Lycoming College
Williamsport, United States
Lycoming College
Williamsport, United States
Founded
1812
Institution Type
Private Liberal Arts
Total Students
~1,019
Acceptance Rate
68%
Discover Lycoming College: A Historic Liberal Arts Institution
Discover Lycoming College: A Historic Liberal Arts Institution
Lycoming College is a private liberal arts college in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, founded in 1812 as the Williamsport Academy. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church but operating as an independent institution, Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest private liberal arts colleges in the United States and is dedicated exclusively to undergraduate education.
Through its history, Lycoming has evolved from an academy to a seminary, junior college, and ultimately a four-year college in 1947. Today the college offers 52 majors and 67 minors across the liberal arts and sciences, with top programs in business, psychology, criminal justice, biology, and art. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 88% of students living on campus, the college fosters a close-knit residential learning community.
Lycoming College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a member of the Annapolis Group of Liberal Arts Colleges. The college boasts an endowment of approximately USD 200 million and awards over USD 36 million annually in scholarships and grants, reflecting its strong commitment to making a high-quality education accessible.
Key Milestones
- 1812: Founded as the Williamsport Academy for the education of youth in English, arts, sciences, and literature.
- 1848: Purchased by the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Church and renamed Williamsport Dickinson Seminary.
- 1947: Achieved four-year college status and adopted the name Lycoming College.
- 2015: Opened the USD 7.9 million Lynn Science Center with planetarium, research labs, and modern classrooms.
Academic Programs and Structure at Lycoming College
Academic Programs and Structure at Lycoming College
Lycoming College offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with 52 majors and 67 minors, along with pre-professional pathways in medicine, law, engineering, and business. The college emphasizes experiential learning through internships, undergraduate research, study abroad in over 100 locations, and unique partnerships with institutions like Rochester Institute of Technology and Binghamton University.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Programs in biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, mathematics, and environmental science, supported by the Lynn Science Center and the 120-acre Biology Field Station.
- Biology (Cell & Molecular, Ecology, Anatomy & Physiology)
- Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Social Sciences and Criminal Justice
Interdisciplinary programs examining human behavior, society, and justice systems, with strong internship connections to local and federal agencies.
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Sociology
Business and Economics
Programs preparing students for careers in finance, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, including a 4+1 MBA pathway with Rochester Institute of Technology.
- Business Administration (Finance, Management, Marketing)
- Accounting and Actuarial Science
- Economics and Entrepreneurship
Humanities and Languages
Programs in literature, philosophy, history, religion, and modern languages that develop critical thinking, writing, and cross-cultural communication skills.
- English and Creative Writing
- History and Political Science
- Philosophy and Religion
Fine Arts and Communication
Studio art, commercial design, music, theatre, film, and communication programs supported by a downtown art gallery, modern music building, and the Mary L. Welch Theater.
- Studio Art (Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Sculpture)
- Music and Performing Arts Management
- Communication and Media Studies
Computer Science and Data Science
Programs in applied computer science, data science, and computational physics that equip students with technical skills for the modern workforce.
- Applied Computer Science
- Data Science
- Mathematical Finance
Admission Requirements for Lycoming College
Admission Requirements for Lycoming College
Undergraduate Admission
- ApplicationCommon Application or Coalition Application
- Personal EssayRequired (application prompt or personal topic)
- High School TranscriptsOfficial transcripts required
- SAT/ACT ScoresTest-optional; average SAT 1070-1270, ACT 23-30
- Letters of RecommendationConsidered very important
International Student Admission
- ApplicationCommon Application or Coalition Application
- TranscriptsOfficial secondary school transcripts translated into English
- English ProficiencyTOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo (min. 100), or Oxford ELLT
- Financial DocumentationFinancial Disclosure Form and official bank statement required
- RecommendationsNot required but encouraged for international applicants
Binding early decision for students who have identified Lycoming as their first-choice college. Common Application required.
Non-binding early action option that allows students to receive an earlier admission decision without commitment.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply early for priority consideration.
Priority deadline for FAFSA submission to maximize financial aid eligibility. Lycoming's FAFSA code is 003293.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships at Lycoming College
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships at Lycoming College
As a private institution, Lycoming College charges the same tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. The college offsets costs with generous financial aid, awarding over USD 36 million annually. Approximately 99% of enrolled students receive some form of grants or scholarships.
| Cost Component | Domestic Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 51,724 | USD 50,944 |
| Housing | USD 7,452 | USD 7,452 |
| Food/Meal Plan | USD 7,160 | USD 7,160 |
| Student Fees & Insurance | USD 780 | USD 2,180 |
| Total | USD 67,116 | USD 67,736 |
Academic Merit Scholarships
First-year applicants are automatically considered for merit awards based on GPA, class rank, and SAT/ACT scores if submitted. No separate application is required.
