Union Commonwealth University is a private university institution in Barbourville, established in 1879. Union Commonwealth University is a private Methodist-affiliated liberal arts institution in Barbourville, Kentucky, founded in 1879. With 1,324 students and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it emphasizes service, Appalachian heritage, and personal academic development through 35+ undergraduate majors and graduate programs in education, psychology, business, and athletic administration.