University of Lynchburg
University of Lynchburg has an acceptance rate of 43.0%, annual tuition of $36,750, average net price of $22,235, and a national rank of #1009 (Grade B), with a 65.3% graduation rate, about 1,577 undergraduates, and median earnings of $60,701 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Lynchburg is a private nonprofit university in Lynchburg, VA. 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, and 70.6% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 65.1%, roughly 15.2 points higher than typical outcomes. 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 65.3% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 70.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ 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 | $36,750 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,700 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,050 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $50,067 |
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 27.9% 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 $20,692 to $25,063 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 $20,707/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,063/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $60,701
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,380
- Average Years to Graduate 4.2 years
- Average Student Debt $27,000
- 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: University of Lynchburg graduates earn $60,701 median four years after graduation, +1% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 520-620
- SAT Math 460-610
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,577
- Full-Time Students 97.1%
- Part-Time Students 2.9%
- Retention Rate 70.6%
- Graduation Rate 65.3%
- 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 43.0%, University of Lynchburg is moderately selective. 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: University of Lynchburg accepts 43.0% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. 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%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 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)â–¼
- 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)â–¼
- 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)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (8 programs)â–¼
- 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)â–¼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,577
- Full-Time Students 97.1%
- Part-Time Students 2.9%
- Male Students 43.1%
- Female Students 56.9%
- Caucasian 57.0%
- Asian 1.3%
- Hispanic 6.8%
- Black 8.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.9%
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.
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 65.1% ROI. Ranked #1009 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,235 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $60,701 median earnings. With 65.3% earning an award within eight years of entry and 70.6% 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 #1009 ranking, University of Lynchburg competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,235 annually, University of Lynchburg charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 70.6% 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 $15,564 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 65.1% ROI and $60,701 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,235+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Lynchburg ranks #1009 of 1962 institutions, with 910 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
- 65.3% graduation rate sits 2.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.6% first-year retention is 6.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 65.1% return on investment is 15.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $60,701 run about 1% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $22,235 is roughly $2,156 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.6% 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 $22,235 is about $2,156 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 27.9% trails the national share by 6.5 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 #1009 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns C, Support B+, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability D+.
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.
70.6% of learners come back after year one while 65.3% earn an award within eight years of entry. Return on investment currently measures 65.1% 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 $22,235 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $50,067.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,832 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $27,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.9% 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 $60,701 four years after graduation. 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 65.1% 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
43.0% 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Lynchburg's acceptance rate?
University of Lynchburg's acceptance rate is 43.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Lynchburg cost?
At University of Lynchburg, listed tuition and fees are $36,750 per year, and the average net price after aid is $22,235. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Lynchburg's ranking?
University of Lynchburg ranks #1009 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Lynchburg's graduation rate?
At University of Lynchburg, the graduation rate is 65.3%, and first-year retention is 70.6%.
What are University of Lynchburg's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Lynchburg report median earnings of $60,701 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Lynchburg's student population?
University of Lynchburg enrolls about 1,577 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
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$135.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate30.0%