University of Pikeville

Pikeville, KY

private nonprofitgraduate

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

1,140

Total Students

$24K

Tuition (In-State)

$24K

Tuition (Out-State)

$14K

Avg Net Price

39%

Graduation Rate

6-year

65%

Retention Rate

Doctoral/Professional Universities

Classification

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

About University of Pikeville

Small but mighty, the University of Pikeville empowers Appalachian healthcare with its unique medical school.

The University of Pikeville stands out as a beacon of education and healthcare commitment, particularly known for its exceptional Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. It is a truly unique institution, notably one of the smallest post-secondary schools in the United States to host a medical college, dedicated to addressing critical healthcare needs in the Appalachian region. For students aspiring to make a tangible difference, especially in primary care, UPIKE offers an impactful and focused educational journey.

Rooted in a rich history, the university was founded in 1889 by the Presbyterian Church as the Pikeville Collegiate Institute. Over the decades, it evolved significantly, transitioning from a comprehensive institute that included primary and secondary education into an accredited junior college by 1909. This foundational period laid the groundwork for its transformation into a degree-granting four-year college in 1955, solidifying its role as a key educational provider in the region.

Today, UPIKE's academic strengths are powerfully showcased through its medical school, established in 1997. The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine has a clear and vital mission: to train primary care physicians specifically to combat the shortage of healthcare providers throughout Appalachia. This commitment extends to its student recruitment, which deliberately focuses on individuals from rural Appalachian backgrounds, ensuring that the next generation of doctors understands and is deeply connected to the communities they will serve. This focused approach provides a unique and purpose-driven experience for its students, preparing them not just for medical careers, but for a profound impact on regional health.

Key Highlights

✦Home to the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, making it one of the smallest U.S. post-secondary institutions with a medical school.
✦The medical school's primary mission is to train primary care physicians to serve the critical healthcare needs of Appalachia.
✦Founded in 1889 by the Presbyterian Church as the Pikeville Collegiate Institute.
✦The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of 29 osteopathic colleges in the United States and one of five located in Appalachia.
✦Student recruitment for the medical school is heavily focused on individuals with a rural Appalachian background.
✦Officially changed its name from "Pikeville College" to "University of Pikeville" on July 1, 2011.

Timeline

1889

Founded by the Presbyterian Church as the Pikeville Collegiate Institute.

1909

Split into Pikeville College Academy and Pikeville College, an accredited junior college.

1955

Became a degree-granting four-year college.

1957

Pikeville College Academy closed.

1997

Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine (now University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine) established.

2011

Officially changed its name from "Pikeville College" to the "University of Pikeville".

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within University of Pikeville

🏥

University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Established in 1997, it's one of the smallest post-secondary institutions in the United States to have a medical school, focused on training primary care physicians for Appalachia and recruiting students with a rural Appalachian background.

Find Scholarships at University of Pikeville

Start Your Free Search