We’re tired of hearing the word “unprecedented,” so let’s just say things have been weird since March. The coronavirus pandemic has changed how our world works in so many ways, and you might be wondering what that means for college.

We can’t promise things will be the same as before, but we can promise we’re trying to make your college experience the best it can be.

Campus Tours

We began hosting On-Campus tours again on June 8, so we would still love for you to visit us! Naturally, the tours look a little different now. We have guidelines in place, such as temperature checks and pre-approved tour routes, to ensure the safety of you and your family when you visit.

Masks are a must, of course.

View the full list of guidelines and the tour route at lyon.edu/visit.

We also have virtual tour experiences available. You can visit with an admissions counselor, a current student, a professor, and an extracurricular leader from the safety of your home!

plan your lyon experience

Preview Days

Preview Days are a great opportunity for all high school students to experience Lyon College. The day begins with registration and presentations by Admissions, Financial Aid, and Career Services. You will even get to hear success stories from Lyon graduates!

Lyon has several upcoming Preview Days this fall, including virtual options! Due to COVID 19 restrictions, on-campus Preview Day spaces are limited.

Upcoming On-Campus Preview Days:
Saturday, September 19, 2020, at 10 a.m.
Saturday, October 10, 2020, at 10 a.m.
Saturday, November 7, 2020, at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 2 p.m.

Upcoming Virtual Preview Days:
Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at 7 p.m. CDT
Thursday, October 29, 2020, at 7 p.m. CDT
Thursday, November 19, 2020, at 7 p.m. CST
Thursday, December 15, at 7 p.m. CST

register for admissions events

Admissions Requirements

Lyon is keeping admission requirements simple. All you need to submit is your application, your test score, and your high school transcript.

There is no application fee!

No test score? No worries. You can contact an admissions counselor for the additional test-optional requirements.

Explore this page to learn more learn more about admissions requirements or find your area’s admissions counselor. 

Apply for admission

Campus Life

Although there may be restrictions in place for your safety, you will still have the freedom to express yourself, explore new ideas, and find your voice at Lyon.

Lyon College offers a variety of student organizations, activities, athletics, Greek life, and educational opportunities to keep the campus thriving.

While Lyon is holding this semester via remote instruction, Student Life and the Lyon Education and Adventure Program (LEAP) are still serving students, hosting events like Bingo and Trivia Night to help students connect while being apart.

Once the campus reopens, you can grab a drink from the Salty Dog Coffee Shop and settle in for a study session in the Morrow Academic Center or visit Edwards Commons to get a quick snack at the Lyon Den and play air hockey with friends in the game room.

Lyon also has plenty of outdoor options that allow for social distancing! The campus includes a bouldering wall, disc golf course, ropes course, bluff-side hiking and biking trails, and a walking trail around Bryan Lake.

You'll find plenty of new experiences on campus each and every day.

Whether it’s in person or online, we hope to see you soon and welcome you into the Lyon community!

If our academic reputation isn’t enough to make your decision easy, our beautiful community should. Our 136-acre campus provides our students with ample space and access to the outdoors. Whether rowing across Bryan Lake, speeding down the zip-line ropes course, mountain biking campus trails, or just relaxing on the quad, you’ll find your favorite place. Oh, and did we mention that we have award-winning faculty and some of the lowest student debt rates in the state? Fill out the visit form below and complete an official campus tour to receive a $1,000 visit scholarship, applicable for incoming freshmen enrolling through fall 2021.

In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have adjusted campus tours to reflect campus's safety measures. Virtual experiences are also available. Students will have the opportunity to visit with an Admissions Counselor, current student, professor, and/or extracurricular leader.

Check out Batesville:

Lyon College has a beautiful campus, but we're also in an amazing town. We're located in what USA Today calls the "best city" in Arkansas: Batesville. Want to enjoy the arts, go shopping, and finish the day at a yummy local restaurant? Click the button below to see what we're talking about:

Check out Batesville

Explore Lyon in 360°

Alphin plaza

Lyon plaza

couch garden

The Grassy Knoll

We value small class sizes. We believe in strong student-faculty interactions. We cultivate a communal atmosphere. These qualities are some of the many reasons to choose Lyon.

Our undergraduate liberal arts college, nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks, was founded in 1872 and is one of the more historic colleges in Arkansas. We challenge our students to grow in a multi-faceted approach with a strong commitment to liberal arts education in order to mature into well-rounded, open-minded individuals.

So, why Lyon? These should answer your question:

• Lyon has been named as a top college by Forbes, as the Most Socially Beneficial College in Arkansas, and as a Best Southeastern College by The Princeton Review.
• Lyon faculty teaches all classes available to students; our approach focuses on personalized, quality education, so we do not have classes taught by graduate assistants or teaching assistants.
• Lyon undergraduate students boasts 90 percent acceptance rates to medical and law schools.
• Lyon offers the Nichols International Studies Program, ensuring that students have the opportunity to explore various cultures during undergraduate years.
• Lyon enrolls approximately 700 students from 28 states and 13 countries, bringing a community of diverse experiences and ideas to Batesville.

