For the fifth year in a row, Lyon graduates achieved an outcomes rate higher than the national average. This year, 98 percent of the 2019 graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
The College boasts a three-year average of 98 percent and a five-year average of 97 percent for student outcomes.
“Very few schools enjoy the post-graduation success that Lyon does,” said Director of Institutional Research Andrew English, who compiled the report.
Lyon’s 2019 class is 12 points higher than the national average, which English said is particularly impressive because the Southeast region is seven points below the national average.
“The five-year average shows this level of success is not an outlier. It is becoming a standard.”
English sent surveys to seniors before they graduated and followed up with additional surveys over the past few months.
About 65 percent of Lyon’s 2019 graduates are employed, and 40 percent are furthering their education. Since 5 percent of graduates are both employed and continuing their education, they are counted in each outcome.
Zachary Stewart, ’19, is one of many graduates who started their careers immediately after college. He opened his own coffee shop, Nova Joe’s, in Batesville and recently announced an upcoming second location.
“Growing up, we weren't the richest family, so I really looked up to anybody that was helping us out,” Stewart said. “"I hope giving back to the community will have the same effects those people had on me.”
Ridge Hester, ’19, and Amanda Weston, ’19, chose to enter master’s programs.
Hester joined GE Healthcare’s Commercial Leadership Program upon graduation and has started a master’s in organizational leadership at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif.
“My goal is to be a CEO of a hospital by age 40,” he said.
Weston is attending Arkansas State University’s political science master’s program.
“It’s a really big accomplishment for me because I’m a first-generation college student,” she said, smiling. “My research wouldn’t have been possible without the professors I’ve had mentoring me and the accomplishments Lyon has given me.”