Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University appears in our ranking of the 20 Most Affordable Private Colleges for Master's in Nursing Administration Online Degree Programs.

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private liberal arts university that has undergone several expansions in the last decade. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is located in Hickory, North Carolina. Established in 1891, this school consists of the main campus, the Center for Graduate Studies of Columbia, and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. It boasts a total population of 2,500 students with over 135 full-time faculty and 55 adjunct instructors.

The university, which is known as LR to faculty and students, was opened in 1891 as a one-room school known as Highland Academy; it's first graduating class included 12 students. The school changed its name later to Lenoir College in memory of the Watauga County lawyer, Captain Walter Lenoir, who donated the 56-acre tract to the school. In 1895, the university was offered a synodical sponsorship with the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and operates as a Lutheran-based school. In 1923, the school changed its name again to include Daniel E. Rhyne's surname, the industrialist who offered the school a major endowment and provided several other assets, including land, to the university.

LR has a stated goal of earning the distinction of being a nationally recognized liberal arts university. Combining Christian-based teachings with a commitment to service to the community and beyond, the school provides small class sizes, an intimate relationship between faculty and students, as well as a variety of programs, offered both online and on campus, in order to prepare each student for their career of choice.

Lenoir-Rhyne University Accreditation Details

Lenoir-Rhyne University holds regional accreditation by the Commission on College of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a distinction the school has held since 1928. While SACSCOC, as the regional accreditation body is known, was first established in 1895, the college did not seek accreditation until the 1920s, when the school had fully formed and was graduating over a hundred students every year.

SACSCOC requires that all schools it grants accreditation to undergo a renewal process every two years to ensure that academic standards have not slipped. Lenoir-Rhyne University has consistently passed the renewal process and has held continuous accreditation for nearly a hundred years. This is due to the fact that the faculty and administration monitor the programs closely and continue to apply for additional accreditation for its programs, something it has been quite successful in achieving.

In addition to regional accreditation, the school has also been accredited by the following accrediting bodies:

• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA)
• The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS)
• Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH)

Lenoir-Rhyne Application Requirements

Lenoir-Rhyne University requires that students apply to specific graduate programs, not just the school in general. This is because the school offers professional degrees at the graduate level and may require different components prior to acceptance. As a rule, however, students must meet the following requirements:

• An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university
• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7, with a 2.7 GPA being held for the last 60 hours of their undergraduate degree
• Essay outlining the goals and intent of applying to a specific program
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Resume
• Two letters of endorsement from professionals in their field
• A $35 application non-refundable application fee

Once the application is completed, students will receive an admissions decision within five to 10 business days, depending on the program that a student is applying to. Students in a cohort program may receive a decision earlier, especially if the program is due to begin soon.

Online programs have different requirements. This is because the graduate online programs are professional in nature and require that a student provide extra information so that the school can make a proper decision. Depending on the program, students may also be required to submit:

• Evidence of an accredited undergraduate degree in the specific field they wish to earn a graduate degree in
• Evidence of a license to practice in their field that is in good standing
• Work experience of between one to three years
• A criminal background check

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at Lenoir-Rhyne University is based on a student's chosen program, but the base tuition rate is $590 per credit hour. This does not include fees, books, supplies, room and board, and more. The current average tuition rate per year is around $14,160. Some degrees, such as the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, can cost a total of $88,088 for the entire program.The school offers one flat tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it simpler for them to make a decision based on their needs.

There are several financial aid options available at this school, including:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA)
• Pell Grants
• Grad Plus Loans
• Subsidized Loans
• Plus Loans
• Unsubsidized Loans
• GI Bill
• VA Vocational Rehabilitation
• NC Veteran Child Scholarship
• Golden Leaf Scholars
• Military Tuition Assistance
• NC Need-Based Scholarships
• Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)
• Engaged Scholars

Online Master of Science in Nursing Administration

The online Master of Science in Nursing Administration that is found at Lenoir-Rhyne University is delivered 100 percent online and was built for students who have an undergraduate background in nursing. Students may begin this degree during the spring, summer, or fall terms and is available as a part-time or full-time program. Degree requirements include 33 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, a thesis, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Advanced Nursing Leadership, Introduction to Health Policy and Ethics, and Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice.

This degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, making it a great choice for nurses who are seeking advanced licensure in North Carolina. With small class sizes, access to professors both online and on campus, and a great educational program, students at Lenoir-Rhyne University are offered a great education that will see them meet their goals.