Acceptance Rate
63%
“Small Arkansas liberal arts college blending Presbyterian roots with Scottish bagpipes and fiercely competitive debate.”
Batesville, AR
Location
Town
Campus Setting
Lyon College traces its origins to 1872, when Presbyterians established Arkansas College in Batesville to bring higher education to the rugged Ozark region. Renamed in 1930 after a major donor family, it has maintained a close-knit, faith-informed yet non-sectarian personality focused on individual growth. You'll thrive here if you seek personal attention from professors and a supportive community where everyone knows your name, but the tiny size and remote location might frustrate those craving urban energy or diverse social options.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classes rarely exceed 20 students, putting you in frequent contact with professors who mentor beyond the classroom in this classic liberal arts setting. Biology, chemistry, and education programs stand out, with hands-on labs and field opportunities in the nearby Ozarks preparing students for medical school or teaching careers. The debate team punches above its weight nationally, fostering sharp critical thinking, though limited enrollment means fewer course choices each semester and occasional travel for specialized electives.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
657 undergrad • 2 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
47%
Black / African American
8%
Hispanic / Latino
8%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
36%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Batesville, AR
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around residence halls where nearly all undergrads live, creating instant bonds through shared meals and late-night study sessions. Scottish heritage infuses traditions like the annual Highland Games, complete with kilts and bagpipes, alongside standard events like formals and service trips. A typical week mixes classes, club meetings, and outdoor adventures in the surrounding hills, but Batesville's small-town pace and modest party scene mean weekends often involve road trips to Little Rock for bigger excitement.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$8,087
$30K – $48K
$8,582
$48K – $75K
$12,492
$75K – $110K
$12,828
$110K+
$12,560
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
71%
4 Years Graduation Rate
55%
6 Years Graduation Rate
59%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$44,232
71% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Lyon College and return in the fall. 55% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 59% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
55%
4-6 years
4%
Non-grad
41%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$29,900
Acceptance
63%
Undergrads
657
4-Year Grad Rate
55%
Endowment
$65M
Batesville, AR 72501
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