Welcome to Lyon College's admissions page. We are excited that you value our liberal arts college and seek more information on our admissions process.
This page directs you to many of the questions you may have answers you want answered. If you want to apply and need to know the proper steps, we can help you out. Looking for an upcoming admissions event or hoping to schedule a campus visit? You can find that information on this page, too.
Message for Future Students
Welcome to Lyon College!
We’re so excited you're exploring what it means to become part of the Lyon College family! Whether you're just starting to learn about us or ready to take the next step, this is the perfect place to begin your journey.
- Want toplan a visit to experience campus for yourself?
- Ready tostart your application or review admissions requirements?
- Curious aboutupcoming events where you can meet our community?
- Looking for more detailedadmissions information?
You’ll find everything you need in the other squares on this page!
Campus Life
At Lyon, your college experience goes far beyond the classroom.You will still have the freedom to express yourself, explore new ideas, and find your voice at Lyon.
From engaging student organizations and spirited athletic teams to meaningful leadership opportunities and vibrant Greek life, campus is full of life and energy every day of the week.
Need a place to study? Grab a drink from the Salty Dog Coffee Shop and head over to the Morrow Academic Center. Looking to unwind? Challenge your friends to a game of air hockey or relax in the Lyon Den inside Edwards Commons, our campus hub for food and fun.
If you love the outdoors, Lyon has you covered.Take on the bouldering wall, tackle the ropes course, or enjoy the disc golf course, hiking and biking trails, or a peaceful stroll around Bryan Lake.
You'll find new adventures and lifelong memories waiting for you around every corner.
Whether we see you on campus or connect with you online, we can’t wait to welcome you into the Lyon community, a place where you’ll grow, thrive, and truly belong.
We’re glad you’re here. Let’s get started.
The Lyon College Experience
If our academic reputation isn’t enough to make your decision easy, ourbeautiful 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 thevisit formbelow to see for yourself!
Campus Tours
Check out Batesville:
Lyon College has a beautiful campus, but we're also in an amazing town. We're located in what USA Todaycalls 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:
Explore Lyon in 360°
Alphin plaza
Lyon plaza
couch garden
The Grassy Knoll
Why Lyon?
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!
Get more information from Lyon
Don't forget to scope out ouracademicsand ourcampus life. If you want even more information about Lyon College, you're only one short form away.
send me more info
Backyard Access Plan
Lyon College has a rich tradition of serving Independence County and the region for more than 150 years. Lyon alumni are our teachers, principals, business professionals, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, medical professionals, attorneys, and church and community leaders.
Lyon College established the Backyard Access Plan in March 2023 to encourage area high school graduates to stay close to home and receive a world-class education at Lyon College for much less than it would cost them to attend an out-of-town college or university.
With Lyon College's Backyard Access Plan, area students who wish to lower their higher education costs and commute from home have an option to go straight into a four-year bachelor's program out of high school.
Here’s How the Backyard Plan Works!
Consider the Facts
• When you contribute the amount of a full Pell Grant and the amount of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship for the current year, you can commute to Lyon College for ZERO out-of-pocket tuition costs. Fees, books, and supplies are extra.
• No Pell? No problem! With any Pell Grant – or even with none – your tuition to Lyon College is only the amount of a full Pell Grant plus the amount of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship for the current academic year.
• Not only does the Backyard Access Plan cut down on tuition costs, you can take advantage of commuting to Lyon College from your family’s home, right here in beautiful North Central Arkansas. You’ll be home for family events, home-cooked meals, church services, and local job opportunities, plus you can share your hometown with your Lyon College friends.
• As a commuter, you can enjoy the many benefits of Lyon College, including all student activities, all athletic events, the library, the campus clinic – everything residential students experience at Lyon College.
• Most importantly, you will have the benefit of learning from Lyon College’s award-winning faculty in an intimate classroom environment.
Participating schools include: Batesville High School, Southside High School, Bald Knob High School, Bradford High School, Cave City High School, Cedar Ridge High School, Concord High School, Heber Springs High School, Highland High School, Hillcrest High School, Izard County Consolidated High School, Melbourne High School, Midland High School, Mountain View High School, Newport High School and Tuckerman High School.
If you have questions about the Backyard Access Plan and how it can benefit you, contact Tommy Tucker, Executive Director of Financial Aid!
Tommy Tucker
Executive Director of Financial Aid
Contact Information
Office located in the Welcome Center
(870) 307-7257 | thomas.tucker@lyon.edu
Apply to Lyon
Applying to Lyon College
Interested in filling out your Lyon College Application and taking the first step to creating your Lyon Legacy? Click the button below to view our Application page and select the application that best fits you.
