About Lyon College
Students pay an average of $22,670 after financial aid, less than the $31,000 sticker price. About 36% receive federal Pell Grants, and institutional grants average $19,072 for recipients. Graduates earn a median of $44,232 ten years after leaving, while typical student debt sits at $21,500. The financial picture shows reasonable debt loads relative to earning potential, though the 56% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish.
Men outnumber women 57% to 43% on this small campus. Nearly 412 students compete in 19 varsity sports as Division III Scots, creating an athletic culture without scholarships. The 68% retention rate reflects the challenges some students face adapting to rural Arkansas life, but those who stay often develop lasting connections with professors and classmates.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.9%
- Retention Rate
- 68.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,232
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| History. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit academic environment where professors know your name. With 412 students participating in 19 varsity sports as NCAA Division III Scots, athletics dominate weekend social life. The school's Presbyterian heritage shows in its emphasis on service and community values. Students often head to nearby White River for kayaking and fishing, or explore the Buffalo National River for hiking. Campus traditions center around the close relationships that develop when everyone knows everyone else. The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference provides regional competition that brings the small campus together for games.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 436 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1872
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–47°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 57.0%
- Women
- 43.0%
- White
- 46.7%
- Black
- 8.7%
- Hispanic
- 8.0%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 57.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.0%
Location
- Address
- Batesville, Arkansas 72501
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,232
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,744
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lyon College?
Lyon College accepts 59.84% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small liberal arts school. The college values close relationships between students and faculty, which shows in their 10:1 student-faculty ratio.
How much does Lyon College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,670 annually, well below the full tuition of $31,000. The Presbyterian college provides institutional grants averaging $19,072 to about 25% of students, helping make this Arkansas education more affordable.
What is the class size like at Lyon College?
With just 563 students and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, Lyon College offers an intimate academic environment typical of small liberal arts colleges. This Presbyterian institution emphasizes close mentoring relationships that larger universities cannot provide.
What are the graduation rates at Lyon College?
Lyon College graduates 55.90% of students within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $44,232 ten years after enrollment. The small Arkansas college focuses on outdoor recreation and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for various career paths.
Where do Lyon College students live on campus?
The college houses 436 students in campus residence halls, accommodating most of its 563 total enrollment. Located in the remote town of Batesville, Arkansas, Lyon College creates a tight-knit community where students often participate in outdoor activities in the surrounding natural areas.
Does Lyon College offer athletic scholarships?
Lyon College provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution, which prohibits athletic-based financial aid. However, 412 students participate in the college's 19 varsity sports, making the Scots one of the most athletically active small colleges in Arkansas.
