Skip to main content
93.8%Acceptance
$26,080Tuition
1,250Students
46%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,246Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

About Midway University

Midway University serves as Kentucky's historic women's college that transitioned to coeducation while maintaining its close-knit community feel. The 1,250 students attend classes in a rural setting where the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) heritage still influences campus culture. With a 93.76% acceptance rate, Midway welcomes students seeking a supportive environment rather than cutthroat competition. The university has built its reputation around personalized attention and practical career preparation.

Students pay an average net price of $23,863 after financial aid, with 46.13% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $44,246 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $21,301. The monthly loan payment of $226 represents a manageable burden for most career paths. This financial picture suggests reasonable value for students prioritizing affordability over prestige.

Athletics dominate campus life with 699 total athletes competing across 26 NAIA varsity sports. More than half the student body participates in competitive athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused culture for a small liberal arts institution. The 68.83% retention rate indicates some students struggle with the rural location or academic demands. Women comprise 61.68% of enrollment, reflecting the school's historical roots as a women's college.

Academics & Faculty

Midway University centers on equine studies and nursing programs that draw students to Kentucky's horse country. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in small classes where professors know students by name. Only 47% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the school's open-door policy with a 94% acceptance rate that welcomes students who need extra academic support. The university's Christian heritage shapes its liberal arts curriculum with an emphasis on service learning. Strong athletic programs across 26 varsity sports complement academics, with 699 student-athletes representing over half the 1,250-student body. Career-focused programs prepare graduates for immediate employment, with 95% finding jobs after graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
27.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
44.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
46.4%
Retention Rate
68.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,246
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $66,244
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $52,385
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $48,432
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $45,435
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Bachelor $39,369
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Bachelor $33,993
Special Education and Teaching. Bachelor $32,925
Psychology, General. Bachelor $28,236
Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services. Bachelor $21,052

View all 31 programs →

Campus Life

Midway sits in Kentucky's horse country, about 25 miles from Lexington and an hour from Louisville. The campus houses just 431 students despite enrolling 1,250, meaning most Eagles commute from nearby towns or live off-campus. With 61.68% women and strong ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the community feels tight-knit and faith-centered.

Kentucky's climate means you'll need both winter coats and summer gear, with snowy winters and humid summers perfect for the school's 26 NAIA sports programs. Athletics dominate campus life with 699 total athletes receiving $3.4 million in scholarships. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom environments where professors know your name. Weekends often revolve around Eagle sports, especially equestrian programs that tap into the region's thoroughbred heritage. Students frequently head to Lexington for nightlife or explore Kentucky's bourbon trail. The rural setting offers hiking and outdoor recreation, while the strong employment rate of 94.7% reflects the university's focus on practical career preparation over traditional college party culture.
Setting
Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity
431 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
24°–41°F
July Avg
65°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
48.1"
Annual Snowfall
14.5"

Student Demographics

Midway draws primarily local Kentucky students who value the school's Christian foundation and small-town atmosphere. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the enrollment, reflecting the university's strong programs in education, nursing, and equine studies. The student body is predominantly white but includes meaningful diversity, with Black and Hispanic students comprising about 17% of enrollment combined. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Midway's commitment to serving working-class families. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio attracts students seeking personal attention in a faith-centered environment.
Men
38.3%
Women
61.7%
White
71.4%
Black
9.9%
Hispanic
7.3%
Asian
1.0%
In-State Students
67.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
46.1%

Location

Midway University sits in Midway, Kentucky, a small town roughly 15 miles west of Lexington in the heart of Bluegrass Country. The campus occupies rural farmland dotted with horse farms and rolling hills typical of central Kentucky. With just 1,250 students, the university serves as one of the few higher education options in this agricultural region between Lexington and Frankfort. The 67.56% in-state enrollment reflects its appeal to Kentucky residents seeking a small college experience. Housing capacity of 431 students means many live on the compact campus surrounded by pastures and thoroughbred breeding operations. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Midway University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Midway, Kentucky 40347-1120
Marrs Hall in Summer
Marrs Hall in Summer
Historic Pinkerton Hall in Summer
Historic Pinkerton Hall in Summer

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,246
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,824
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$34,600
Loan Repayment Rate
43.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$226/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,301

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Midway University?

Midway University admits 93.76% of applicants, making it highly accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1010-1130 on the SAT, indicating the school welcomes students with a range of academic backgrounds.

How much does Midway University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,863 after aid, less than the $37,380 sticker price. About 46% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving middle and lower-income families in Kentucky.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Midway University?

The university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,250 total students. This small Christian liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention, though the 68.83% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adjust to rural campus life.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Midway University?

Graduates earn a median salary of $44,246 ten years after enrollment and have a 94.7% employment rate. However, only 46.40% of students graduate within six years, which may reflect the challenges many first-generation college students face at this rural Kentucky institution.

Where is Midway University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Midway, Kentucky, housing 431 students in a close-knit community setting. With 61.68% women and strong ties to the Christian Church, the university creates a supportive environment for students seeking a faith-based education.

Does Midway University have strong athletics programs?

The Eagles compete in NAIA athletics with 26 varsity sports and 699 total athletes. The university awards $3,407,648 in athletic scholarships, making sports a significant pathway for students to afford college at this tuition-dependent institution.