Union College: 53.4% Acceptance Rate

53.4%Acceptance

$30,946Tuition

736Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,002Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Union College

Union College builds strong connections between students and professors in the hills of southeastern Kentucky. This Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college enrolls just 736 students, creating an intimate academic environment where education and nursing programs stand out. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that larger universities can't match. Students come primarily from Kentucky, with 68% representing in-state enrollment.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. After aid, students typically pay $23,906 annually, but this investment faces challenges in the job market. Graduates earn a median of $42,002 ten years after leaving school, while carrying $24,250 in student loan debt. The monthly loan payment of $257 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings. Only 47% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

Athletics dominate campus culture with 485 student-athletes competing across 21 NAIA sports programs. Nearly two-thirds of the entire student body participates in varsity athletics, creating a campus where game days matter. The 36% six-year graduation rate and 58% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their degrees. However, 96% of graduates find employment, indicating strong career services support for those who finish.

Academics & Faculty

Union College operates as a small Christian liberal arts institution with particularly strong programs in education and nursing. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes typical of liberal arts education. However, the 34.51% four-year graduation rate and 36% six-year completion rate suggest many students struggle to finish their degrees on time. The college serves a diverse student body with 50.62% receiving Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among students. Education majors often pursue teaching careers in rural Kentucky communities, while nursing graduates enter a high-demand healthcare field. The Methodist affiliation influences campus culture and some academic offerings through faith-integrated learning approaches.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 34.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.0%
Retention Rate: 57.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,002
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$56,415
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$29,685
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$24,035

View all 53 programs →

Campus Life

Barbourville sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, about two hours southeast of Lexington. You'll need a winter coat for Kentucky's cold, snowy winters and lighter clothes for humid summers. With housing capacity for just 358 students and total enrollment of 736, less than half of students live on campus. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class.

Weekend life revolves around the 21 varsity sports teams, with 485 total athletes making up nearly two-thirds of the student body. The Owls compete in NAIA athletics with $9.3 million in athletic scholarships supporting teams. Many students head home on weekends since 68% come from Kentucky. The United Methodist affiliation shapes campus culture through chapel services and community service projects. Students often gather in the small downtown area or explore nearby Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. The remote mountain setting creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other, but it also means limited nightlife and entertainment options beyond campus activities.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 358 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–45°F
July Avg: 63°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.8"
Annual Snowfall: 7.0"

Student Demographics

Union College draws students who value personal attention and affordable Christian education in rural Kentucky. With 68% from Kentucky, the school maintains strong local ties while attracting students seeking a close-knit campus community. The student body is 58% male, reflecting the college's focus on programs like business and athletics alongside traditional liberal arts. Half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making education accessible to working-class families. The United Methodist affiliation attracts students wanting faith-based learning in an intimate setting where everyone knows each other.

Men: 57.7%
Women: 42.3%
White: 59.0%
Black: 14.1%
Hispanic: 3.3%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 68.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 50.6%

Location

Union College sits in Barbourville, Kentucky, a small Appalachian town about 100 miles southeast of Lexington. The campus serves 736 students in the heart of southeastern Kentucky's coal country. Mountain landscapes and rural communities define this remote setting, where outdoor recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest. The town-remote environment means limited urban amenities but strong community connections. With 68% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Kentucky's small-town culture. The college's 358-bed housing capacity reflects its intimate scale in this mountainous region. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Union College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Barbourville, Kentucky 40906-1499

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,002
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,810
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Union College?

Union College accepts 53.42% of applicants with an average ACT score of 18. This Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college in southeastern Kentucky focuses on providing accessible Christian education to students from diverse academic backgrounds.

How much does Union College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Union College is $23,906, with students from low-income families paying just $12,372. With 50.62% of students receiving Pell Grants, this small Christian college works to make education affordable for Kentucky families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Union College?

Union College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with only 736 total students. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention in the college's strong education and nursing programs.

What are the graduation rates at Union College?

Union College has a 36% six-year graduation rate and 34.51% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median of $42,002 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's focus on practical career preparation in education and healthcare fields.

Where is Union College located and what is campus life like?

Union College sits in Barbourville, Kentucky, a remote town setting with housing for 358 students out of 736 total enrollment. The campus features 21 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA athletics, with 485 student athletes supported by over $9.3 million in athletic scholarships.

Does Union College offer strong athletic programs?

Union College awards $9.3 million in athletic scholarships across 21 varsity sports, with 485 student athletes representing 66% of the total enrollment. The Owls compete in NAIA athletics, making Union one of the most athletically focused small colleges in Kentucky.