Asbury University

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

Christ-centered liberal arts university in Kentucky's Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.

  • Founded September 2, 1890, as Kentucky Holiness College; renamed Asbury College in 1891; became Asbury University in 2010
  • Private Christian university aligned with Wesleyan-Holiness movement of Methodism
  • 1,854 students (1,789 undergraduates, 311 postgraduates) as of fall 2016; 59 undergraduate majors across 5 academic units
  • Located in Wilmore, Kentucky; 82% of faculty hold terminal degrees; 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio; 82% retention rate
  • NCAA Division III member (transitioned from NAIA 2021–2024); competes in 17 varsity sports
  • 99% of 2025 graduates employed or continuing education within six months; 22,000+ living alumni in all 50 states and 80+ countries

Academics

Asbury offers 59 undergraduate majors and multiple minors organized across five 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 most majors. Graduate programs include MBA, Master of Arts in Communication, Master of Arts in Digital Storytelling, Master of Arts in Instructional Design, Innovation & Leadership, and Master of Fine Arts 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. A required essay or personal statement and letters of recommendation are considered. Students come from 44 states and 43 countries. Nearly 90% of students live on campus.

Campus & Student Life

Asbury's suburban campus in Wilmore features the Kinlaw Library (opened 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 multiweek spiritual outpouring. The Eagles compete in NCAA Division III and NCCAA, fielding 17 varsity sports including baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track & field. Club sports include roundnet, disc golf, and pickleball.

Outcomes & Rankings

U.S. News & World Report ranked Asbury No. 31 among Regional Universities South (2025), No. 14 for Best Value Schools, and No. 36 for Best Colleges for Veterans. Forbes ranked it No. 565 nationally; Washington Monthly ranked it No. 221 among Master's Universities. The university reports 99% employment or continued education rates for 2025 graduates within six months. Asbury's endowment stood at $78.15 million as of 2024.

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