Lyon College enrollment jumped to 781 students this fall, a 17% increase from the previous year, driven by the largest freshman class in a decade and the launch of a new dental medicine program, the school announced.
The Batesville campus welcomed 241 new first-time, full-time undergraduates, the largest freshman class since 2014. Total headcount on the main campus reached 701 students, up from 666 in fall 2024 and 587 in fall 2023 — a 33% increase over two years.
The college’s new Doctor of Dental Medicine program in Little Rock contributed 80 graduate students to the overall enrollment figures.
“Our enrollment increases show the dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” said President Melissa Taverner. “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.”
Provost Kurt Grafton attributed the growth to the college’s value proposition. “Students and their families are careful when choosing a college. More and more they recognize the exceptional value and experience Lyon College offers,” he said.
Transfer students from regional two-year colleges, including the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Arkansas State University-Newport and Ozarka College, also contributed to enrollment gains.
Arkansas residents make up 57% of the student body. Leading feeder high schools include Batesville High, Cave City High, Highland High and Southside High.
Lyon’s growth mirrors trends at other regional institutions. Last week, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville announced a fall 2025 enrollment of 1,239 students, exceeding its student enrollment goal. Arkansas State University-Newport reported a 13.4% enrollment increase to 2,118 students, largely due to dual enrollment programs. Harding University added 1,111 new undergraduate students, an 11.2% gain, bringing total enrollment to 4,802 students from 46 states and 64 countries.
The increases suggest Arkansas higher education institutions are finding success through expanded program offerings, dual-credit partnerships and enhanced transfer pathways.
Image: Lyon College
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