About Transylvania University
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. While sticker price reaches $44,980 for tuition, the average student pays just $23,560 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $54,705 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $27,000 quite manageable. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying only $17,035 net price. The 97.3% employment rate suggests graduates find solid career footing.
Campus life revolves around Division III athletics and tight-knit residential community. With 389 athletes competing across 22 sports, nearly 40% of students play varsity athletics. The 83.45% retention rate reflects student satisfaction, though the 69.8% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish on the traditional timeline.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 66.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.8%
- Retention Rate
- 83.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,705
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,667 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $27,439 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $18,771 |
Campus Life
With 389 students participating in 22 varsity sports, athletics dominate weekend social life despite the lack of athletic scholarships. The Pioneers compete in Division III, where games feel like family reunions with the entire campus showing up. Greek life doesn't exist here, so social circles form around academic interests, residence hall floors, and club activities. Students frequently venture into Lexington's downtown scene, just blocks away, for concerts, restaurants, and internship opportunities. The Four-One-Four calendar system creates an intensive January term where students pursue unique projects or study abroad, breaking up the traditional semester routine and fostering close bonds through shared academic adventures.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 653 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1780
Campus Safety (2023)
15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–42°F
- July Avg
- 66°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 14.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.9%
- Women
- 56.1%
- White
- 78.9%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 5.0%
- Asian
- 3.0%
- In-State Students
- 78.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.1%
Location
- Address
- Lexington, Kentucky 40508-1797
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,705
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,583
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Transylvania University?
Transylvania University accepts 90.79% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120-1360 on the SAT, reflecting the school's commitment to giving opportunities to students with varying academic backgrounds.
How much does Transylvania University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,560 annually, less than the $44,980 sticker price. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,035 per year, while the school provides institutional grants averaging $31,276 to 28.21% of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Transylvania University?
The school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,014 total students, creating an intimate learning environment. This small liberal arts college is well-known for close mentoring relationships between professors and students, fostering personalized attention in every classroom.
What are the career outcomes for Transylvania University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $54,705 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.3% employment rate. The school's strong pre-professional programs and alumni network, which includes notable figures like Supreme Court Justice Stephen Johnson Field, help students launch successful careers.
Where is Transylvania University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Lexington, Kentucky, a large city that offers cultural amenities and internship opportunities. With 653 students living on campus and 389 student-athletes competing in 22 NCAA Division III sports, the Pioneers create a tight-knit community where 83.45% of students return for their sophomore year.
Is Transylvania University really named after the vampire region?
Founded in 1780, Transylvania University predates Bram Stoker's Dracula by over a century and takes its name from the Latin meaning "across the woods." As one of America's oldest colleges west of the Alleghenies, it has a rich 243-year history of liberal arts education rooted in its Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) heritage.
