Lyon College graduates demonstrate exceptional financial responsibility, with zero defaults on federal loans and repayment rates that consistently exceed national benchmarks.
This strong repayment culture, combined with reasonable net prices across income levels, reflects the college's commitment to sustainable educational investment.
Lyon College is a small private institution in Arkansas that focuses on providing personalized education in an intimate setting. With just over 600 students, Lyon offers the kind of close faculty-student relationships and tight-knit community that larger universities cannot match. The college serves a diverse student body, with about 36% of students receiving Pell Grants and 30% being first-generation college students, reflecting its commitment to access and opportunity.
While Lyon's graduates earn a median of $44,232 ten years after enrollment, which places the college in the lower portion of national earnings rankings, the institution's value lies in other areas. The college maintains reasonable net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying about $18,857 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $22,559. Lyon's 56% six-year graduation rate, combined with strong loan repayment performance and zero default rate, suggests that students who complete their degrees are generally able to manage their financial obligations successfully.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Lyon College provides meaningful access to higher education while working to improve outcomes for the students it serves. The college's strength lies in its personal approach to education and its role as a stepping stone for students pursuing graduate education or careers that value the liberal arts foundation.
Lyon College's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts mission and small institutional size. Biology emerges as the college's most significant program by aggregate return, graduating 24 students annually who earn a median of $25,194 two years after graduation. While these early-career earnings appear modest, biology at Lyon serves primarily as pre-professional preparation, with many graduates continuing to medical school, graduate programs, or other advanced training where the real career payoff develops over time.
The college's small size means that program offerings are necessarily focused, but this creates opportunities for close faculty mentorship and individualized attention that larger institutions cannot provide. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct access to professors, which proves particularly valuable for those planning graduate study or professional school applications. The college's strong academic reputation in Arkansas and its alumni network provide meaningful support for students transitioning to their next educational or career steps.
While Lyon may not offer the breadth of high-earning technical programs found at larger universities, its strength lies in preparing students for success in graduate education and careers that value critical thinking, communication skills, and the broad intellectual foundation that comes from a quality liberal arts education.
Lyon College graduates earn a median of $44,232 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below national averages for long-term earnings. This reflects both the college's small size and its focus on liberal arts education, where many graduates pursue additional education or enter fields that prioritize service over high salaries. The college's earnings performance ranks in the lower portion nationally, with graduates earning somewhat less than similar students at other institutions.
Biology stands out as Lyon's most significant program by aggregate return, graduating 24 students annually with median earnings of $25,194 two years after graduation. While these early-career earnings appear modest, many biology graduates use their Lyon education as preparation for medical school, graduate programs, or other professional training where the real financial payoff comes later in their careers. The college's small size means that program offerings are focused, and students often benefit from close mentorship relationships that support their transition to graduate study or professional careers.
For students planning careers that require graduate education or who value the personal development and critical thinking skills that come from a liberal arts education, Lyon's return on investment extends beyond immediate post-graduation earnings. The college's zero default rate and strong loan repayment patterns suggest that graduates, while earning modestly, are generally able to manage their educational debt successfully.
Lyon College maintains reasonable affordability across income levels, with net prices that are manageable for most families. Low-income students pay about $18,857 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $22,559, and higher-income families pay approximately $26,818. These prices reflect the college's commitment to making private education accessible, though they still represent a significant investment for most families.
Debt levels at Lyon are moderate and generally manageable given the college's strong repayment culture. Typical graduates leave with about $21,500 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $14,915. What makes these debt levels sustainable is Lyon's exceptional loan repayment performance and zero default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their financial obligations even with modest post-graduation earnings. The college's small size and close-knit community likely contribute to strong financial counseling and support that helps students make informed borrowing decisions and develop good repayment habits after graduation.
Lyon College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
