Lyon College fall student enrollment swelled this year, growing by more than 17% when compared to last fall, according to the school. The school has 781 students this semester up from the 666 it had in 2024.
It’s a 33% rise from the fall 2023 headcount of 587 students.
This year, the school had 241 new first-time, full-time students to the Batesville campus, marking the largest freshman class since 2014. Total headcount enrollment on the Batesville campus is 701.
A driver of overall growth is the addition of 80 graduate students in the inaugural class of the Doctor of Dental Medicine program at the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine in Little Rock.
“Our enrollment increases show the dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” President Melissa Taverner said. “With the launch of the School of Dental Medicine and the arrival of our first class of dental students in Little Rock, Lyon College is entering an exciting new era. These students represent not only the future of oral health care in Arkansas and beyond but also the future of Lyon as a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate, graduate and professional education.”
Executive Vice President and Provost Kurt Grafton noted Lyon’s value in a competitive higher education market.
“Students and their families are careful when choosing a college,” Grafton said. “More and more they recognize the exceptional value and experience Lyon College offers. Students from dozens of states and from around the world are choosing Lyon because they want to be a part of their education, not just pass through it.”
Vice President for Enrollment Services Tommy Newton said this year’s growth is especially meaningful for students in Batesville.
“Our undergraduates are at the heart of Lyon College, and it’s exciting to see more students choosing to begin their college journey here on our Batesville campus,” Newton said. “At the same time, the addition of dental students in Little Rock reflects how Lyon is expanding opportunities across the state. Together, these developments strengthen our mission to provide a transformative education that serves both our students and our communities.”
Arkansas students make up 57% of Lyon College’s total enrollment, underscoring the school’s strong connection to the state.
Top feeder high schools include Batesville High School, Cave City High School, Highland High School and Southside High School.
The college also reported growth in transfer students from area two-year institutions, including the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Arkansas State University-Newport and Ozarka College.
Randy Peterson, director of institutional research, highlighted the numbers behind the growth.
“Enrollment trends this fall show strong interest from both traditional undergraduates and new graduate and professional students,” Peterson said. “The data confirm that Lyon College’s academic offerings, community partnerships and innovative programs like the Backyard Access Plan for students in the local area are resonating with students and families.”