Want to learn more about what Lyon offers? Visit our Why Lyon page for additional details on why you would excel by choosing to be a Scot!

Why Lyon

Lyon College offers two convenient ways to submit your application. Our Lyon Application is on our website and is sent quickly to the Admissions Office. The Common Application is better for those students that want to have their high school guidance counselor upload all their information. Please select the application that is the most convenient for you. 

Lyon Application

Lyon College admits candidates who demonstrate through their achievements that they can contribute to and benefit from the Lyon experience. We expect candidates to demonstrate their commitment and readiness by participating in a college preparatory curriculum throughout their high school careers.

Apply Now 

The Common Application

You'll receive an email from the Lyon College Office of Enrollment confirming the receipt of your application. You'll also receive an email from the Common Application confirming your submission. If you don't receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, be sure to contact the Common Application.

Apply With Common App

Application Deadlines

Early Action-1 (to be considered for the Honors Fellows Program and receive an admission decision before the holidays): November 15, 2018

Early Action-2 (to receive an admission decision before spring break): February 1, 2019

Regular Decision: April 1, 2019

Special Applications

• Non-Degree Seeking student application (PDF)
• Re-admit application (PDF)

Additional Materials

In addition to your application for admission, please submit:

• Official High School Transcript
• Official ACT and/or SAT Test Scores

Student Financial Aid

All candidates for admission who complete the application process are automatically considered for Lyon scholarships. Institutional scholarships are limited and priority is given to those who complete their applications by May 1.

Financial Aid/Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2019

Non-Discrimination Policy

Admission to Lyon College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, parental status, physical disability, learning disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational or admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other College-administered programs.

If you are considering Lyon for your college of choice, we encourage you to take a visit to Batesville! We truly believe that once you set foot on our campus, you gain a clearer understanding of Lyon and what we have to offer.

Throughout the year, our admissions team hosts various events and programs specifically designed for future students to learn more about Lyon. Some of those programs include the following:

Lyon Preview Day

This event provides a terrific opportunity for prospective students to experience Lyon. Learn a bit more about the event with the video below.

Honors Fellows Weekend

In addition to the conducted and scheduled interviews, prospective Fellows have the opportunity to explore campus, talk with current Fellows, and learn about the educational direction of the program.

Accepted Student Day

Now that you've been accepted to Lyon College, join us for a special day to celebrate your big achievement and be a Scot for a day! You'll have the chance to meet other future Scots; chat with current students, faculty, and alumni; and get firsthand experience of life at Lyon. 

Sneak Peek Day

Make your adjustments to college easier by joining us for Sneak Peek Day where you'll meet your roommate, visit your dorm room, and get help connecting to campus WiFi! 

Outdoor & ACT Prep Camp

Maximize your summer by attending Lyon's Outdoor and ACT Prep Camp. There will be lots of sun, fun, and hardcore preparation for that all-important ACT. This unique opportunity will offer specialized ACT instruction from Stephen Leake, President of College Prep Coach, Inc., and a taste of the Lyon Education and Adventure Program (LEAP). When you aren’t learning how to raise your ACT score, you'll be ziplining, bouldering, tackling the ropes course, or playing ultimate frisbee. 

For specific dates, registration information, and more details, please visit our Admissions Events page.

register for admissions events

Congratulations! You've been accepted to Lyon College. 

Now, what should you do next? We've outlined the next steps of your admissions process in the list below. Complete each action in the order listed, and you'll be ready for college in no time! If you have any questions throughout this process, please contact admissions@lyon.edu.

1. File your FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at fafsa.gov using your FSA ID for electronic signatures (available at fsaid.ed.gov). (US Citizens ONLY)

file your fafsa

2. Pay your deposit

We are thrilled that you've decided to come to Lyon College! Your $250 deposit guarantees a place in next year's class. We will begin accepting deposits for the Spring 2021 semester on September 1.

	Deposit online Visit lyon.edu/deposit now!
	Deposit by phone Call (870) 307-7250 today!
	Deposit by mail Lyon College c/o Office of Enrollment Services 2300 Highland Road Batesville, Arkansas 72501

3. Complete your YOUniversal App (Arkansas students only).

Arkansas Students are encouraged to complete the YOUniversal App—recipients could receive up to $14,000 over 4 years.

complete the youniversal app

4. Log in to Lyon's online community!

After depositing, you will receive an email with information about logging into Lyon's online community. You'll use your Lyon email to access essential tools for your success. If you haven't received this email within two weeks of depositing, contact admissions@lyon.edu

	student email Your campus email is your lifeline while at college.
	MyLyon Through MyLyon, you can review your grades, request transcripts, and more.
	Schoology Class assignments, readings, and discussions—you'll need this platform to succeed academically.
	Lyon App Keep up with what happening at Lyon!

