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

I would describe the �鶹�� community as diverse and very inclusive; everyone has the opportunity to be involved in anything that they want to since there are so many different clubs and organizations.

Ataysha Fininen '22, Psychology

Financial Aid & Admissions

2026 Aerobears rocket team, 8 members, at IREC with their rocket

We do big things: AeroBears prepare for a new season

Broad knowledge and teamwork are the AeroBears’ superpowers. After a successful 2026 launch season, �鶹��’s rocket team is building toward a new competitive season — and aiming even higher in 2027.

Two students compare written and laptop notes in the audience at an event

Bears Engage explores freedom and responsibility in America at 250

Bears Engage brings music, theater, scholarship and conversation together as �鶹�� marks America’s 250th anniversary and considers where we'll go in the years ahead.

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