoir-Rhyne University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $30,900 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,360 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,900 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,250 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $57,649 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 39.8% of Lenoir-Rhyne University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $22,289 to $29,067 depending on family income. Use Lenoir-Rhyne University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,754/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $29,067/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $44,799
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,799
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.3%
- Employment Rate 89.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Lenoir-Rhyne University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Lenoir-Rhyne University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates earn $44,799 median, the -52.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,348
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.0%
- Graduation Rate 51.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Lenoir-Rhyne University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Lenoir-Rhyne University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 80.7%, Lenoir-Rhyne University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 80.7% acceptance rate, Lenoir-Rhyne University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Lenoir-Rhyne University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Health and Physical Education/Fitness, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 13.1%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 12.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.1%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.8%
- Psychology, General 5.6%
- Human Services, General 5.6%
See more majors
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 5.3%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $68,949
- 2. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $50,797
- 3. Psychology, General $45,642
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $45,534
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $40,610
- 6. Human Services, General $32,732
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $100,594
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $74,881
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $72,023
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $52,676
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $50,682
- 6. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $42,066
- 7. Human Services, General (Master's Degree) $39,939
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $68,949—111% more than Human Services, General ($32,732). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $100,594 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Lenoir-Rhyne University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree, 60 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 45 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (39 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Psychology, General
- Human Services, General
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Accounting and Related Services
- Marketing
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Biology, General
- Physics
- International Business
- Communication and Media Studies
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
- Information Science/Studies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Mathematics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Economics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Engineering Technology, General
- Area Studies
Online Master's Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Sustainability Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Religion/Religious Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,348
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 45.0%
- Female Students 55.0%
- Caucasian 60.5%
- Asian 2.1%
- Hispanic 8.8%
- Black 13.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 39.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Lenoir-Rhyne University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Lenoir-Rhyne University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lenoir-Rhyne University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lenoir-Rhyne University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lenoir-Rhyne University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lenoir-Rhyne University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -52.1% ROI. Ranked #1212 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $23,393 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $44,799 median earnings. With 51.0% graduating within six years and 71.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Lenoir-Rhyne University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1212 ranking, Lenoir-Rhyne University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $23,393 annually, Lenoir-Rhyne University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 71.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,375 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -52.1% ROI and $44,799 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $13,393+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Lenoir-Rhyne University ranks #1212 of 1966 institutions, with 1190 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 51.0% six-year graduation rate sits 11.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.0% first-year retention is 5.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -52.1% return on investment is 137.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $44,799 run about 3% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $23,393 is roughly $3,484 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.6% employment rate within three years sits 21.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,393 is about $3,484 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Lenoir-Rhyne University, a private nonprofit university in Hickory, NC, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It stands at #1212 among 1966 schools Completion earns B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
71.0% of learners come back after year one while 51.0% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -52.1% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $23,393 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $57,649.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $34,256 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 39.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $44,799 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 3% higher.
Roughly 89.6% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -52.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
80.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Lenoir-Rhyne University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Hickory, NC 28601
- Website www.lr.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$136.6M