Bear Bound
Expanding access and lowering costs for community college transfer students seeking a four-year degree.
The Bear Bound program provides community college students with a seamless and affordable pathway to a four-year degree. The program enhances student pathways and removes the obstacles transfer students often face when seeking a bachelor’s degree.
And, with a combination of merit and need-based financial aid, a Lenoir-Rhyne education is now more affordable than ever.
Community college students with at least a minimum 3.5 GPA can qualify for the Lenoir-Rhyne Promise, which reduces tuition for eligible students by half the yearly amount before other financial aid is applied.
Co-Admission
Apply today! Be a part of Lenoir-Rhyne while still enrolled at your community college. Co-Admission students receive a LR student ID card, allowing you to engage with our student body and campus experience before transferring.
Undergraduate Transfer Application
Ready to transfer now and become an LR bear? Submit your application for admission and receive an admission decision within two weeks.
As a transfer student, the counselors and professors have worked with me to decide what I wanted to major in and draw out a detailed map to help me reach that goal of getting a bachelor’s degree.
Participating Community Colleges
The following community colleges are partnering with Lenoir-Rhyne:
Program Overview
- Co-Admission
LR's Co-Admission program provides students the opportunity to engage with Lenoir-Rhyne early, while still earning an associate's degree, and receive direct admission to Lenoir-Rhyne. - Transparent and seamless transfer of general education credits
LR now accepts general education core requirements completed at community colleges. This means you will not have to take additional general education courses to satisfy LR’s requirements. - Financial aid packaging (merit and need-based aid)
Community college transfer students eligible for the Lenoir-Rhyne Promise will see their tuition reduced by $15,000 before other financial aid is applied. - Expedited pathways for professional programs
LR is dedicated to working with each institution to develop a clear roadmap for students pursuing these programs. For example, a high school graduate who completes an associate degree from a community college may apply for direct entry into all LR programs (upon meeting admissions requirements like auditions or background checks). This includes programs such as nursing, education, computer science, exercise science and business. - Campus housing for community college students
LR now offers on-campus housing for students enrolled at local community colleges, hosting between 10 and 12 such students per semester over the previous two years.
Go Beyond What’s Expected
We don’t just offer a world-class education—we create a community of passionate learners to lift you up and inspire you to become your best self.
In cooperation with 14 community colleges, LR will open access to a four-year degree with seamless transfer procedures and added affordability.
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