Photo: Lyon College. Retrieved from: facebook.com/lyon-college
By teaching students about integrity and challenging themselves, administrators at Lyon College hopes that students will graduate with more than just a diploma. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, this premier undergraduate school is located in the stunningly beautiful Batesville, Arkansas.
The founders of Lyon College believed there was more to an education than just academics. They believed that character and integrity were just as important. Lyon’s curriculum is one that is based on “personal growth, professional fulfillment and service.”
Lyon College offers students 17 majors and over 20 minors to choose from. Majors range from pre-law to early childhood education. Administrators at Lyon College is proud to boast that students at Lyon are two and a half times more likely to graduate in four-years than students from other colleges in Arkansas. They believe it is the combination of support groups, excellent faculty and intriguing curriculum that keeps students at Lyon College.
History
Lyon College was founded in 1872 by the Presbyterian Church in Arkansas. Lead by Isaac J. Long, the college was co-educational and non-sectarian, allowing students who were not Presbyterian to attend. The first college graduates of 1876 included three students who were the first women in the state of Arkansas to receive their bachelor’s degree.
Lyon College is proud of their Scottish Heritage. To honor their heritage, the school began the Scottish Heritage Program. The program teaches and celebrates Scottish culture. Many students take advantage of the minor that is offered in Scottish culture and enjoy taking classes in bagpipes, drumming, and Highland dancing, a cultural dance in Scotland.
Campus Life
Lyon College has always had a history of a small student body. Today is no exception. Lyon College enrolls just under 500 students. There is plenty for the students to do with over 40 organizations, 6 national Greek organizations and outdoor activities students can take part in.
If students wish to get off campus for the day, Batesville offers many beautiful attractions. With a population of 10,000 people and close to both the Ozark Mountains and the White River, Batesville offers an outdoor escape for students. Whether one chooses to hike, canoe, camp, or just take in the breathtaking views of the rivers and streams nearby, students are constantly inspired by their surroundings.
Students can also take advantage of a big city just 100 miles away. Here in a big city, students can enjoy going to museums, shopping, dining, and other attractions that a big city has to offer.
Athletic teams take part in the TransSouth Athletic Conference as well as the American Midwest Conference, and play in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Students can play soccer, basketball, and golf among other sports.
Financial Aid
Understanding that college is expensive, the Financial Aid department at Lyon College dedicates their time to helping students afford an education. They continue to prove their success as they were able to provide $4 million dollars to students last year. Because of their dedication, over 99% of students are able to receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Including room and board and fees, incoming students can expect to pay a little more than $30,000 and expect to leave with a debt of $17,000.
