About Sullivan University
Sullivan University transforms students into hospitality and culinary professionals through hands-on career training. The school enrolls 2,498 students in Louisville's urban environment and has built a reputation for practical programs that lead directly to employment. Women make up 70% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like hospitality management.
Students pay an average net price of $25,785 after aid, though only 11% receive financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $38,008 ten years after completing their programs, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,000. The employment rate reaches 94.1%, suggesting strong job placement despite relatively modest starting salaries. Monthly loan payments average $212, which represents a significant portion of early-career income.
The quarter system allows students to complete programs faster than traditional semester schedules. About 72% of students come from Kentucky, creating a regional focus that benefits local employers seeking trained workers. The 30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face in career-focused programs. Campus housing accommodates 508 students, though most attend part-time or commute from the Louisville area.
Students pay an average net price of $25,785 after aid, though only 11% receive financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $38,008 ten years after completing their programs, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,000. The employment rate reaches 94.1%, suggesting strong job placement despite relatively modest starting salaries. Monthly loan payments average $212, which represents a significant portion of early-career income.
The quarter system allows students to complete programs faster than traditional semester schedules. About 72% of students come from Kentucky, creating a regional focus that benefits local employers seeking trained workers. The 30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face in career-focused programs. Campus housing accommodates 508 students, though most attend part-time or commute from the Louisville area.
Academics & Faculty
Sullivan University focuses on career-ready programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The school built its reputation around culinary arts and hospitality management, attracting students who want hands-on training rather than traditional liberal arts education. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personalized attention in professional kitchens and training facilities. However, only 30.2% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work and school in accelerated career programs. The quarter system allows students to complete programs faster than traditional semester schedules. Sullivan's strength lies in practical skills training for industries like food service, business, and healthcare rather than academic research.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 41.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 28.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 30.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,008
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $122,388 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $94,408 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $93,342 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $63,997 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,619 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $54,739 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,733 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $52,107 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $52,107 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
Campus Life
Sullivan University sits in downtown Louisville, where 70% of students are women drawn to the school's signature culinary and hospitality programs. Only 20% of the 2,498 students live on campus in limited housing that accommodates just 508 students. Most commute from around Kentucky, as 72% are in-state residents.
Louisville's humid subtropical climate means hot summers and mild winters with occasional snow. Students need both winter coats and summer gear for the extreme seasons. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly through concentrated programs designed for rapid career entry. Weekend social life centers around Louisville's restaurant scene, where culinary students often work part-time jobs that double as hands-on learning. The Kentucky Derby brings excitement each May, though many students are busy with internships and externships by then. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more like professional workshops than traditional lectures. The urban campus means students experience real city life while training for careers in hospitality, business, and culinary arts.
Louisville's humid subtropical climate means hot summers and mild winters with occasional snow. Students need both winter coats and summer gear for the extreme seasons. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly through concentrated programs designed for rapid career entry. Weekend social life centers around Louisville's restaurant scene, where culinary students often work part-time jobs that double as hands-on learning. The Kentucky Derby brings excitement each May, though many students are busy with internships and externships by then. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more like professional workshops than traditional lectures. The urban campus means students experience real city life while training for careers in hospitality, business, and culinary arts.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 508 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–43°F
- July Avg
- 69°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 90.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 12.5"
Student Demographics
Sullivan University draws students serious about launching careers quickly in hands-on fields. Women make up 70% of enrollment, reflecting the school's strength in culinary arts and hospitality programs that traditionally attract female students. Nearly three-quarters of students come from Kentucky, showing Sullivan's solid reputation among local families seeking practical career training. The student body includes a significant number of Black and Hispanic students, making it more diverse than many private colleges. Most students choose Sullivan because they want job-ready skills rather than a traditional liberal arts experience.
- Men
- 29.7%
- Women
- 70.3%
- White
- 45.2%
- Black
- 22.0%
- Hispanic
- 12.7%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 72.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 11.3%
Location
Sullivan University sits in Louisville, Kentucky's largest city with over 600,000 residents. The campus occupies the heart of Kentucky's economic center, where major corporations like UPS, Humana, and Yum! Brands maintain headquarters. Louisville's famous bourbon distilleries and the Kentucky Derby create a distinctive cultural atmosphere that blends Southern tradition with modern industry. The city offers internship opportunities across healthcare, logistics, and hospitality sectors that align with Sullivan's career programs. Students live 260 miles from Chicago and 100 miles from Nashville, positioning them in the Ohio River valley region. The urban setting provides restaurant and hotel management students with real-world training grounds. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Sullivan University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Louisville, Kentucky 40205
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,008
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,630
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student experience like at Sullivan University?
With 2,498 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, Sullivan offers small class sizes focused on hands-on career training. The student body is 70.3% women, reflecting the school's strength in culinary arts and hospitality programs that attract many female students.
How much does Sullivan University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,785 annually, with tuition set at $14,220 regardless of residency status. Only 11.33% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating the school serves fewer low-income students than typical colleges.
What are the academic programs like at Sullivan University?
Sullivan operates on a quarter system and focuses heavily on career-oriented programs in culinary arts, hospitality, and professional training. The school's practical approach aims to prepare students for immediate workforce entry rather than traditional academic study.
What do graduates earn after attending Sullivan University?
Alumni earn a median of $38,008 ten years after graduation, with strong short-term employment prospects at a 94.1% employment rate. However, only 30.2% of students complete their degree within six years, which impacts long-term earning potential.
Where do students live at Sullivan University?
The campus in Louisville houses 508 students in on-campus housing, with room and board costing $10,485 annually. Most students come from Kentucky, with 72.21% being in-state residents who often choose to live locally rather than on campus.
Is Sullivan University worth the student debt?
Graduates carry a median debt of $20,000 with monthly payments of $212, which is relatively manageable compared to many colleges. However, the 31.5% loan repayment rate suggests many students struggle to pay back their loans despite the lower debt levels.
