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$27,274Tuition
1,649Students
38%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,129Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Lindsey Wilson College

Lindsey Wilson College draws students who want small-town college life with big athletic opportunities. This United Methodist liberal arts college enrolls 1,649 students in rural Columbia, Kentucky. The Blue Raiders field 23 varsity sports teams competing at the NAIA level. Nearly half the student body participates in athletics, with 762 total athletes. The college awards over $6.2 million in athletic scholarships annually. Founded in 1903, Lindsey Wilson built its reputation on personalized attention and strong community ties.

Students pay an average net price of $13,811 after financial aid, making this private college surprisingly affordable. Nearly 50% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,129 ten years after graduation. Students typically leave with $16,784 in debt and monthly loan payments of $178. The employment rate reaches 94.8%, though only 42% successfully repay their loans on schedule.

The graduation story tells a mixed tale about student success. Just 38% of students graduate within six years, and the retention rate sits at 63%. Students work closely with faculty in a 17:1 ratio. Nearly 79% of students come from Kentucky, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where everyone knows everyone.

Academics & Faculty

Lindsey Wilson College operates as a private liberal arts institution where students receive personalized attention with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The college has built a strong reputation for its nursing and education programs, which prepare graduates for high-demand careers in rural Kentucky communities. However, academic support varies , as reflected in the 38% six-year graduation rate. The United Methodist-affiliated school emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than research. Students benefit from small class sizes and close faculty relationships, but the 63% retention rate suggests some struggle with the transition to college-level coursework. The liberal arts foundation provides broad exposure to multiple disciplines while allowing specialization in professional fields.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
65.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
37.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
38.1%
Retention Rate
62.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,129
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $54,359
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Master $37,167
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $32,284
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $28,960
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $26,482
Human Services, General. Bachelor $26,256

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

Columbia sits in south-central Kentucky, about 90 minutes from Louisville and two hours from Nashville. Students will need winter coats for Kentucky's cold snaps, though summers get hot and humid. About 71% of students live on campus in a community of 1,649 total enrollment. The small-town setting means most social life revolves around campus activities and the strong athletic culture.

With 762 student-athletes competing in 23 NAIA sports, game days draw big crowds for the Blue Raiders. The Methodist heritage shows in the close-knit campus atmosphere, where the 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. Weekend options include outdoor activities in Kentucky's rolling hills or trips to nearby Mammoth Cave National Park. Students often gather for intramural sports, campus events, or simply hanging out in the residence halls. The rural location creates a tight campus community where 78.77% of students come from Kentucky. Social life tends to be low-key but personal, with students forming lasting friendships in the small college environment.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
1,167 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1903

Campus Safety (2023)

7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 2 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
24°–43°F
July Avg
65°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
57.0"
Annual Snowfall
4.9"

Student Demographics

Students at Lindsey Wilson come primarily from Kentucky and surrounding regions, drawn by the college's Methodist values and affordable education. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families in rural Appalachia. The student body leans female, which aligns with the college's strong programs in education and social work. Most students are white, mirroring the demographics of central Kentucky's small towns. The college attracts students seeking a close-knit Christian community where they can pursue practical degrees while staying connected to their regional roots.
Men
43.2%
Women
56.8%
White
73.1%
Black
11.1%
Hispanic
0.6%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
78.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
49.9%

Location

Columbia sits in south-central Kentucky, about 85 miles southeast of Louisville and 75 miles northeast of Nashville. The town of 4,500 residents provides a classic small-town college atmosphere in the rolling hills of Appalachian foothills. With 78.77% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Kentucky's rural landscapes and tight-knit communities. The campus serves as a cultural center for Adair County, where agriculture and small businesses dominate the economy. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate nearby Green River Lake and Daniel Boone National Forest. The remote town setting means limited off-campus entertainment options, though Louisville's urban amenities remain accessible for weekend trips. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Lindsey Wilson College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Columbia, Kentucky 42728-1223

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,129
Median Earnings (5 years)
$41,669
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$25,700
Loan Repayment Rate
42.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$178/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,784

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Lindsey Wilson College?

Lindsey Wilson College maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,649 total students. This Methodist liberal arts college emphasizes personal attention in its academic programs. The retention rate of 62.75% reflects the close-knit community atmosphere that has defined the school since 1903.

How much does Lindsey Wilson College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,811 after financial aid, lower than the $27,274 sticker price. Nearly 50% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and low-income students. Graduates leave with a median debt of $16,784, which is manageable given typical loan payments of $178 per month.

What are the graduation rates at Lindsey Wilson College?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 37.54%, while the six-year rate reaches 38.10%. These rates reflect the college's mission to serve students who may need additional support to complete their degrees. Employment outcomes are strong with a 94.8% employment rate and median earnings of $41,129 ten years after graduation.

Where is Lindsey Wilson College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Columbia, Kentucky, a small town that creates a tight-knit campus community. Housing capacity of 1,167 can accommodate most of the student body, with 78.77% of students coming from within Kentucky. The rural setting fosters strong relationships between students and faculty in this Methodist institution.

Does Lindsey Wilson College have strong athletics programs?

The Blue Raiders compete in NAIA athletics with 23 varsity sports and 762 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total over $6.2 million, demonstrating the college's commitment to sports programs. Nearly half of the student body participates in athletics, making sports a central part of campus culture at this Kentucky college.

What is the student body composition at Lindsey Wilson College?

The student body is 56.76% women and 43.24% men, with 73.14% identifying as white students. Black students make up 11.10% of enrollment, while other minority groups represent smaller percentages. This demographic mix reflects the college's rural Kentucky location and its Methodist heritage of serving diverse communities.