Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lenoir-Rhyne University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lenoir-Rhyne University at a Glance
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).
1891
135 years old
$146M
$145.5 million (2025)
2,405
1,579 undergrad · 826 grad
107 acres
Identity
Is Lenoir-Rhyne University Worth It?
At a value score of 27/100, Lenoir-Rhyne University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,543 — 15% below average — while paying $20,689/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 57% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Lenoir-Rhyne University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lenoir-Rhyne University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #90 of 164 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #2 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #3 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #4 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #5 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #6 | Bay Path University | 49 | $14,271 | $55,383 |
| #90 | Lenoir-Rhyne University | 27 | $20,689 | $45,543 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lenoir-Rhyne University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 12 in NC.
Best Programs at Lenoir-Rhyne University
The highest-earning program at Lenoir-Rhyne University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $47,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $28,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Lenoir-Rhyne University earns $47,300, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $28,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,689/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $47,300 | $47,300 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,600 | $28,600 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Hickory, NC
- Student Body
- 1,359 students
- Admission Rate
- 85%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,689
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,543
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000