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95.9%Acceptance
$35,540Tuition
1,599Students
62%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$56,380Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

About University of Lynchburg

University of Lynchburg builds its reputation on close faculty relationships and Christian values in Virginia's Blue Ridge foothills. This private liberal arts university enrolls 1,599 students who benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The Disciples of Christ heritage shapes campus culture without overwhelming it. Nearly 96% of applicants gain admission, welcoming students with SAT scores averaging 1115.

Students pay an average net price of $20,187 after financial aid, well below the sticker price of $49,790. Graduates earn a median of $56,380 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $286. The employment rate hits 96.2%, suggesting strong career services and alumni networks.

Women make up 62% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The Hornets compete in 20 NCAA Division III sports with 574 total athletes. About 70% of students come from Virginia, giving the campus a regional feel. The 61% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's commitment to helping students finish what they start, though some take longer than the traditional four years.

Academics & Faculty

University of Lynchburg operates as a private liberal arts university where students explore broad academic disciplines while developing critical thinking skills. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide individualized attention. The school has built a strong reputation for its health sciences programs, particularly nursing and physical therapy, which attract many of the 1,599 students. Education and business programs also draw significant enrollment. About 61% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing rigorous coursework with the full liberal arts approach. Small class sizes mean students can't hide in the back row.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
72.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
60.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
61.6%
Retention Rate
75.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,380
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $70,296
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $57,770
Criminology. Bachelor $33,459
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $32,925
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $31,133

View all 65 programs →

Campus Life

This small liberal arts campus sits in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, about two hours from Richmond and three hours from Washington DC. With housing for 1,247 students and total enrollment of 1,599, roughly three-quarters of undergraduates live on campus. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here - Lynchburg gets genuine four seasons with snowy winters and humid summers.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but with 574 athletes competing across 20 varsity sports, Division III athletics dominate weekend social life. Many students head to nearby Smith Mountain Lake for outdoor recreation or explore Lynchburg's historic downtown. The Disciples of Christ heritage creates a welcoming but not overwhelming religious atmosphere. With 61.91% women and strong programs in health sciences and education, the campus skews toward collaborative rather than cutthroat academics. Students often gather in the Dell - the campus's central green space - between the red-brick academic buildings that define this traditional college setting.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,247 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1903

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 5 5 0 0
Stalking 7 1 0 0
Dating Violence 3 3 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Arson 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
24°–46°F
July Avg
64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
43.6"
Annual Snowfall
12.4"

Student Demographics

University of Lynchburg draws primarily Virginia students who value close-knit campus communities. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, reflecting the school's strong programs in education, nursing, and health sciences. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the Christian liberal arts college serves many first-generation and lower-income families. The student body is predominantly white but increasingly diverse. Students typically choose Lynchburg for its personal attention and values-based education rather than prestige or rankings.
Men
38.1%
Women
61.9%
White
58.9%
Black
9.3%
Hispanic
7.4%
Asian
1.6%
In-State Students
69.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.3%

Location

University of Lynchburg sits in Lynchburg, Virginia, a small city of about 80,000 residents in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus is roughly 180 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., and 120 miles west of Richmond. This historic city straddles the James River and offers a blend of urban amenities with easy access to outdoor recreation. Lynchburg's economy centers around healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with several colleges calling the area home. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs nearby, providing hiking trails and scenic mountain views within a short drive. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare University of Lynchburg with similar schools in the region.
Address
Lynchburg, Virginia 24501-3113
University of Lynchburg Carnegie Hall - front
University of Lynchburg Carnegie Hall - front

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,380
Median Earnings (5 years)
$55,700
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,500
Loan Repayment Rate
68.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Lynchburg?

University of Lynchburg accepts 95.94% of applicants, making it highly accessible to most students. The average SAT score is 1115, with the middle 50% scoring between 1000-1230. This Disciples of Christ-affiliated school values the whole person over just test scores.

How much does University of Lynchburg cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $20,187 after aid, lower than the sticker price of $49,790. Students graduate with a median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286. The school provides institutional grants averaging $24,138 to 21% of students.

What are the academics like at University of Lynchburg?

Students enjoy an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personal attention in this liberal arts environment. The retention rate is 75.85%, reflecting solid student satisfaction. Founded in 1903, the university emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and the 1,599 enrolled students.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from University of Lynchburg?

Graduates achieve a 96.2% employment rate and earn a median salary of $56,380 ten years after graduation. The 4-year graduation rate is 60.77%, with 61.60% completing degrees within six years. Alumni benefit from the school's strong regional connections in Virginia and beyond.

Where is University of Lynchburg located and what is campus life like?

Set in Lynchburg, Virginia, the campus houses 1,247 students in a small city environment. Women make up 61.91% of the student body, while 69.48% come from Virginia. The Hornets compete in 20 NCAA Division III sports with 574 total athletes participating.

Does University of Lynchburg have a religious affiliation?

The university maintains ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), reflecting its 1903 founding roots. This religious heritage shapes the campus culture while welcoming students of all backgrounds. The faith-based foundation emphasizes service, community engagement, and personal growth alongside academic achievement.

Compare University of Lynchburg