Fast Facts

Students walking along campus sidewalk with �鶹�� red banners on light posts

�鶹�� is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

University Information

Founded in 1891 by four Lutheran pastors
Three locations: Hickory, N.C.; Asheville, N.C.; Columbia, S.C.
Motto: Veritas vos Liberabit (the truth shall set you free)
Alma mater: “Fair Star of Caroline”
Mission, vision and values

More �鶹�� 鶹��

Student Body

2,230+ students
1,477 undergraduate (on-campus in Hickory, N.C.)
753 graduate (on-campus and online)
Student distribution: 39 states/territories; 75 North Carolina counties; 29 countries
$30+ million awarded in scholarships and financial aid annually
$200,000+ in study abroad scholarships for �鶹�� students
17,643+ living alumni (undergraduate and graduate degree holders) from all 50 states and many countries around the globe

Students looking over an assignment on a computer

Health students diagnose symptoms on a simulation

Turn Passion into Purpose

At �鶹��, you’ll explore meaningful programs that challenge you, support your goals and prepare you for a fulfilling career and life of purpose.

In the Classroom

Majors Offered: 45+
Minors: 53
Graduate Programs: 20
Student-to-faculty ratio 14:1
Average class size: 22
Faculty: 127 full time; more than 80% hold terminal degrees

Explore Our Academic Programs

�鶹�� football celebrates in end zone after scoring in Moretz Stadium

Former �鶹�� star Kyle Dugger running with the football

Go Bears!

�鶹��'s passionate fan base supports a number of championship-caliber intercollegiate athletic programs that compete as a member of the NCAA and South Atlantic Conference.

Athletics

Mascot: Joe Bear
Conferences: South Atlantic Conference
Affiliation: NCAA Division II
Teams: 23

�鶹�� provided me with an opportunity to balance being a student and an athlete, allowed me to build friendships with people from all around the world and gave me the opportunity to travel.

Ainee O'Connor '20, German/International Economics

Financial Aid & Admissions

�鶹�� unveils revised Mission, Vision and Values in its 135th year

Following a five-month campus-wide engagement process and unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees, �鶹�� has adopted revised Mission, Vision and Values that will guide the university's future and provide a clearer, more memorable expression of �鶹��'s identity.

Students spray painting �鶹��-themed images on the graffiti wall

A canvas for campus voices: graffiti wall opens student expression on the quad

Isaiah Reyes ’25 shares how his vision for a graffiti wall has become an evolving space where students express creativity, celebrate traditions and leave their mark.

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