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Transylvania University

Lexington, KY·Private nonprofit·1,014 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

85%
Accept
1,014
Students
$23,560
Net Price
70%
Grad Rate
$50,100
Earnings
10 yr
$20,000
Debt

About This School

Transylvania University is a private nonprofit institution located in Lexington, Kentucky with approximately 1,014 undergraduate students enrolled. Transylvania University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 85%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,560 per year. The graduation rate is 70%, and the typical graduate earns $50,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Transylvania University is a private liberal arts college in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. It was founded in 1780 and is Kentucky's oldest university. It offers 46 major programs, as well as dual-degree engineering programs, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its medical program has graduated 8,000 physicians since 1859.

Founded in 1780, this small liberal arts college in Lexington offers a genuinely intimate academic experience with only 1,014 students and a strong pre-med legacy — over 8,000 physicians trained since 1859. The $20,000 median debt at graduation is manageable relative to $50,100 median earnings, making the finances look reasonable, though the 70% graduation rate suggests about 3 in 10 students don't finish — worth asking admissions hard questions about support and retention. Worth considering if you thrive in small, discussion-based classrooms and want a historic liberal arts environment without the price tag of more selective schools.

Founded
1780
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing20%
Biological Sciences19%
Social Sciences14%
Psychology13%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Physical Sciences5%
Education3%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jefferson DavisRichard Mentor JohnsonJohn C. BreckinridgeNed BeattyAlbert Sidney JohnstonStephen F. AustinWilliam WindomDavid Rice AtchisonHappy ChandlerJohn Marshall HarlanLuke Pryor BlackburnJames G. Birney

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1285
Reading 75th %ile670
Math 75th %ile620

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite27

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$44,980
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,980
Avg Net Price
$23,560
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants24%
Median debt at graduation$20,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
70%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
83%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White79%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,014 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Transylvania University

300 N Broadway

Lexington, KY 40508-1797

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kentucky

Browse all Kentucky schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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