5. Register for classes and attend SCOTS WEEK!

Advising for the Fall 2020 semester will begin in Spring 2020. During Scots Week (August 9-16), you'll register for classes, meet with your advisor, and attend orientation sessions. Look for emailed details in the coming weeks about an online experience that will help you learn more about Lyon, prepare for orientation, and sign up for an advising appointment! After incoming freshman and transfer students move in, parents will participate in parent orientation programming and a farewell dinner.

Wednesday, July 29
Move-in day for Football

Thursday, August 6
Move-in day for Band, Cross Country, Soccer, Spirit Squads, and Volleyball

Saturday, August 8
Move-in day for all remaining new Freshman and Transfer students

August 8-16
SCOTS Week (required orientation week for all new students)

6. Fill out your housing form.

Secure your spot on campus now! If you want to live in premium housing, like the newly constructed or pet-friendly residence halls, you'll need to act fast! Those residence halls have limited spaces.

If you have questions, please contact the Director of Residence Life Sh'Nita Mitchell.

7. Submit Your official final transcript and test score.

Please send your official final transcripts and official test scores to the Office of the Registrar by Friday, July 24.

8. FERPA: Give access to your educational records (optional).

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as Amended, Lyon College will not release your grades, schedules, financial aid, or billing information to parents, spouses, or others, unless you give permission. If you would like to grant or update permissions, fill out this form. 

update your ferpa preferences

9. Health and Wellness 

Submit your required immunization records.

Health and Wellness will safely store your required immunization records. If you need them in the future, we can easily provide them for you. Once you are on campus, visit us for your Health and Wellness needs.

submit your records

Register for the Patient Portal.

The Patient Portal facilitates better communication with Lyon's Health and Wellness office by providing convenient 24/7 access from the comfort and privacy of your own space. 

visit the patient portal

Are you playing on a sports team for the Lyon College Scots?

Congratulations! You will be a part of the Fighting Scots! Along with the above steps, student-athletes are required to complete these additional four steps. Make sure to complete these, so you can play for the Scots! For more information, check out the Student-Athlete Checklist. Go Scots Go!

1. Register with the NAIA.

Time to make it official! Register with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). This will include submitting your official transcripts and ACT/SAT scores.

Register with the naia 

2. Complete the athletic insurance form.

Please include a copy of your insurance card if applicable.

complete the athletic insurance form

3. Fill out the new Lyon student-athlete questionnaire.

We are excited to have you on campus and want to learn more about you. This questionnaire helps.

Complete the student-athlete questionnaire

4. Complete and submit your physical form.

Lyon College requires all student-athletes to have a completed physical form and insurance form on file in the athletic trainer's office before participating in any organized physical activity, like practice or games. Your physical must be dated after June 1, 2019.

Submit physical form

For those who lost our mail.

We get it. We sent you some mail or you picked something up at a College fair—and then you lost it. Or maybe, you're finding us for the first time. 

Check out the links below to see what you're missing out on.

Lyon College Photobook

Lyon College Travel Piece

Informational Sheet Downloads

• Fast Facts (PDF)
• Student Snapshot (PDF)
• Academic Divisions: Fine Arts (PDF)
• Academic Divisions: Humanities (PDF)
• Academic Divisions: Math & Science (PDF)
• Academic Divisions: Social Science (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Art (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Biology (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Business (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Celtic Studies (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Chemistry (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Computer Science (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Economics (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Education (PDF)
• Fields of Study: English (PDF)
• Fields of Study: French (PDF)
• Fields of Study: History (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Math (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Physics (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Political Science (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Pre-Engineering (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Pre-Law (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Pre-Med (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Pre-Optometry (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Pre-Occupational Therapy (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Pre-Pharmacy (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Pre-Physical Therapy (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Psychology (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Religion & Philosophy (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Spanish (PDF)
• Fields of Study: Theatre (PDF)

As a team, our goal is simple – to guide you through the college decision process and assist you on determining if a future at Lyon is right for you.

Of course, we would love for you to join our family at Lyon. But, above all else, we want you to excel during your undergraduate years. Our Admissions team is happy to discuss Lyon’s advantages, your personal strengths and preferences, and possible campus visits or college fairs near you.

Want to meet someone from our team? Check out the maps below to find an admissions counselor near you!

Admissions Counselors

Lyon College admits candidates who demonstrate that they can contribute to and benefit from the Lyon experience.

Admission is not limited by age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin of the applicant. Lyon expects students to demonstrate their seriousness of purpose by participating in a college preparatory curriculum throughout their high school careers. We highly recommend that preparatory work includes the following subjects:

• English (4 units): to cover grammar, composition, and literature.
• Social Studies (3 units): to include 1 unit in American history, 1 unit in world history, and 1/2 unit in civics or American government.
• Natural Sciences (3 units): to be selected from offerings in biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Mathematics (3 units): to include Algebra I, and additional units selected from algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and calculus.
• Foreign Language (2 units): to be selected from offerings in French, German, Spanish, or other major foreign languages

To determine your admission, Lyon College will holistically review each file to consider success and fit.

The College will offer test optional applications for prospective students. Please contact your admissions counselor for the additional test optional requirements.

If you would like to check your admissions status, please connect with your admissions counselor.