University of Lynchburg
University of Lynchburg has an acceptance rate of 43.0%, an average net price of $27,198, and an overall rank of #1009 (Grade B). About 58.7% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $58,861 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 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 50.8%. 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 58.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 63.9% and keeps 70.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ 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
Est. annual aid gap: $25,079 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $38,150 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,222 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,110 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,265 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $52,277 |
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 30.2% of University of Lynchburg students receive Pell Grants — slightly 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 $27,709 to $30,167 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 $24,455/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,167/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $58,861
- 10-Year Median Earnings $57,425
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $25,118
- Debt-to-Earnings ~42.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.0%
- Employment Rate 95.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Lynchburg graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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 $58,861 median five years after graduation, 4% below 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%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 58.7%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 63.9%
- 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. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Criminology, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.1%
- Criminology 10.3%
- Biology, General 8.7%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.7%
- Psychology, General 7.4%
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences 6.6%
See more majors
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 4.5%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.2%
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 $83,693
- 2. Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences $67,506
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,755
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $61,327
- 5. Criminology $57,129
- 6. Public Health $52,317
- 7. Communication and Media Studies $50,423
- 8. Psychology, General $48,832
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $46,871
- 10. English Language and Literature, General $43,453
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $93,171
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree) $83,190
- 3. Public Health (Master's Degree) $67,285
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $62,041
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $83,693—93% more than English Language and Literature, General ($43,453). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $93,171 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 43 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Criminology (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (38 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Health
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Statistics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sustainability Studies
- Marketing
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Music
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
- Education, General
- Philosophy
- Accounting and Related Services
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- Area Studies
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Education, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (6 programs)▼
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
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 1,577
- 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 30.2%
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 50.8% ROI. Ranked #1009 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $27,198 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $58,861 median earnings. With 58.7% graduating within 150% of normal time 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 $27,198 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 $19,039 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 50.8% ROI and $58,861 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $17,198+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Lynchburg ranks #1009 of 1955 institutions, with 1348 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
- 58.7% graduation rate sits 3.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.6% first-year retention is 6.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 50.8% return on investment is 0.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $58,861 run about 4% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $27,198 is roughly $7,317 higher than the national median of $19,881.
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.
- 95.5% employment rate within three years sits 27.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $27,198 is about $7,317 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 30.2% trails the national share by 8.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- 46.1% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
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 rankings Completion earns B, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings 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 58.7% graduate within 150% of normal time (63.9% within eight years). Return on investment currently measures 50.8% 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 $27,198 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $52,277.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $25,079 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,118 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 30.2% 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 $58,861 five years after graduation. That sits about 4% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 95.5% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 50.8% according to U.S. Department of Education 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). University of Lynchburg: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-lynchburg/
MLA (9th): “University of Lynchburg: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-lynchburg/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “University of Lynchburg: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/university-of-lynchburg/.
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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 admissions data.
How much does University of Lynchburg cost?
At University of Lynchburg, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $27,198 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $52,277 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $38,150. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Lynchburg's ranking?
University of Lynchburg ranks #1009 overall in EDsmart's 2027 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 within 150% of normal time is 58.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 63.9%, and first-year retention is 70.6%.
What are University of Lynchburg's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Lynchburg report median earnings of $58,861 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Lynchburg's student population?
University of Lynchburg enrolls about 1,577 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1501 Lakeside Dr, 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 Rate31.7%