Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Batesville, Arkansas
65.5% Acceptance Rate
Lyon College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
65.5%Acceptance Rate
3Avg GPA
1123Avg SAT
$44,943Annual Cost
$44,232Grad Salary
36%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
65.5%
Avg GPA
3
Avg SAT
1123
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1083–1153
Need-Based Aid
36% receive Pell
Lyon College, established in 1872 in Batesville, Arkansas, is a Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college with strengths in biology, business, and creative writing. Home to the prestigious Arkansas Scottish Festival.
The 136-acre campus includes the Derby Center for Science and Mathematics, the Kresge Gallery, and the historic Edwards Commons. Lyon's distinctive 'Lyon Experience' combines academic rigor with outdoor adventure programming.
Lyon College Acceptance Rate
Lyon College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Lyon College is 65.5%. This means that 66 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 65.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.00 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.80 – 2.99
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.55
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Lyon College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Lyon College is 3. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A's, B's, and some C's is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.20-3.40 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.70 and 3, aim for a strong standardized test score.
Lyon College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Lyon College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.00 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
2.80 – 2.99
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.60 – 2.79
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.59
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate approximately 65-66% (IPEDS 2024-25; CollegeSimply 65.5%); test-blind (scores not considered even if submitted); average admitted GPA approximately 3.0 unweighted; $0 application fee; Early Action deadline November 15; Regular Decision deadline August 14, 2026.
- Lyon opened Arkansas's first dental school (Little Rock, June 2025, CODA accredited, inaugural class of 80) and broke ground on Arkansas's first veterinary school (Cabot, June 2025, AVMA-COE accreditation pending, first class expected 2026) - pre-dental and pre-vet undergrads now have a direct institutional pipeline to professional programs in Arkansas for the first time.
- Scottish Heritage Programme includes one of the nation's most significant collegiate bagpiping programs, a registered clan tartan, and the annual Arkansas Scottish Festival (45th year in 2025); merit scholarships are available through this program for students with relevant talent.
- Lyon operates a student-run Honor System governing academic integrity with peer enforcement and Honor Council proceedings - a self-governance structure that shapes daily academic life and signals the kind of community the college actively builds.
- The Rigor Metric: At Lyon College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Lyon College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Lyon College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Lyon College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Lyon College Without SAT or ACT?
Lyon College does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Lyon College Average SAT Score: 1123
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Lyon College is 1123 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1123 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1123 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1153 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Lyon College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1083, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Lyon College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1123 | 1083 | 1153 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1083 then you are below most of the admitted students at Lyon College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1153 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Lyon College with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Lyon College are good but the admission staff at Lyon College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Lyon College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Lyon College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Test-Blind Policy Means Scores Genuinely Do Not Matter - But GPA Does
Lyon College is test-blind: SAT and ACT scores are not considered in the admissions process even if submitted. This is confirmed by US News, CollegeSimply, and multiple IPEDS-sourced aggregators. The practical implication is that students with strong GPAs and weak test scores are evaluated entirely on their academic record, course rigor, and application materials - test scores introduce no advantage or disadvantage. The average admitted GPA is approximately 3.0 unweighted (B average), reflecting Lyon's commitment to academic access within a demanding liberal arts curriculum. Students who want to compete for the Honors Program need a 3.7 GPA or better (or qualifying test scores - 27 ACT / 1250 SAT - if they choose to submit for Honors consideration specifically). Apply free of charge ($0 fee) via Common App; Early Action deadline is November 15 and Regular Decision extends to August 14, 2026 for fall.
Lyon's Dental and Veterinary Schools Change the Pre-Health Landscape for Undergrads
Lyon College opened Arkansas's first dental school (School of Dental Medicine) in Little Rock in June 2025 with an inaugural class of 80 students, having received CODA accreditation in February 2025. The School of Veterinary Medicine broke ground in Cabot, Arkansas in June 2025 and plans to enroll its inaugural class in 2026, pending AVMA-COE accreditation. These are Arkansas's first dental and first veterinary schools respectively - no other institution in the state has previously offered these programs. For pre-dental and pre-veterinary students in particular, Lyon's undergraduate liberal arts curriculum now feeds directly into institutional professional schools, creating a pipeline that did not exist anywhere in Arkansas before 2025. Pre-dental and pre-vet applicants should ask admissions explicitly about the undergraduate-to-professional school pathway, preference policies, and advising structures connecting the Batesville undergraduate campus to the Little Rock and Cabot professional sites.
The Scottish Heritage Programme Is a Real Academic and Scholarship Resource - Not Just Branding
Lyon's Scottish identity is institutional and substantive, not decorative. The college operates one of the most significant bagpiping programs in the United States, with a campus pipe band comprising students, faculty, staff, and community musicians. An original crimson and navy blue tartan is registered in Scotland in the college's name. The annual Arkansas Scottish Festival (in its 45th year in 2025) draws thousands to the Batesville campus and represents a genuine community event with academic programming alongside cultural celebration. Students with interest or experience in Celtic music, Scottish history, or bagpiping should contact admissions about scholarship opportunities through the Scottish Heritage Programme - these are merit awards tied to specific talent, distinct from general academic scholarships. Students without this background can also engage; Lyon's Scottish identity shapes campus culture and community pride in ways that distinguish it from generic small-college branding.
The Honor System Shapes Academic Culture at Lyon in Ways That Matter for Your Application
Lyon College operates a student-run Honor System - a formal code of academic integrity in which students pledge not to lie, cheat, or steal in their academic work, and are responsible for upholding the system among their peers. This is a self-governance structure, not a passive policy: students take ownership of academic integrity, report violations, and participate in Honor Council proceedings. For applicants, this matters strategically: essays that demonstrate self-directedness, intellectual honesty, integrity under pressure, and community responsibility align directly with the values Lyon seeks in its students. The Honor System also shapes the day-to-day experience - faculty trust students with unsupervised exams and take-home assessments, and students tend to describe the academic environment as collaborative rather than competitive. An essay that engages with what integrity means to you in an academic context will resonate at Lyon in ways it would not at a school without this structure.
Expert Insight:
Lyon College (Batesville, AR, UNITID 106342) is sometimes confused with related Arkansas institutions, particularly because it was founded as "Arkansas College" in 1872 and retained that name until 1994, when it was renamed Lyon College. Some older references, alumni materials, and regional newspaper archives still use "Arkansas College" to refer to the same institution. Lyon is not affiliated with University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas State University, or any other Arkansas public institution. It is a private Presbyterian Church (USA) affiliated institution with a Scottish heritage identity and an Honor System. Confirm UNITID 106342 and lyon.edu before referencing any admissions data or financial aid information.
Lyon College Profile
Full Name
Lyon College
City
Batesville
State
Arkansas
ZIP Code
72501
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Lyon College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Lyon College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Lyon College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Lyon College is $48,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.19%.
How much does a degree from Lyon College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Lyon College is $44,943. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Lyon College is much less than this.
36% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 61.2 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Lyon College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Lyon College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Lyon College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Lyon College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $44,232. An average Lyon College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Lyon College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 1100 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Lyon College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Lyon College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Lyon College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyon College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44,232 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $44,943 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
36.0% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Lyon College is 65.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.7, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.7, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.6 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Lyon College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1123 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1083–1153.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.