Kentucky's oldest university, founded 1780, offering a liberal arts education in the heart of Lexington.
Transylvania offers 46 majors and 37 minors across four divisions: Fine Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and Social Sciences. Notable programs include Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication (WRC), and self-designed 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 it 108th among liberal arts colleges.
The 48-acre urban campus sits four blocks from downtown Lexington with 24 buildings, 3 athletic fields, and 3 dining areas. Recent renovations include the William T. Young Campus Center (2020), featuring dining, athletics facilities, and a competition-sized pool. Student traditions include Raf Week (Halloween celebration), PumpkinMania, and the historic Kissing Tree. Greek life is prominent with 5 fraternities and 5 sororities representing 42% of students.
Transylvania is test-optional with a 92% acceptance rate. The admissions office supports first-time, transfer, international, and military-connected students. The university guarantees 99% of students receive financial aid with average awards exceeding $40,000 per year, making a private liberal arts education accessible.
95% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months. The university offers 100 Doors to Success, an alumni mentoring program pairing every student with a mentor. Faculty-recommended students achieve 100% law school acceptance. High-impact learning opportunities include internships, study abroad, and research partnerships.