Catawba Valley Community College

College University

Hickory, NC

Catawba Valley Community College offers 70+ programs of study, 45+ transfer destinations, and a 15:1 students-to-faculty ratio.

  • students seeking degree, diploma, or certificate programs
  • students wanting transfer pathways to 45+ destinations
  • high school students pursuing an associate's degree alongside a diploma

Lenoir-Rhyne University

College University

Hickory, NC

Lenoir-Rhyne University offers a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a tuition-free guarantee for eligible North and South Carolina students.

  • North and South Carolina students eligible for the Tuition-Free Guarantee
  • Students seeking small classes and close faculty mentorship
  • Students seeking undergraduate programs across nursing, sciences, education, business, and liberal arts

North Carolina Engineering Technology Center

College University

Hickory, NC

North Carolina Engineering Technology Center provides one-on-one counseling across five business lifecycle stages, including launch, growth, optimization, renewal, and transition.

  • new businesses needing startup planning
  • manufacturers seeking specialized business support
  • businesses pursuing government contracts

Office of Admissions

College University

Hickory, NC

Office of Admissions offers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary pathways, including 45 majors and rolling admission.

  • Students applying to undergraduate programs with no ACT or SAT scores
  • North Carolina or South Carolina students seeking the tuition-free guarantee
  • Applicants interested in rolling admission

LR Theatre

College University

Hickory, NC

LR Theatre presents Playmakers’ “Come From Away” across eight November 2026 performances at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Belk Centrum.

  • Attending a university-produced musical theater performance
  • Seeing “Come From Away” in Hickory
  • Free author lectures featuring Michael Finkel or Tim Egan

Catawba Valley Community College-Newton Center

College University

Newton, NC

Catawba Valley Community College offers 70+ programs of study, 45+ transfer destinations, and a 15:1 students-to-faculty ratio.

  • Students seeking associate degrees, diplomas, or certificates
  • Students preparing to transfer to a university
  • High school students pursuing an associate degree alongside a diploma

Appalachian State Hickory Campus

College University

Hickory, NC

Appalachian State Hickory Campus offers cybersecurity, health sciences and business degrees with a no-application Hickory Scholarship and commuter-focused resources.

  • Students seeking cybersecurity or computer information systems bachelor's programs
  • Students pursuing business, education, psychology or health sciences degrees in Hickory
  • Commuter students needing tutoring, advising, fitness and counseling resources

College University in nearby counties

FAQ

Which Catawba-area college is best for transferring to a university?

Catawba Valley Community College lists transfer education and pathways to more than 45 destinations. Appalachian State’s Hickory campus also lets students complete general education and business core courses locally before taking major courses in Boone or online.

Can North Carolina or South Carolina students attend Lenoir-Rhyne tuition-free?

Eligible students from North Carolina and South Carolina may qualify for Lenoir-Rhyne’s Tuition-Free Guarantee. Eligibility requirements should be confirmed with the university.

Do I need ACT or SAT scores to apply to Lenoir-Rhyne?

The Office of Admissions states that ACT and SAT scores are not required for admission or enrollment.

How quickly does Lenoir-Rhyne review applications?

Lenoir-Rhyne uses rolling admission, with applications viewed daily.