Kentucky's career-focused for-profit university with hands-on learning and accelerated degree pathways.
Sullivan University offers certificates, diplomas, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across multiple disciplines. Featured programs include Business Administration, Cybersecurity, Culinary Arts, Health Information Management, and Medical Assisting. The university operates on an 11-week quarter system and emphasizes experiential learning through externships, clinicals, and hands-on training. Most degree programs are available online, in hybrid, or on-campus formats. The National Center for Hospitality Studies, established in 1987, is particularly renowned for culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and hotel and restaurant management.
Sullivan maintains physical campuses in Louisville, Lexington, and Fort Knox, Kentucky, plus a learning center in Louisa and comprehensive online offerings. The Louisville and Lexington campuses feature 'Plus Friday' programming, where offices remain open for student-instructor consultations while classes are not held. The university merged with Spencerian College and Sullivan College of Technology and Design in 2018, expanding its academic footprint. Student services include counseling and career support to aid academic and professional success.
Sullivan welcomes adult learners, high school students, military/veteran students, transfer students, and international applicants. The admissions process includes online application, transcript submission, and consultation with admissions advisors. Financial assistance options include Federal Student Aid, scholarships, employer assistance, loans, grants, and military benefits. Specific pathways exist for pharmacy and physician assistant program applicants, with detailed requirements available in the Academic Catalog.
Sullivan's culinary program has gained national prominence, with faculty and students featured on Food Network and selected as the only U.S. culinary program invited to cook for 2008 Beijing Olympics athletes and sponsors. A 2021 Sullivan graduate was crowned 'Best Baker in America' on Food Network. According to Kentucky Council data, 40% of full-time, first-time associate degree students earned their degrees within three years (2015–2016 academic year). The university emphasizes career readiness through practical experience and industry connections.