About Asbury University
Asbury University shapes students through a distinctly Christian lens in the small town of Wilmore, Kentucky. The 1,369 students dive deep into ministry, education, and arts programs that have defined this institution since 1890. Faculty maintain close relationships with students through a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university draws equally from Kentucky and beyond, with 51.52% of students coming from in-state.
Students pay an average net price of $20,428 after financial aid, making this Christian education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $42,368 ten years after graduation. Those from lower-income families pay as little as $15,895 annually through generous aid packages. Students typically graduate with $24,028 in debt and monthly loan payments of $255. The numbers work reasonably well for a specialized liberal arts education.
Women outnumber men at 60.48% to 39.52%, creating a campus active that reflects the university's strong education and ministry programs. The Eagles compete in 18 NCAA Division III sports with 338 total athletes. An impressive 95.6% employment rate shows that employers value Asbury graduates. The 84.27% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for in this faith-centered community.
Students pay an average net price of $20,428 after financial aid, making this Christian education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $42,368 ten years after graduation. Those from lower-income families pay as little as $15,895 annually through generous aid packages. Students typically graduate with $24,028 in debt and monthly loan payments of $255. The numbers work reasonably well for a specialized liberal arts education.
Women outnumber men at 60.48% to 39.52%, creating a campus active that reflects the university's strong education and ministry programs. The Eagles compete in 18 NCAA Division III sports with 338 total athletes. An impressive 95.6% employment rate shows that employers value Asbury graduates. The 84.27% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for in this faith-centered community.
Academics & Faculty
Asbury University centers its academic program around Christian liberal arts education with particular strength in ministry, education, and the arts. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally. With 67% of students graduating in four years, the close-knit academic community provides strong support for degree completion. The university's deep roots in Wesleyan theology make it a destination for students pursuing ministry careers and Christian education. Small class sizes allow for mentorship-style relationships between faculty and students. The liberal arts foundation means students explore diverse subjects while developing critical thinking skills grounded in Christian worldview perspectives.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 67.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.0%
- Retention Rate
- 84.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,368
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,318 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,000 |
| Social Work. | Master | $39,153 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,382 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
| Religious/Sacred Music. | Bachelor | $25,774 |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
Campus Life
Asbury's 1,369 students call home a campus that can house 1,120 of them in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where most undergraduates live on campus. The small-town atmosphere of Wilmore sits about an hour south of Lexington, Kentucky's second-largest city. You'll need both a winter coat for chilly January mornings and lighter clothes for humid summer orientation sessions.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your academic struggles. Chapel services anchor the weekly rhythm at this Christian university, while the 338 student-athletes compete in 18 Division III sports without athletic scholarships. About 77% of students are white, with women making up 60% of enrollment. The Collegiate Conference of the South brings visiting teams and rivalries to campus. Students often spend weekends at intramural games, campus ministry events, or driving to Lexington for city attractions. The semester calendar allows for meaningful winter and summer break internships, especially popular among the many ministry and education majors who see field experience as essential preparation.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your academic struggles. Chapel services anchor the weekly rhythm at this Christian university, while the 338 student-athletes compete in 18 Division III sports without athletic scholarships. About 77% of students are white, with women making up 60% of enrollment. The Collegiate Conference of the South brings visiting teams and rivalries to campus. Students often spend weekends at intramural games, campus ministry events, or driving to Lexington for city attractions. The semester calendar allows for meaningful winter and summer break internships, especially popular among the many ministry and education majors who see field experience as essential preparation.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,120 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1890
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–44°F
- July Avg
- 67°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 10.2"
Student Demographics
This Christian liberal arts university draws students committed to faith-based education, with 60% women reflecting strong programs in ministry, education, and social work. The student body splits roughly half between Kentucky residents and out-of-state students, showing both local loyalty and regional appeal. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students. The 77% white enrollment reflects both the rural Kentucky location and the broader evangelical Christian demographic that gravitates toward faith-integrated education.
- Men
- 39.5%
- Women
- 60.5%
- White
- 77.7%
- Black
- 3.7%
- Hispanic
- 6.6%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 51.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.3%
Location
Wilmore, Kentucky sits about 20 miles south of Lexington in the heart of Bluegrass Country. The town has fewer than 6,000 residents and maintains a classic small college town atmosphere. Rolling horse farms and limestone fences define the surrounding landscape. The 1,369-student enrollment makes up nearly a quarter of Wilmore's population. Students live in a tight-knit community where the university anchors daily life. The campus sits in Kentucky's famous horse breeding region, where thoroughbred farms stretch across gentle hills. Louisville lies about 60 miles northwest, providing access to a larger metropolitan area. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Asbury University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Wilmore, Kentucky 40390-1198
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,368
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,600
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $255/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,028
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Asbury University?
Asbury University accepts 78.73% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This Christian liberal arts university welcomes students who share its faith-based mission and commitment to academic excellence.
How much does Asbury University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Asbury University is $20,428, lower than the sticker price of $44,718. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $15,895, reflecting the school's commitment to making Christian education accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Asbury University?
Asbury University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,369 total students. This small class environment supports the university's focus on personalized education and spiritual development in programs like ministry, education, and the arts.
What are the career outcomes for Asbury University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $42,368 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $255. The university boasts a 95.6% employment rate, reflecting strong preparation for careers in ministry, education, and other service-oriented fields.
Where is Asbury University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Wilmore, Kentucky, a small town setting that fosters close community relationships. With housing capacity for 1,120 students and 18 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, campus life centers around faith, academics, and athletic participation.
Does Asbury University offer athletic scholarships?
Asbury University offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. The 338 student-athletes compete as Eagles in the Collegiate Conference of the South, participating for the love of sport rather than financial incentives.
