University of Lynchburg
Lynchburg, Virginia
University of Lynchburg has been the first choice for talented scholars, leaders, and student-athletes from across Virginia and around the world. Small classes, talented and caring faculty, and liberal arts and professional programs of study all are hallmarks of the University of Lynchburg experience.
With about 50 majors, more than 60 minors, and numerous pre-professional programs, Lynchburg gives students boundless opportunities to learn what they need to know for a life of engagement in their careers and in the community. Fourteen graduate programs nad three doctoral degrees allow graduate students to continue their education or advance in a career. At all levels, Lynchburg combines a broad, liberal arts foundation with experiences that open doors to the real world, like internships, research, service learning, and study abroad.
Students participate in clubs, athletics, service-focused Greek life, and recreational activities. But regardless of what they study or how they spend their spare time, they are part of a community that cares about each other. Scientists, artists, historians, health care workers, performers, and athletes all feel at home at the University of Lynchburg.
Founded in 1903, University of Lynchburg was previously known as Lynchburg College. It adopted its new name on July 1, 2018, recognizing the breadth and depth of its academic programs.
Get to know University of Lynchburg
College Highlights
Student engagement comes first at the University of Lynchburg. From the moment students step foot on campus, they take an active role in learning and leading.
GLOBAL LEARNING
Lynchburg students are more than twice as likely to study abroad as their peers at similar schools.They travel the globe through study abroad programs during breaks from school, as well as entire semesters. While in other countries, they practice foreign languages, meet people with different cultural backgrounds, and see sights in person that most people see only in pictures. The University of Lynchburg provides a variety of affordable, accessible study abroad options.
RESEARCH +
Lynchburg encourages students to ask new questions and seek answers through original research. Some scholarship funds support student research, and many professors love to guide students through successful projects. Thanks to their support, more than 40 percent of Lynchburg students conduct research with faculty before they graduate, compared to 25 percent at similar schools. Every spring, the daylong Student Scholar Showcase celebrates student research, art, literature, and other engaging academic work.
REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Our career development program helps students think about the future and plan for it. Staff members help students think about career options they would enjoy, practice job interviews, perfect their resumes, and test-drive their careers through internships. Nearly 75 percent of Lynchburg students complete an internship or other field experience — well above the national average.
TEAMWORK
Students work on teams throughout the academic program. By working together, they develop skills that are critical to any career: leadership, negotiation, communication, holding teammates accountable, effective communication, and sharing responsibility.
New students take a class together to learn about the University of Lynchburg campus community while also exploring topics that are important in the world. Guest speakers bolster these lectures and give students a lot to think about. Four years later, they take Senior Symposium and study contemporary issues through the lens of the liberal arts. All seniors gather for weekly lectures in which they can question visiting speakers and learn what it takes to solve real-world problems.
“By working on this research project, I have been able to expand my research abilities, which will only benefit me in law school and in a legal environment.” — Katelyn Lee ’19
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 5%
Hispanic/Latine: 7%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 9%
White, non-Hispanic: 63%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 3%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 4%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 9%
DEDICATED PROFESSORS
Lynchburg professors put students first, both in and outside the classroom. With one faculty member for every 10 students, Lynchburg makes it easy for students to approach their teachers to ask questions, propose ideas, and learn more.
At the University of Lynchburg, professors teach students how to think, not what to think. They want students to think critically, ask probing questions, challenge ideas, and interpret information on their own. Classes, then, are conversational discussions in addition to lectures.
Because they know students well, professors recognize students’ potentials and provide feedback and advice. They offer opportunities for research and other experiences that help students get engaged in their education.
As a result, just about any time a professor is mentioned on Lynchburg’s social media, students and alumni gush with praise for the way the professor taught and inspired them.
WESTOVER HONORS COLLEGE
Academically distinguished students are invited to join Westover Honors College, a living-learning community for students ready for a deeper, more challenging learning experience. Honors faculty stretch students’ minds with unique courses on topics like Frankenstein and synthetic life, the world of Harry Potter, and everyday soldiers of the American Civil War. First-year students kick off the program with a retreat that helps them build a new community in Westover. As seniors, they complete projects that combine information and methods from numerous fields of study to demonstrate all they have learned. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it.
