Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Online | transy.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Religious Affiliation | Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad |
Transylvania University, located in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, is a private liberal arts institution established in 1780, making it the first college west of the Allegheny Mountains. The 48-acre urban campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the Greek Revival-style Old Morrison, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as the university's administrative center. The university maintains selective admission standards and emphasizes a traditional liberal arts curriculum, with notable programs in pre-medical studies, business administration, and writing, rhetoric, and communication. Transylvania provides residential housing for students through its system of dormitories and Greek life facilities, with most first-year students required to live on campus.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Transylvania University is rated within the top 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Transylvania University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#410 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#294 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in Kentucky
#2 in Best Private Colleges in Kentucky
#269 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Value Colleges in Kentucky
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1100/1290 |
| ACT | 24/30 |
| GPA | 3.77 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2026 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $1,820 |
| Room and Board | $14,195 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,540 |
| Total One Year Cost | $62,715 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 12% |
| Business | 12% |
| Foreign Languages | 11% |
| Biology | 11% |
| Psychology | 11% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Transylvania University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157818 IPEDS survey data for Transylvania University.
Current students may use the Transylvania University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025