Kentucky's oldest university, founded 1780, blending liberal arts tradition with real-world readiness in downtown Lexington.
Transylvania offers 46 majors and 37 minors across Fine Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and Social Sciences divisions. Notable programs include Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication (WRC), and interdisciplinary studies allowing students to design their own majors. The university partners with the Peace Corps for a Prep program and with Appalachian Regional Healthcare to support healthcare-focused students. U.S. News & World Report ranks the college 108th among liberal arts institutions with a 92% acceptance rate.
The 48-acre campus sits in downtown Lexington, four blocks from the city center, featuring 24 buildings including the National Historic Landmark Old Morrison (1833). Recent renovations include the William T. Young Campus Center (2020) with dining, athletics, and wellness facilities, and residence halls like Dalton-Voigt and Thomson Hall designed for sustainability. Student traditions include Raf Week (Halloween celebration honoring botanist Constantine Rafinesque), PumpkinMania, and the historic Kissing Tree. Greek life involves 42% of students across five fraternities and five sororities.
Transylvania is test-optional with a 92% acceptance rate. Admitted students score 1050–1360 on the SAT (25th–75th percentile). The university offers pathways for first-time, transfer, international, and KCTCS students. Admissions counselors provide personalized guidance, and the university guarantees high-impact learning experiences through internships, study abroad, or alumni mentoring for every student.
95% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months. The university reports 100% law school acceptance for faculty-recommended students. Financial aid reaches 99% of students with average awards exceeding $40,000 per year. The 100 Doors to Success mentorship program pairs every student with an alumni mentor, and the Center for Academic and Professional Enrichment supports career development.