WE WRITE FOR SUCCESS
Because the pen—or the keyboard, or smartphone—is mightier than the sword, the University of Lynchburg offers a wide variety of Writing Enriched courses. Students in these courses use research, writing, and revising to bring their communication skills to the next level. They become strong thinkers, communicators, and persuaders as they build their talent with the written word. Students graduate as effective communicators, whether they are writing academic papers, opinion articles, or even tweets.
ACTIVE LEARNING
Student engagement is the top priority, in and outside the University of Lynchburg classroom. Professors are continually learning (and teaching each other) techniques that help students get up and involved. Service-learning courses provide students opportunities to be engaged in the world around them. Here are just a few examples of ways that students get engaged:
- Many classes use Claytor Nature Center, the University’s nearly 500-acre conservation area, for fun and study. Environmental science students examine plants and wildlife and research water quality in the Big Otter River. Education students lead field trip activities at Claytor, and the Belk Observatory is a great spot for both astronomical research and checking out the stars in a night sky party.
- Nursing students use iPads in a unique program that helps them develop their clinical problem-solving skills. They also frequent a simulation center, where volunteer actors and high-tech mannikins create lifelike scenarios, allowing students to practice everything from responding to a tornado to helping a patient who needs a translator.
- In Music Bridge, Lynchburg students teach music theory and piano lessons to elementary-aged students in the city. In addition to the great feeling of community service, the University of Lynchburg students get practical experience teaching and preparing children for a musical performance.
BOUNDLESS EDUCATION
In 2019, the University of Lynchburg will introduce a new general education program that focuses on out-of-the-box thinking. The DELL curriculum, named for the symbolic, beautiful dell at the center of campus, includes courses that cross usual subject matter lines. After all, students aren’t here to check off boxes, but to learn to see the world in a new way. The University of Lynchburg’s academic program helps them do just that.
“My professors weren’t here to punch the clock or publish more research than anyone else. Their primary motivation was to help students like me discover the full measure of their potential academically.” — Trevor Stansbury ’90, founder of Supply Dynamics
Life at Lynchburg is fun. Every week, students can choose from lots of different activities that help them enjoy their time on campus, make friends, and learn outside the classroom.
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
University of Lynchburg first-years take advantage of a program built just for them. The First-Year Experience helps them meet friends, embrace college life, and have a successful first year at Lynchburg. Connection Leaders teach them how to navigate the college experience and excel in academics,while exploring fun, extracurricular programs. Meanwhile, the residence life staff provides award-winning activities that help students have fun with their neighbors.
SPORTS
The Hornets compete on more than 20 varsity teams, providing lots of opportunities to compete or cheer for friends. It’s not uncommon to see teams advance into the national tournament.
Students love to play sports for fun and fitness, as well as for competition. Lynchburg’s intramural sports program gives them the chance to participate on temporary teams for games of laser tag, bubble ball, disc golf, and more. Club sports provide an outlet for students who want to lead their own teams and compete against other schools.
SPEAKERS
Sit in class with a well-known poet. Meet an environmental activist and ask her about how one person can make a difference. Ask a renowned anthropologist about famous criminal cases, or get performance tips from professional musicians. These are just a few things students get to do at the University of Lynchburg. Almost every week of the school year, lecturers and performers share their global experiences at Lynchburg.
OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
It’s natural for Lynchburg to take advantage of the beautiful outdoors that surround the campus and city. The Outdoor Leadership Program helps students enjoy the great outdoors while developing their confidence and leadership abilities.
On campus, students can take advantage of a ropes course and climbing wall. There’s also “Tree Tuesdays,” when they can climb up one of Lynchburg’s famous trees.
The OLP also provides excursions to lakes, caves, hiking trails, and other nearby attractions.
