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You are here: Home / Schools / Transylvania University

Transylvania University

Lexington, KY
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Transylvania University

Photo: Transylvania University. Retrieved from: unknown source.

Transylvania University offers students a unique liberal arts education with a dedicated focus on the individual character and integrity of each student. The campus provides a diverse community-like environment that surrounds students with the inspiration, support and encouragement needed to push through the various pressures of college life. The Business and Commerce program offered at Transylvania attracts students from all over the world – introducing a professional focus on a liberal arts foundation. Keeping students engaged in such a strong facet is an important factor of classroom and campus life, strengthened by all extra-curricular activities throughout the year.

In addition to the professional, academic and social preparation offered at Transylvania University, students are also well-prepared for their civic duties within their communities as well. The University maintains a strong sense of globalization on campus, encouraging students to venture into the world to showcase and utilize their skills, talents and abilities for the greater good. Community outreach at Transylvania is globally recognized through missions and community service across the world.

School History

The history of Transylvania University dates back to the early political career of Thomas Jefferson. Founded and chartered in 1780, during Jefferson’s term as Virginia Governor, the University was establishing the foundation of a true liberal arts education for local students. In fact, the University was the 16th college established in the history of the country. Jefferson himself, later went on in the early 1800s to recognize the University as the strongest educational resource, admitting that the education being offered at the facility was more dominant than any in his own state. The University had already been established with a quality reputation by the time Kentucky even received its statehood. Since established, the University has provided an eclectic array of programs including a law school, medical school and seminary, in addition to the liberal arts and science program. However, over the years, the University has developed a more enhanced curriculum, incorporating more professional and academic courses to advance the lives of their graduates.

Transylvania University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Education program offered at the University, also holds an individual and separate accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Transylvania University also holds a history of reputable alumni and staff members such as Henry Clay, a reputable statesman and member of the Transylvania’s Board of Trustees. The infamous Cassius M. Clay, social leader and abolitionist, is also among the most reputable Transylvania University alumni. It is influences such as these that have become leaders in society and throughout our history, molded by the Transylvania education and experience.

Campus Life

Student life on the Transylvania University campus offers an exciting and creative addition to academic life inside the classroom. Students develop close-knit relationships that help them to develop leadership skills and independent responsibility, while establishing a sense of teamwork. For student and faculty health and safety, the University maintains a Tobacco Free Campus. Helping students to develop strong values and overall healthy lifestyles in important on campus, which is why the University also provides a Sustainable Campus at all times. This means active measures are taken on a daily basis to ensure the balance between the economy, environment and future social development of the future.

Residential life on campus offers a large contribution to the development of students while attending Transylvania University. Since over 80% of students reside on campus, the grounds have helped students develop into mature, independent and well-educated leaders in society. Outside of the classroom, students can appreciate and enjoy the various activities organized by the student organization and clubs, before retiring each night to their residence halls. Students have their choice of housing options in one of the many residence halls, apartment buildings and suite complexes located throughout the campus. However, many students also reside in the off-campus housing facilities located just outside the campus grounds. This type of housing provides an additional sense of independence for students and has become a senior favorite over the years.

Financial Aid

Transylvania University students are given several financial aid options while attending classes. To ensure that all students are able to take advantage of obtaining a challenging and quality education, regardless of financial stature, the University provides four main tiers of funding. This includes Institutional Aid funding, which consists of scholarships and grants given to students by the University, obtained by fundraising, donations and third party sources These funding options are based on merit- community, athletic and artistic achievements of each student and do not require repayment.

The University accepts all forms of Federal and State Aid including government funded grants and loans. This type of financial aid option also includes the work study program offered at Transylvania University, where students can obtain employment on and off-campus to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses. All students are encouraged to apply for Private Student Loans in addition to all other funding sources to ensure that they optimize their college experience without increasing the financial obligation. The Office of Financial Aid is available to assist students in choosing the right funding options for their individual situation and goals.

  • Overview
  • Community & Safety
  • Academics
  • Social Life

Overview

Despite college rankings and countless beautiful college websites, most students and families know very little about the actual student experience at particular schools. College websites, campus tours and conversations with high school guidance counselors provide very limited information.

The Voice of the Student Survey compares the responses of over 7,500 liberal arts college undergraduates on more than 40 questions about college life. As a result, we learned what “real life” looks like at individual schools.

Some of the best (and worst) performers in our research are surprising. Some are among the U.S. News & World Report’s top ranked liberal arts colleges in the country, while others are ranked much lower but provide a successful student experience.

Our Liberal Arts Insider members know exactly how these colleges compare.

We surveyed thousands of liberal arts students to help you get the real scoop about the student experience… the good, the bad and the ugly.

Campus Community Coach & Safety Sherpa

How safe, accepted, and comfortable students feel on their college campus is one of the largest influencing factors as to how satisfied they feel with their college experience. Having a tight-knit college community is the cornerstone of a successful college experience, as proven by our Voice of the Students survey.

We can compare what the college brochures advertise to what students are actually experiencing; sometimes the admissions representatives have no idea how students on their campus really feel. This “Community” section is a way to find out exactly what students think about their campus, in their own words. Here, we have data about student satisfaction, housing, social cliques, and student’s sense of safety.

Get Our In Depth Analysis of Liberal Arts Colleges

The smartest way to cut through the college marketing hype and pick a college that is a perfect fit for your child is to become a Liberal Arts Insider member. Our research reveals inside information that colleges will never tell you.
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Academics Advisor

Without a doubt, academics are a major focus, if not the top priority, for many college students. Schools will often advertise their classrooms as collaborative, but we’ve found that students sometimes describe the academic environment as highly competitive. Are students helping each other with academic work or trying to get ahead? Do students spend every waking moment with their nose in a book?

We asked students both qualitative and quantitative questions to find out how the academics at this school challenge them, and contribute to their college experience. Find out directly from the students how they feel about academics, challenging or otherwise, at their school.

Get Our In Depth Analysis of Liberal Arts Colleges

The smartest way to cut through the college marketing hype and pick a college that is a perfect fit for your child is to become a Liberal Arts Insider member. Our research reveals inside information that colleges will never tell you.
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Social Life Navigator

In addition to academics, social life is integral to the campus experience, and it’s dictated by a few different elements. Do students feel discriminated against based on their identities? Where do students spend most of their time socializing? Do drugs and alcohol dominate the social scene? This is the kind of information that schools will NOT advertise.

So, to find truthful answers these to questions, we asked students for their perspectives. We looked into social aspects such as extracurricular involvement, opportunities in the local community, and alcohol/drug culture on this campus.

Get Our In Depth Analysis of Liberal Arts Colleges

The smartest way to cut through the college marketing hype and pick a college that is a perfect fit for your child is to become a Liberal Arts Insider member. Our research reveals inside information that colleges will never tell you.
Learn More

Fast Facts

Location:Lexington, KY
Year Founded:1780
Number of Students:1001 to 2000
Avg Net Price:$ 23,000
Retention Rate (%):85
Reported Test Type:SAT
Test Scores (75% percentile):1290
Test Scores (25% percentile):1060
Freshman in Top 10% of HS Class (%):42
Admit Rate (%):93
School Selectivity:Non Selective
4 Year Graduation Rate (%):67

Note: Facts compiled from school website as well as other data sources including: US Department of Education, IPEDS, College Board and NCES.

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