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Union Commonwealth University

Barbourville, KY·Private nonprofit·746 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. financial aid brings net price below sticker; 53% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

63%
Accept
746
Students
$21,311
Net Price
32%
Grad Rate
$36,400
Earnings
10 yr
$24,250
Debt

About This School

Union Commonwealth University is a private nonprofit institution located in Barbourville, Kentucky with approximately 746 undergraduate students enrolled. Union Commonwealth University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,311 per year. The graduation rate is 32%, and the typical graduate earns $36,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Union College is a private liberal arts college in Schenectady, New York, United States. Founded in 1795, it was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, and second in the state of New York, after Columbia College. In the 19th century, it became known as the "Mother of Fraternities", because three of the earliest Greek-letter fraternities were established there. Union began enrolling women in 1970, after 175 years as an all-male institution. The college offers a liberal arts curriculum across 21 academic departments, including ABET-accredited engineering degree programs.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: with only a 36% graduation rate and a 57% freshman retention rate, a significant portion of students don't make it through to a degree, which is a real concern worth discussing before enrolling. The relatively low median debt of $14,250 is a bright spot, but median earnings of $36,400 a decade out make it worth honestly questioning the return on investment. This may be worth considering for students who need an accessible, smaller Christian-affiliated environment in Kentucky, but families should ask hard questions about the academic and financial support structures in place.

Founded
1795
Setting
Remote town
Religious Affiliation
Wesleyan
Avg Faculty Salary
$5,687

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing21%
Health Professions21%
Education6%
Psychology4%
Biological Sciences4%
Communications3%
Social Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jimmy CarterChester A. ArthurBaruch Samuel BlumbergWilliam H. SewardGeorge WestinghouseLewis H. MorganEdward BellamyJeffrey DeMunnNeil AbercrombieHenry HalleckGordon GouldBen Schwartz

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite980

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite19

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$30,946
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,946
Avg Net Price
$21,311
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$12,214
$30–48k$14,368
$48–75k$15,774
$75–110k$44,322
$110k+$44,322

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants53%
Median debt at graduation$24,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
32%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
64%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$24,250
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$30,600
Female graduates$26,200

Gap: 14% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$24,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$28,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.5x

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

White49%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian1%
Two or more races5%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander1%
International18%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (746 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Union Commonwealth University

310 College St

Barbourville, KY 40906-1499

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kentucky

Browse all Kentucky schools →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Union Commonwealth University?

Union Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 63%, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Is Union Commonwealth University hard to get into?

Union Commonwealth University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 63%. Solid grades and a complete application give most applicants a real shot.

How much does Union Commonwealth University cost?

The average net price at Union Commonwealth University is about $21,311 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.

What is the graduation rate at Union Commonwealth University?

Union Commonwealth University has a graduation rate of 32%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.

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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