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University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, VA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1903
Founded
Private university
Type
1,599
Total Students
1,792
Undergrad
800
Graduate
$140M
Endowment
(2024)
$36K
Tuition (In-State)
$36K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
82%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
6-year
76%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Lynchburg

A historic institution evolving for the future, pioneering nuclear physicists and modern thought.

The University of Lynchburg, founded in 1903 as Virginia Christian College, stands as a testament to enduring educational vision. From its humble beginnings with 11 faculty and 55 students, it has grown into a vibrant private university, home to 2,592 students and 159 full-time faculty. This institution boasts a unique place in history, having been the first in the United States to train nuclear physicists and engineers for President Eisenhower's groundbreaking NS Savannah project, showcasing its commitment to pioneering education.

Academically, the university offers a rich landscape for intellectual growth, with 39 undergraduate majors, 49 minors, and two dual-degree programs, complemented by the prestigious Westover Honors Program. Beyond undergraduate studies, Lynchburg confers a diverse range of master's degrees, including in Arts, Business Administration, Education, and Nursing, alongside advanced doctoral degrees in Physical Therapy, Physician Assistants, and Educational Leadership. Its faculty includes notable figures like Sheldon Vanauken, a National Book Award winner, and Thomas R. Nicely, who famously discovered the Pentium FDIV bug.

While embracing its rich past, the University of Lynchburg is actively shaping its future through strategic transformations aimed at enhancing its academic programs and ensuring sustained excellence. This commitment ensures that prospective students and their families can look forward to an engaging, forward-thinking educational experience deeply rooted in a legacy of innovation and academic rigor.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1903 as Virginia Christian College, securing its current campus for $13,500.
  • First U.S. institution to train nuclear physicists for the NS Savannah project under President Eisenhower.
  • Offers 39 undergraduate majors, 49 minors, and the Westover Honors Program.
  • Home to 2,592 undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Noted for Professor Thomas R. Nicely's discovery of the Pentium FDIV bug in 1994.
  • Boasts an endowment of $0.1 billion.
  • President Alison Morrison-Shetlar leads the university's ongoing strategic transformation.

Timeline

1903
Founded by Josephus Hopwood as "Virginia Christian College".
1919
Institution officially changed its name to Lynchburg College.
1940
Sheldon Vanauken, National Book Award winner, began teaching English and history (exact start unknown, but 1940s).
1994
Professor Thomas R. Nicely discovered the Pentium FDIV bug.
2000
Thomas R. Nicely left Lynchburg College.
2018
University changed its name from Lynchburg College to the University of Lynchburg.
2024
Announced significant academic program and staff cuts as part of a "strategic transformation".
🏛️
123 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within University of Lynchburg

🏫

Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy

Offers advanced degrees for aspiring physical therapy professionals.

🏫

Doctoral Program for Physician Assistants

Provides doctoral-level education for physician assistant careers.

📚

Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership

Focuses on advanced studies for leaders in education.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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