- Award Range: USD 34,000 - USD 42,000 per year
- Eligibility: All admitted first-year students
- Renewal: Automatically renewed with satisfactory academic progress
International Student Scholarships
International students are automatically considered for generous merit-based scholarships at the time of admission, based on their high school or college transcript performance.
- Award Amount: Up to USD 40,000 per year (up to USD 160,000 over four years)
- Application: No separate application; awarded at time of admission
- Note: Scholarships do not cover full cost of attendance; need-based aid not available for international students
Campus and Facilities at Lycoming College
Campus and Facilities at Lycoming College
Lycoming College sits on a 60-acre main campus in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, complemented by a 110-acre Biology Field Station just 15 minutes away. Most buildings feature a pre-Georgian architectural style, with many constructed or refurbished since 1950. The campus also includes a downtown art gallery and recently completed modern facilities.
Opened in 2015, this USD 7.9 million facility houses the Detwiler Planetarium, research and teaching labs, and modern classrooms for astronomy, astrophysics, and physics.
Completed in 2019, this center serves as the main campus entrance and houses the Office of Admissions, Alumni and Advancement, and the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences.
This USD 8.5 million, 14,000-square-foot facility features a signature rehearsal and recital space, soundproof practice rooms, and a digital piano lab.
Housing & Dining
Residential Life
Lycoming is a residential college requiring all full-time undergraduate students to live on campus, with 88% of students residing in campus housing. Options range from traditional residence halls to apartments and affinity communities.
- Traditional residence halls for first-year and upperclass students
- Apartment-style living for upperclass students
- Affinity communities based on shared interests (STEM, cooking, etc.)
Dining Services
All resident students are required to have a meal plan. Lycoming offers dining options on campus to support the residential community experience.
- Campus dining hall with varied meal options
- Flexible meal plan options for all students
- Proximity to downtown Williamsport restaurants within a five-minute walk
Student Life at Lycoming College
Student Life at Lycoming College
With 88% of students living on campus, Lycoming College offers a vibrant residential community. Students can choose from more than 60 clubs and organizations, 19 NCAA Division III sports teams, an Outdoor Leadership and Education program, and numerous service opportunities.
Williamsport, Pennsylvania: Location and Surroundings
Williamsport, Pennsylvania: Location and Surroundings
Life in Williamsport
Williamsport is a vibrant city in north-central Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River Valley, known as the birthplace of Little League Baseball. The city offers a rich natural landscape with abundant outdoor recreation, a thriving arts and entertainment scene, and proximity to five major metropolitan areas within four hours, including Philadelphia, New York City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.
Outdoor Recreation
The surrounding region offers skiing, hiking, rock-climbing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities amid Pennsylvania's beautiful mountain scenery.
Cultural Attractions
Williamsport features the Community Arts Center, the Lycoming College Art Gallery in downtown, local museums, and a lively arts scene.
Proximity to Major Cities
Philadelphia, New York City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. are all within a four-hour drive, enabling easy day or weekend trips.
Convenient Transportation
The Williamsport Regional Airport is about 5 miles from campus, and a bus station is located less than 1 mile away for easy regional travel.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Pathways and Partnerships
Practical Information for Prospective Students
Practical Information for Prospective Students
For International Students
International students on F-1 or J-1 visas receive guidance through the admissions process, including I-20 issuance after admission confirmation and deposit payment.
Lycoming accepts TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test (minimum score 100), Oxford ELLT, or SAT/ACT in lieu of an English proficiency exam. Waivers available for students from English-speaking countries.
International students are automatically considered for merit scholarships of up to USD 40,000 per year. Students must submit a Financial Disclosure Form and bank statement as proof of funds.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Lycoming College Rankings and Recognition
Lycoming College Rankings and Recognition
Lycoming College has earned strong recognition in national rankings, particularly for its value, social mobility impact, and quality of undergraduate education. As a small liberal arts college, Lycoming is not typically included in global university rankings such as QS or Times Higher Education, which focus on larger research institutions.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | #5 |
| Best Value | U.S. News & World Report | #21 |
| Best 391 Colleges | The Princeton Review | Named to List |
| Affordability & Outcomes | Money Magazine | Four-Star Rating |
Features
Lycoming College is a private, residential liberal arts college in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, founded in 1812. With about 1,000 undergraduate students and a student–faculty ratio of 11:1, it offers more than 100 majors, minors, and concentrations across the sciences, humanities, and pre-professional programs. Small classes, close faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning through internships, research, and study abroad define the student experience. The college boasts a vibrant campus life with NCAA Division III athletics, arts, and over 80 student organizations. Focused exclusively on undergraduate education, Lycoming prepares students for successful careers and graduate studies, with about 92% of graduates employed or continuing education within nine months.
Accommodation
Lycoming College provides a variety of on-campus accommodation services for its students.
Work While Studying
Students at Lycoming College can work while studying.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Lycoming College offers comprehensive internship services through its Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences (CEAE).
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - December
Location
One College Pl, Williamsport, PA 17701, United States
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