Lyon College vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lyon College in Batesville, AR with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than Lyon College based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 659 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lyon College is located in Batesville, AR (Remote Town setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Lyon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lyon College 11:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Lyon College vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lyon College or Columbia International University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lyon College than Columbia International University ($19,872 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lyon College are 10% lower than at Columbia International University ($10,750 vs. $11,950).
• Lyon College is 11.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $3,100 more per year; $31,000.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.1% higher at Lyon College than at Columbia International University (about $3,100 more per year; $31,000.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lyon College than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lyon College students is 47.8% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($25,132 vs. $17,009).

Lyon College vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lyon College or Columbia International University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia International University and Lyon College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Lyon College (1120) is 30 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming Lyon College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Lyon College 1050/1195; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Lyon College 21/26; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lyon College - Test-free; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Lyon College (3.0).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Lyon College (62.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Lyon College vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Lyon College vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lyon College and Columbia International University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Lyon College's (50%).
• Graduates from Lyon College earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,900 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Lyon College graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lyon College graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lyon College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.