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 theadministration of its educationalor admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other College-administeredprograms.
Upcoming Events
2025-26 Admissions Events
Here are a few of the incredible upcoming admissions events that can help you get a jumpstart on your journey to Lyon College! You can read even more about each event viewing the Event Sections lower on the page.
Acting Out: Learning to Live Truthfully on Stage
Join us for a dynamic, hands-on workshop with the Lyon College Theatre Department where students of any experience level will learn and practice the Meisner technique. Through improvisations and scene work, participants will build truthful performance skills while also developing valuable soft skills. Lunch will be provided. Registration is capped at 30 students.
Acting Out: Learning to Live Truthfully on Stage
Thursday, February 12
9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Register Now!
Lyon Discovery Day
Lyon College Discovery Day promises an engaging and informative program that will enable prospective students and their families to explore Lyon College's vibrant campus community, academic programs, and unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. The event will feature an array of activities, including campus tours, faculty meet-and-greets, and an opportunity to experience the lively atmosphere of the oldest city and college in Arkansas. Discovery Days are held in the summer, fall, and spring semesters.
Upcoming Discovery Days:
Spring
Date to be announced!
Registration Opening Soon!
Honors Fellows Days
Prospective Honors Fellows may attend one of two weekends, typically held in the fall and spring semesters. These are important opportunities for us to get to know you and for you to get to know Lyon. For this reason, we have scheduled time for you to visit with current Fellows, campus tours to familiarize you with our campus, and student research presentations to demonstrate the kind of learning community we pursue at Lyon.
Students who qualify with a 27 ACT or 1250 or better on the SAT or scoring an unweighted 3.7 GPA or better are invited to register. In both cases, a student must also meet proficiencies in ENG001 and MTH001 prior to matriculation.
Upcoming Honors Fellows Program Days:
Spring
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Register Now!
learn more
Lyon Launch (Accepted Student Day)
Accepted students are invited to join us for a special day to celebrate! 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.
Lyon Launch:
Registration Opens February 2026
Lyon Launch (Spring 2026 Accepted Student Day)
Friday, April 24, 2026
Next Steps for Accepted and Deposited Students
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 at admissions@lyon.edu and be sure to visit your admissions portal at www.lyon.edu/ns-portal.
1. File your FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa using your FSA ID for electronic signatures (available at www.studentaid.gov). (US Citizens ONLY)
2. Pay yourdeposit
We are thrilled that you've decided to come to Lyon College! Your $250 depositguarantees a place in next year's class. All deposits are non-refundable.
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DEPOSIT ONLINEVisitlyon.edu/depositnow!
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DEPOSIT BY PHONECall(870) 307-7250today!
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DEPOSIT BY MAILLyon College
c/o Office of Enrollment Services
2300 Highland Road Batesville, Arkansas 72501 |
3. Submit yourofficialfinal transcript and test scores.
Send all official test scores, if applicable, and official finalized transcripts from high schools(s), colleges, or universities to the Office of Enrollment Services as soon as possible. If all official transcripts and test scores are not received by the first day of classes, a registration hold will be added to your account. This hold will prevent you from registering for courses next semester.
Request official transcripts (i.e. transfer or concurrent college credit) from your previous school(s). Your official transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar's office of your previous institution to Lyon College at adocuments@lyon.eduor the address below.
Lyon College
c/o Office of Enrollment Services
2300 Highland Road
Batesville, Arkansas 72501
4. Complete the AR Challenge/Governor's Distinguished Scholarship Application (Arkansas only).
Eligible students can receive up to $14,000, and maybe more, over four years!
5. Log in to Lyon College's online community!
After depositing, you will receive an email with information about logging into Lyon College's online community. You'll use your Lyon email to access essential tools for your success.
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STUDENT EMAILYour campus email is your lifeline while at college.
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MYLYONThrough MyLyon, you can review your grades, request transcripts, and more.
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CanvasLog in and get familiar with your hub for courses, assignments, and grades! |
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LYON APPKeep up with what's happening at Lyon!
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If you misplace any of this information, please contact the Office of Admissions at(870) 307-7250oradmissions@lyon.edu.
6. Housing Application for Residential and Commuter Students
Lyon College is a primarily residential institution. Living on campus offers students the invaluable opportunity to fully engage with all the College has to offer. It fosters a strong sense of community, which makes it easier to form lasting friendships, take part in campus events, and collaborate academically. Shared living spaces also encourage personal growth, independence, and responsibility. Ultimately, campus living provides a supportive environment that helps students thrive both academically and socially.
Life at Lyon College fosters a respectful, engaged community that supports the College’s academic mission. It promotes student responsibility, self-governance, and accountability while encouraging civility, creativity, and respect for all. Through leadership opportunities and collaborative programs with faculty, staff, and peers, students grow socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and ethically.
