University of Lynchburg
University of Lynchburg is a private nonprofit university in Lynchburg, VA ranked #802 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,599 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 82.2%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.8% first-year retention, and 61.6% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $20,187, about $3,189 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -45.2%, roughly 130.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $44,261. That's about $573 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Lynchburg Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Lynchburg graduates 61.6% of students within six years and keeps 75.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Lynchburg's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $35,540 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,250 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,050 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,300 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 27.3% of University of Lynchburg students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $18,308 to $21,490 depending on family income. Use University of Lynchburg's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,594/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,490/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $44,261
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,261
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $22,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.0%
- Employment Rate 84.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Lynchburg graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Lynchburg vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Lynchburg's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Lynchburg's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Lynchburg graduates earn $44,261 median, the -45.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 490-630
- SAT Math 490-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,599
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 75.8%
- Graduation Rate 61.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into University of Lynchburg
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Lynchburg requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 82.2%, University of Lynchburg is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 82.2% acceptance rate, University of Lynchburg is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980 and 1230 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Lynchburg undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Biology, General, and Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 9.6%
- Biology, General 8.1%
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences 8.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.6%
- Criminology 7.4%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 7.0%
See more majors
- Public Health 7.0%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 6.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $75,147
- 2. Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences $66,112
- 3. Criminology $53,678
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Communication and Media Studies $45,474
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $44,949
- 6. Psychology, General $42,091
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Doctoral Degree) $148,021
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $128,623
- 3. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree) $84,125
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $44,833
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $75,147—79% more than Psychology, General ($42,091). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $148,021 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Lynchburg. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 46 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 43 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (33 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminology
- Public Health
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Accounting and Related Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Marketing
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Music
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Master's Degrees (14 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Public Health
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Special Education and Teaching
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Music
- Education, General
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (8 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Homeland Security
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,599
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 38.1%
- Female Students 61.9%
- Caucasian 58.9%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 7.4%
- Black 9.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Lynchburg's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Lynchburg's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Lynchburg support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Lynchburg, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 61.9% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Lynchburg support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Lynchburg, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Lynchburg offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -45.2% ROI. Ranked #802 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,187 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $44,261 median earnings. With 61.6% graduating within six years and 75.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of Lynchburg's Positioning
With a B grade and #802 ranking, University of Lynchburg competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,187 annually, University of Lynchburg charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 75.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,131 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -45.2% ROI and $44,261 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,187+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Lynchburg ranks #802 of 6272 institutions, with 893 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 61.6% six-year graduation rate sits 0.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 75.8% first-year retention is 1.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -45.2% return on investment is 130.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $44,261 run about 1% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,187 is roughly $3,069 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 75.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.4% employment rate within three years sits 16.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,187 is about $3,069 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 27.3% trails the national share by 11.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Lynchburg is a private nonprofit university based in Lynchburg, VA and earns a B overall grade. It appears at #802 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns B, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
75.8% of learners come back after year one while 61.6% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -45.2% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,187 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,300.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,113 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $22,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $44,261 six years after enrollment. That sits about 1% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 84.4% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -45.2% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
82.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Lynchburg admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Lynchburg, VA 24501-3113
- Website www.lynchburg.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$142.2M