Ģý

Ģý at a Glance

Fast Facts


Students walking along campus sidewalk with Ģý red banners on light posts

Ģý 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 About Ģý

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 Ģý students
  • 17,643+ living alumni (undergraduate and graduate degree holders) from all 50 states and many countries around the globe

In the Classroom


  • Majors Offered: 45+
  • Minors: 53
  • Graduate Programs: 20
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
  • Average class size: 22
  • Faculty: 127 full time; more than 80% hold terminal degrees
Explore Our Academic Programs

Athletics


  • Mascot: Joe Bear
  • Conferences: South Atlantic Conference
  • Affiliation: NCAA Division II
  • Teams: 23
Patricia Sanchez Ramirez

Ģý has provided me with an incredible network of faculty and peers who have pushed me to be the best version of myself and never give up on my goals.

Patricia Sanchez Ramirez '20, Sociology
Students spray painting Ģý-themed images on the graffiti wall

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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Low angle view of main building on former LTSS campus

Purchased by South Carolina-based Clear Dot Charter School, the historic campus will continue serving students through an educational mission.

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