Students must be enrolled full-time at Lyon College to live in College housing and must be at least 18 years old on or before September 30 of any academic year. Single students between the ages of 18 and 21 are required to live in College housing.
To qualify for an automatic exemption from living in College housing, a student must be 21 years old on or before September 30 of any academic year. Students who are married, veterans, or parents of dependent children are automatically exempt from the housing requirement regardless of age. Students also qualify for an automatic exemption, regardless of age, if they commute from a parent or legal guardian’s home within 45 miles. Students who do not qualify for an automatic exemption may request a special exemption by contacting the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students.
A student who is automatically exempt from the Lyon College residency requirement will not lose any financial aid due to off-campus residency. Students who qualify for an automatic exemption must complete the commuter form.
Students who do not qualify for an automatic exemption from the residency requirement and move off campus without being granted a special exemption by the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students will forfeit up to 30% of any Lyon institutional scholarship(s) and/or grant(s) they have been awarded.
No binding off-campus commitments (such as signing a lease, purchasing property, etc.) should be made before receiving written notice of special exemption approval. Such arrangements will not override the residence policy.
Housing applications for Fall 2026 students are open! The early bird period runs through May 1. Those who apply during the early bird period have a greater chance of being assigned to the housing of their choice. Students who submit their housing application after the early bird period will be housed according to availability. Summer 2026 applications will be available from March 1 through March 15, 2026.
The housing application includes meal plan options, as all residential students are required to have a meal plan unless a meal plan waiver is granted. Meal plan exemptions are rarely granted. If an exemption is granted, it is usually for medical or religious reasons. Students who wish to request a meal plan exemption should complete the Meal Exemption Form.
For more information about the residence halls, click here. To complete the housing application for the 2026-2027 academic year and Summer 2026, visit lyon.residence.symplicity.com. Log in with your Lyon credentials, select the appropriate housing application, complete the required steps, and submit the application. If you don’t receive a confirmation notification, please contact Student Life.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Student Life at studentlife@lyon.edu.
7. Participate online in "Becoming a Scot."
Becoming a Scot (BaS) is an online experience for all new students and is designed to help you learn more about Lyon, connect you to your advisor, and also prepare you for Orientation! Becoming a Scot will open on January 26. Watch your Lyon email for an invitation to join.
Advising for the Summer/Fall 2026 semester begins on April 24, 2026. More information on advising appointments will be available on BaS.
8. Attend SCOT Week!
Get ready for SCOT Week, happening August 14-17! It’s your chance to explore campus, make new friends, and start feeling at home at Lyon. You’ll get all the details about SCOT week during your BaS experience. Find more information and the SCOT Week schedule at: /scotweek.
9. Submit your Health and Wellness information.
Log in to the Student Health Portalusing your Lyon credentials. Navigate to the "My Forms" tab to complete the forms and upload required documents, such as immunization records, insurance information, TB records, medical clearance, physical forms, sickle cell documentation, or any other necessary health records. Completion of the required Health and Wellness forms is mandatory to finalize your enrollment at Lyon.
Are you playing on a sports team for the Lyon College Scots?
Congratulations! We are very excited you will be a part of the Fighting Scots! Along with the above steps, student-athletes are required to complete these additional three steps. Make sure to complete these, so you can play for the Scots! Students will receive an email from the Head Athletic Trainer containing information on how to submit necessary paperwork after May 1, 2026.
Required by NCAA D3 and Lyon College:
Allnewstudent-athletes to Lyon College must have sickle cell test results on file in the athletic trainer's office before participating in any type of physical activity. Results may be obtained from the hospital the student-athlete was born in, or a new test may be performed at a doctor's office or urgentcare.
1. Complete the athletic insurance form.
Please include a copy of your insurance card if applicable.
COMPLETE THE ATHLETIC INSURANCE FORM
2. 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, 2026.
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.
Admissions Materials
Check out our Admissions materials here!
Lyon College Road Book
Lyon College Fast Facts
Meet the Admissions Team
Admissions Counselors
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 College's advantages, your personal strengths and preferences, and possible campus visits or college fairs near you.
Tommy Newton
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Office located in the Welcome Center
870.307.7250|thomas.newton@lyon.edu
Cade Archer
Scarlett Barnes
Dana Bennett
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Amanda Mathews
Zachary Nohr
Jeff Roper
Tommy TuckerAdmissions Requirements
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.
If you would like to check your admissions status, please connect with your admissions counselor.
Lyon College
Start Your Future
Lyon is more than just a college. It's a community distinguished by its academic curriculum, unique honor and social systems, and award-winning professors.
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