Students typically receive financial aid from Federal and/or State government agencies, colleges, and private sources.
Freshman and transfer students may apply for a wide range of merit-based scholarships, fine arts scholarships, Scottish heritage scholarships, and athletic scholarships.
Freshman and transfer students may apply for a wide range of merit-based awards. The admission application form serves as an application for these scholarships. For more information, please feel free to contact any one of our Admission Representatives.
Financial aid typically comes in three forms: grants (which need not be paid back), loans (which must be paid back - though typically this is available at very favorable interest rates), and work study. Aid awards are made on the basis of demonstrated need (need-based aid) and academic achievement (merit-based aid).
To apply for federal aid, including grants, work-study and loans, you will need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can access FAFSA via the Internet at www.FAFSA.ed.gov, or you can submit an application by mail.
You must file as soon after October 1 as possible. FAFSA applications should be submitted after October 1 and before March 1 to meet the priority funding date for Lyon College's need-based funds.
Lyon College's FAFSA code number is 001088. If you would like assistance, please feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office.
Yes. Many families think they won't qualify for assistance and miss out on receiving financial aid by failing to apply. There are some sources of aid such as the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), and Alternative loans that are available regardless of need.
No. Income level does not automatically disqualify you for financial aid. Other variables such as the number in the family and the number of family members (excluding parents) attending college are taken into consideration. We strongly encourage all applicants to Lyon to file for federal aid (and state aid if they are Arkansas residents).
All applicants for federal financial aid (grants, loans, work-study) must submit the FAFSA. Information gathered from the FAFSA is used by the U.S. Department of Education to assess each applicants "need" using methodology that is the same for all applicants.
The total financial aid a student receives can include funds from more than one source or financial aid program. Normally, though, the total financial aid received will not exceed the financial need, or in some cases, the cost of attendance. For the best chance of getting the aid you need, apply as early as possible for each financial aid program for which you might be eligible.
If your financial situation stays the same and you maintain satisfactory academic progress, your total amount of aid should stay about the same (though the blend of grants and loans may change). You must re-apply for need-based aid each year. Changes in your household size, in the number in college, or in your or your parents' income or assets can have an effect, either positive or negative, on your financial aid award.
Any student who feels that there are extenuating circumstances which have materially changed the financial position reported on their current FAFSA is encouraged to complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration form. Those forms are available upon request from the Lyon Financial Aid office - financialaid@lyon.edu or 870-307-7257.
Once we receive the completed form, along with documentation supporting your claim, we will review the information for accuracy and submit the verified and allowable changes to the Department of Education for any possible changes to your federal aid eligibility.
The following are some of the state financial aid programs available to Arkansas residents:
- Academic Challenge Scholarship - $1,000 first year, $4,000 second year, $4,000 third year, and $5,000 fourth year for graduating high school seniors. The only requirements are a 19 on the ACT or ACT equivalent score and the FAFSA. Deadline: June 1.
- Governor's Distinguished Scholarship - for those scoring 32 on the ACT or 1410 on the SAT, and a 3.50 academic grade point average, or are named National Merit Finalists or National Achievement Scholar pays tuition, mandatory fees, room and board up to $10,000 per year. Deadline: February 1.
For eligibility criteria, rules, regulations and deadlines for the above programs, visit the Arkansas Department of Education website.
Arkansas students should fill out the YOUniversal Scholarship Application.
No. You can apply for financial aid any time after October 1st of the year you will be entering college (though you will not receive a formal offer of financial aid until you have been admitted to Lyon). To apply for federal aid, you will need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You can access FAFSA via the Internet. To apply for State aid, Arkansas students should fill out the YOUniversal Scholarship Application.