Asbury University

Wilmore, Kentucky, United States · Est. 1890 · Private University

Christ-centered liberal arts university in Kentucky aligned with Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.

  • Founded September 2, 1890 as Kentucky Holiness College; renamed Asbury College in 1891; became Asbury University in 2010
  • Private Christian university in Wilmore, Kentucky; 1,854 total students (1,789 undergraduates, 311 postgraduates as of 2016)
  • 59 undergraduate majors across 5 academic units; 82% of faculty hold terminal degrees; 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Aligned with Wesleyan-Holiness movement of Methodism; member of Christian College Consortium and Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
  • NCAA Division III athletics (transitioned from NAIA 2024); 17 varsity sports; mascot: Eagles
  • 99% of 2025 graduates employed or continuing education within 6 months; 22,000+ living alumni in all 50 states and 80+ countries

Academics

Asbury offers 59 undergraduate majors and multiple minors organized across five academic units: College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Dayton School of Business, School of Communication Arts, School of Education, and Shaw School of Sciences. The curriculum emphasizes liberal arts education with 39–57 semester hours of general education requirements. Eighty-two percent of faculty hold terminal degrees. The university provides internships, study abroad, cross-cultural opportunities, and community service integrated into nearly every major. Graduate programs include MBA, Master of Arts degrees in Communication, Digital Storytelling, and Instructional Design, and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Film/TV Production and Screenwriting.

Admissions

In 2024, Asbury accepted 64.1% of undergraduate applicants. The university is test-blind and does not require standardized test scores for admission. Admitted students had an average high school GPA of 3.65. Those who submitted test scores averaged 1080–1320 SAT or 21–28 ACT. Required materials include an essay or personal statement and letters of recommendation. Students come from 44 states and 43 countries. Nearly 90% of students live on campus, with a 82% average retention rate.

Campus & Student Life

Asbury's suburban campus in Wilmore features the Kinlaw Library (completed 2001, over 150,000 items), Hughes Auditorium, Miller Center for Media Communications, and a Student Center. The university emphasizes spiritual vitality through daily chapel services and community engagement. In February 2023, a chapel service evolved into a multi-week spiritual outpouring that drew widespread attention. The athletic program competes in NCAA Division III and NCCAA, with 17 varsity sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track & field.

Outcomes & Rankings

U.S. News & World Report ranked Asbury #31 among Regional Universities South (2025), #14 for Best Value Schools, and #36 for Best Colleges for Veterans. Forbes ranked it #565 nationally; Washington Monthly ranked it #221 among Master's Universities. The university reports 99% employment or continued education rates for 2025 graduates within six months. Asbury has over 22,000 living alumni serving globally in all 50 states and at least 80 countries.

Founded
1890
Type
Private University
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationChristian; Wesleyan-Holiness movement of Methodism
Websitehttp://www.asbury.edu
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
99% placed
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources