At $22,670/yr net price, Lyon College graduates earn $44,232/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,232/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,670 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,232/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,232/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,857/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,504/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,559/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,258/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,818/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| History. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
55.9% of students at Lyon College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Lyon College delivers below-average financial returns with median earnings of $44,232 ten years after graduation, placing it in the bottom tier for return on investment. Your net price of $22,670 annually creates a debt-to-income ratio that makes financial sense only if you graduate, and the 56% graduation rate means nearly half of students pay without completing their degree.
The earnings data reveals concerning patterns across Lyon's programs. History graduates earn just $29,685 annually, while biology majors earn even less at $25,194. These figures fall well below national averages for similar majors and struggle to justify the total cost of attendance, especially when factored against typical loan payments on the $21,500 median debt load.
Lyon works financially if you can secure significant merit aid or come from a family that can pay most costs upfront. The 68% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause many students to transfer or drop out, creating additional financial risk. Your chances improve if you plan to pursue graduate school where the Lyon name might provide networking advantages in Arkansas.
Consider Lyon primarily if you receive substantial scholarship money that drives your net cost below $15,000 annually. Otherwise, Arkansas state schools or regional universities with stronger job placement records offer better financial outcomes. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, making merit scholarships your primary path to affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lyon College worth the cost compared to other Arkansas schools?
Lyon College graduates earn $44,232 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $22,670 per year and median debt of $21,500, the return on investment is modest compared to larger state universities in Arkansas.
What are the best paying majors at Lyon College?
History majors earn the highest at $29,685 after graduation, while Biology majors earn $25,194. These earnings are significantly lower than national averages for these fields, making Lyon College a risky choice for students focused on maximizing income.
How much debt do Lyon College students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Lyon College graduates is $21,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, with post-graduation earnings of $44,232, debt payments may still represent a significant portion of graduates' income.
Does Lyon College have good graduation rates for the money?
Lyon College has a 55.90% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degree. For a school charging over $22,000 annually, this completion rate represents poor value and high risk for students who may not graduate.