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Transylvania University

Lexington, KY

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

In Lumine Illo Tradimus Lumen (Latin)(In That Light, We Pass on the Light)

1780
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
1,014
Total Students
$45K
Tuition (In-State)
$45K
Tuition (Out-State)
$24K
Avg Net Price
85%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
6-year
83%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Brien Lewis

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Transylvania University

Transylvania: Kentucky's oldest, a liberal arts pioneer cultivating leaders since 1780.

Step into history at Transylvania University, Kentucky's venerable institution, founded in 1780. Nestled in Lexington, this private liberal arts college isn't just old; it's a living legacy. Its very name, meaning "across the woods," harks back to its pioneering roots as the first college west of the Allegheny Mountains, a beacon of learning in the early American frontier. True to its motto, "In Lumine Illo Tradimus Lumen" (In That Light, We Pass on the Light), Transylvania has consistently championed the transfer of knowledge and leadership across generations.

From its humble beginnings in a log cabin to its prominence in Lexington, Transylvania University quickly became a hub of intellectual thought. By the early 19th century, it housed robust medical, law, and divinity schools, drawing ambitious young minds from across the South. Luminaries like Henry Clay, who served as a professor and trustee, shaped its early trajectory. This rich history includes its role in the very fabric of Kentucky's educational landscape, even giving rise to the prestigious University of Kentucky and the Lexington Theological Seminary.

Today, Transylvania maintains its intimate and rigorous liberal arts tradition, offering 46 diverse major programs and dual-degree engineering options designed to prepare students for a dynamic world. With a focused student body of 963, it promises a personalized educational journey. Transylvania's legacy is evident in its remarkable alumni network, which includes U.S. Vice Presidents, Supreme Court Justices, Senators, and Governors, making it a powerful launchpad for future leaders in every field. If you're seeking a college where deep historical roots meet modern academic innovation, Transylvania offers an unparalleled experience.

Transylvania University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ensuring a high standard of academic excellence. The campus, situated on 150 acres, offers a vibrant setting where students can explore their passions and contribute to a close-knit community. Its enduring commitment to developing well-rounded, influential citizens makes Transylvania a compelling choice for prospective students and families seeking a transformative education.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1780, it is Kentucky's oldest university and the first college established west of the Allegheny Mountains.
  • A private liberal arts college offering 46 major programs and dual-degree engineering programs.
  • Boasts a prestigious alumni network including two U.S. Vice Presidents, two U.S. Supreme Court Justices, 50 U.S. Senators, 101 U.S. Representatives, and 36 U.S. Governors.
  • Its medical program has graduated 8,000 physicians since 1859.
  • Operates with a focused student body of 963, ensuring a personalized and engaging educational experience.
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
  • Motto: "In Lumine Illo Tradimus Lumen" (Latin for "In That Light, We Pass on the Light").

Timeline

1780
Chartered as Transylvania Seminary by the Virginia General Assembly.
1789
School moved to Lexington, Kentucky.
1799
Institution officially renamed "Transylvania University".
1818
University included a medical school, law school, and divinity school.
1830
Construction began on Old Morrison, supervised by Henry Clay.
1865
Transylvania merged into Kentucky University, using Transylvania's campus.
1878
The Agricultural and Mechanical College (A&M) of Kentucky spun off as an independent institution, becoming the University of Kentucky.
1878
Kentucky University's College of the Bible (later Lexington Theological Seminary) received a separate charter.
1908
Kentucky University renamed "Transylvania University" to avoid confusion with the University of Kentucky.
🏛️
246 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within Transylvania University

🏥

Medical School

Established by 1818; boasts 8,000 physician graduates since 1859.

⚖️

Law School

Established by 1818, contributing to the legal education of early American statesmen.

✝️

Divinity School

Established by 1818, focused on theological studies.

🏫

College of the Bible

Later became the Lexington Theological Seminary, tracing its roots to Bacon College's Department of Hebrew Literature.

🏫

Agricultural and Mechanical College (A&M) of Kentucky

Publicly chartered as a department of Kentucky University; later spun off to become the independent, state-run University of Kentucky.

Leadership

Brien Lewis
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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