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75.2%Acceptance
$47,675Tuition
1,049Students
60%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$56,210Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Lycoming College

Lycoming College builds strong business and psychology programs around a tight-knit community of 1,049 students in small-city Williamsport. The Warriors compete in 19 Division III sports with 413 total athletes representing nearly 40% of the student body. This United Methodist liberal arts college dates back to 1812 and maintains the personal attention that comes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio.

The sticker price hits $63,487, but most students pay far less after aid kicks in. The average net price drops to $19,258, with low-income families paying just $10,756. Graduates earn a median of $56,210 ten years out, which helps explain the solid 73.58% loan repayment rate. Students typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly payments around $286.

Lycoming keeps 82% of freshmen for sophomore year, though only 60% finish within six years. The school draws 55% of its students from Pennsylvania, creating a regional feel that some love and others find limiting. With 96.8% of graduates finding employment, the Warriors prepare students for careers even if the path takes longer than four years to complete.

Academics & Faculty

Lycoming College operates as a traditional liberal arts institution where students explore broad disciplines before specializing. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and provide individualized attention. Business and psychology programs draw the most students, with the business program particularly strong in preparing students for regional employment. The 62% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many students face balancing rigorous coursework with the college's expectation of well-rounded engagement. Psychology majors benefit from hands-on research opportunities with faculty mentors. The liberal arts foundation means students take courses across disciplines, developing critical thinking skills that employers value in central Pennsylvania's diverse economy.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
83.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
61.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
59.6%
Retention Rate
82.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,210
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Economics. Bachelor $42,682
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $41,937
Criminology. Bachelor $33,518
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $33,281
Psychology, General. Bachelor $33,281
Fine and Studio Arts. Bachelor $32,284
Biology, General. Bachelor $29,956
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $24,421
Classical and Ancient Studies. Bachelor $17,950

View all 40 programs →

Campus Life

Lycoming sits in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, about two hours north of Philadelphia and known for hosting the Little League World Series each summer. With housing for 1,010 students and total enrollment of 1,049, nearly everyone lives on campus in this tight-knit community. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class.

Winters here require serious coats and boots as snow blankets central Pennsylvania from December through March. The 35-acre campus feels intimate rather than sprawling, with brick buildings clustered around a central quad. With 413 students playing 19 varsity sports, athletics dominate weekend social life alongside Greek organizations and outdoor activities along the nearby Susquehanna River. The 82% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this small-town college environment. Williamsport offers basic amenities but limited nightlife, so campus events and intramural competitions become the main social outlets. Students either love the close community feel or find it too small after freshman year.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,010 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1812

Campus Safety (2023)

49 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 12 12 0 0
Dating Violence 7 7 0 0
Fondling 3 3 0 0
Rape 2 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–35°F
July Avg
62°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
41.4"
Annual Snowfall
32.0"

Student Demographics

Lycoming draws a regional student base, with 55% coming from Pennsylvania and nearby states. The college attracts working-class families, as 40% of students receive Pell Grants for low-income households. Women slightly outnumber men, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's psychology and education programs. The student body is predominantly white at 65%, though the college has been working to increase diversity with 23% students of color. Most students come from small towns and suburbs within a few hours' drive of Williamsport.
Men
47.8%
Women
52.2%
White
64.6%
Black
10.9%
Hispanic
12.2%
Asian
1.5%
In-State Students
55.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
40.1%

Location

Lycoming College sits in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, a city of about 27,000 people in the north-central part of the state. The campus is roughly 90 miles north of Harrisburg and 170 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Williamsport gained fame as the birthplace of Little League Baseball and hosts the Little League World Series each summer. The Susquehanna River runs through the city, which is surrounded by rolling hills and forests typical of central Pennsylvania. With 1,049 students, Lycoming creates a close-knit community within this small but historic city. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Lycoming College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Williamsport, Pennsylvania 17701-5192
Long-hall
Long-hall

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,210
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,116
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,400
Loan Repayment Rate
73.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Lycoming College?

Lycoming College accepts 75% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts school. Students typically need SAT scores around 1146 or ACT scores of 23 to be competitive. The college looks for well-rounded students who will thrive in its close-knit academic community.

How much does Lycoming College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,258 after aid, less than the sticker price of $63,487. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college awards institutional grants averaging $40,104 to nearly one-third of students. Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the school's strong career outcomes.

What academic programs is Lycoming College known for?

The college maintains an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in all programs. Lycoming is particularly recognized for its strong business and psychology departments. The intimate class sizes allow students to build close mentoring relationships with professors throughout their four years.

What do graduates of Lycoming College earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median of $56,210 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of the liberal arts education. The employment rate reaches 96.8% within six months of graduation. About 74% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, with typical monthly payments of $286.

Where is Lycoming College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, a small city that balances college-town charm with urban amenities. Housing capacity of 1,010 accommodates nearly the entire student body of 1,049, creating a tight-knit residential community. The Warriors compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 413 total athletes participating.

Does Lycoming College have strong student retention?

The college retains 82% of freshmen for their sophomore year, indicating solid student satisfaction. However, only 62% graduate in four years and 60% complete their degree within six years. This Methodist-affiliated institution founded in 1812 continues to evolve its support systems to help more students reach graduation.