Ģý

Create What Comes Next

The Ģý Experience

Your future is full of potentialan Ģý education helps you unlock it.

At Ģý, youll never be just a number. Small class sizes mean your professors will know you by name and provide the personalized support you need to thrive. Youll get the close-knit experience of a liberal arts college paired with the real-world preparation of a career-focused university.

Youll learn by doingthrough internships, research, service and hands-on experiencesso you graduate ready for both a meaningful career and a fulfilling life. At Ģý, youll discover your calling and become the kind of leader who makes a difference in your community and beyond.

Smiling student at commencement
Start Here, Go Anywhere

No matter your ambitions, dreams or goals for the future, youll find your new home and path to success at Ģý. With a wide range of degree programs, youll soon discover a life-changing experience at Ģý.

Nikolai Patterson

Ģý believed in me and gave me the confidence to excel in my field by not only saying, you can do it, but backing me all the way up to this very moment.

Nikolai Patterson '21, Management
A student conducts research in a lab
Academics Preparation & Real-World Experiences

Our intimate learning environment enables our faculty to connect deeply with each student. You aren't just a number at Ģý. With hands-on learning, student research opportunities, internships and close faculty mentorship, you'll gain the knowledge and experience to thrive in your career and make an impact in the world.

Academics Research & Scholarship Study Abroad Advising & Student Success Internships & Careers
Group of Ģý Outdoor Adventure Club students pose for a photo in front of a waterfall while hiking
Student Life

At Ģý, youll find more than just a campusyoull find a community. Student life is filled with ways to engage, lead, serve and make lasting memories every step of the way.

Student Activities & Organizations Leadership & Service Religious & Spiritual Life Residence Life Health & Wellness Campus Safety
Aerial view of downtown Hickory at sunset with concert on the green by the Sails
Hickory, Our Hometown

Nestled between Charlotte and Asheville, Hickory is a vibrant small city known for its arts, food, festivals and thriving job market. With national recognition as a top place to live, it offers students big opportunities in a welcoming, creative and connected community.

Go Beyond What Expected

We dont just offer a world-class educationwe create a community of passionate learners to lift you up and inspire you to become your best self.

Students cheering Ģý football in stands
Students working in lab with test tubes
Student working on canvas in art class
15:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Two students laughing while studying in hammocks on lawn
$30M
Provided in student financial aid each year
Students talking at table in coffee shop
Two students talking in fitness center
Professor talking to students from front of classroom

News & Events

Red and black streamers fly over smiling graduates on stadium field
Class of 2026 shines ever brighter at Ģý commencement

Across ceremonies held in Hickory, Asheville and Columbia on May 7-9, Ģý celebrated 578 undergraduate and graduate students earning their degrees and stepping into their next chapters as alumni.

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Student explaining a display at 2026 SOURCE Day.
SOURCE 2026 recognizes student research, creative expression

SOURCE 2026 highlighted student excellence across a range of disciplines, featuring Honors Thesis Competition winners and the inaugural Bears Engage awards.

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