SERVICE
University of Lynchburg students, faculty, and staff believe in serving the people around them. Every year, they complete more than 70,000 hours in service to the community and raise thousands of dollars for charities. Students play a big role in Relay for Life, St. Baldrick’s Day, and other big events.
ARTS
At Lynchburg, students can shine on stage, take charge behind the scenes, or enjoy a show from the audience. The University provides opportunities for everyone to enjoy the arts.
The Lynchburg theatre program puts on four big shows each year—including one musical—in addition to student-directed productions, cabaret performances, and dance shows. The shows are a collaboration between students and directors, with students calling shots and taking risks.
Music concerts include performances by a wind symphony and orchestra, a jazz ensemble, choral groups, and recitals. Students don’t have to major in music to take part, either. All are welcome to bring their talent, take it to the next level, and play.
The Daura Gallery, home to many works by the famous Catalan artist Pierre Daura, hosts exhibitions that showcase many different styles of art. Recent exhibitions have centered around such themes as superheroes, mental health, and behind-the-scenes Broadway. Occasionally, the Daura also hosts student-curated exhibitions and performances by musical theatre students.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Lynchburg, Virginia, is a thriving city with something for everyone. It’s been named one of America’s most-charming college towns, as well as one of the nation’s happiest, healthiest cities. Its downtown district is lined with restaurants that dish out cuisine from countries and cultures around the world. A music scene brings in well-known artists as well as hometown favorites. At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city also offers plenty of challenges for outdoor enthusiasts. There’s even a miles-long trail system that runs right through the University of Lynchburg campus. Lynchburg is home to dozens of historic sites, and it’s easy to take a day trip to Washington, D.C., or the beach. Numerous state parks and Virginia’s most popular lake are just a short drive away.
“Sports at Lynchburg unify us as a whole. No matter what background we come from or what differences we have, they bring us all together, and we have one goal, which is to win. We have hugely dedicated fans here at Lynchburg. They come out whether it’s rain, snow, sleet, windy, no matter what, they will come out and support their team and cheer them on. It brings us all together as one.” — Nat LeDonne ’18
Lynchburg graduates know how to navigate the world, get jobs, and give back to their communities. The educational program and extracurricular experiences prepare students for life.
CRITICAL THINKING
Lynchburg seniors excel in information literacy, something that comes in handy in a world of “fake news,” complex questions, and divisive politics. Lynchburg challenges students to think for themselves and solve problems thoughtfully, making them invaluable to employers.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
More than 50 percent of Lynchburg students complete internships for credit while in college, and many more get hands-on work experience through clinical rotations and teaching practicums. On top of this, the Career Development office sponsors Professionalism Plus (Pro +), a program that helps students pursue jobs with practice interviews, resume workshops, and networking meetings with alumni and employers. Lynchburg graduates are ready to find their first jobs, start a career, or attend graduate school.
SERVICE
Service to the community has always been an important part of the Lynchburg experience. Fraternities and sororities make helping others a core part of Greek life. Students also can apply to Lynchburg’s Bonner Leader program (one of only about 60 Bonner programs in the nation), which teaches dedicated students about engaged citizenship, leadership, and social justice as they complete hundreds of hours of service each year. All told, the University of Lynchburg community completes more than 70,000 hours of community service every year and raises nearly $40,000 for charities.
CAPSTONE
Most Lynchburg seniors complete a capstone course or project that ties together everything they have learned during the college experience. This challenges students to think from a broad perspective and discover just how much they have learned and how well they can apply it.
“Majoring in history was a stroke of genius. There’s very little difference between the day-to-day stuff I do as an executive producer or storyteller and the day-to-day stuff as a history major.” — Ted Duvall ’83, producer for “The Incredible Dr. Pol” on Nat Geo WILD
Admission
TEST SCORES
Optional
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $35,540
Room: $7,120
Board: $6,130
What Others are Saying
Contact University of Lynchburg
Contact Admissions
lynchburg.edu/undergraduate-admission
(800) 426-8101
admissions@lynchburg.edu
Campus Location
1501 Lakeside Dr
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 544-8100