,·Private Liberal Arts University·Est. 1780
“Kentucky's Oldest University - Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Education”
Transylvania University, founded in 1780, stands as Kentucky's oldest institution of higher education with a distinguished history spanning over two and a half centuries. Located in Lexington, Transylvania serves approximately 1,000 undergraduate students in an intimate liberal arts setting that combines historical significance with contemporary educational innovation. The university's name, meaning "across the woods," reflects its pioneering spirit and commitment to pushing intellectual boundaries. Transylvania maintains a strong commitment to merit-based aid, with 100% of admitted students receiving merit scholarships ranging from $10,000 to full tuition and fees, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing its world-class education. The academic experience at Transylvania is characterized by its innovative approach to liberal arts education, offering 46 major programs across four academic divisions: Fine Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and Social Sciences. Students benefit from exceptional faculty mentorship, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and access to research opportunities beginning in their first year. Distinctive programs include Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication (WRC), alongside traditional majors in sciences, humanities, and professional fields. The university's 3-2 engineering program with the University of Kentucky provides students with a pathway to engineering degrees while maintaining the liberal arts core. Campus life at Transylvania reflects a vibrant residential community where 99% of first-year students live on campus, creating a cohesive learning environment. The university celebrates unique traditions including the annual Pumpkin Mania in October, honoring eccentric 19th-century professor Constantine Rafinesque, and the legendary Kissing Tree, a centuries-old ash tree rooted in campus lore and romance. With more than 50 student organizations, athletic teams competing in NCAA Division III, and dining managed by Bon Appétit featuring fresh, made-from-scratch meals, Transylvania creates an environment where students develop intellectually, socially, and personally during their transformative college years.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$48,920
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Develops creative and artistic excellence across visual, performing, and applied arts with emphasis on both technical skill and conceptual innovation.
Explores human culture, history, literature, philosophy, and languages through critical analysis and interpretation of texts and ideas.
Provides rigorous scientific and mathematical education with research opportunities and hands-on laboratory experience.
Analyzes human societies, economics, political systems, and psychology with emphasis on research methods and analytical thinking.
4 years
Innovative interdisciplinary major integrating philosophical inquiry, political theory, and economic analysis to develop sophisticated understanding of policy and social systems.
4 years
Rigorous program developing advanced writing, communication, and rhetorical analysis skills applicable across professional and academic contexts.
4 years
Comprehensive program in life sciences with emphasis on cell biology, genetics, ecology, and research opportunities supporting pre-medical and professional preparation.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
