Transylvania University offers students a unique liberal arts education with a dedicated focus on the individual character and integrity of each student. The campus provides a diverse community-like environment that surrounds students with the inspiration, support and encouragement needed to push through the various pressures of college life. The Business and Commerce program offered at Transylvania attracts students from all over the world – introducing a professional focus on a liberal arts foundation. Keeping students engaged in such a strong facet is an important factor of classroom and campus life, strengthened by all extra-curricular activities throughout the year.
In addition to the professional, academic and social preparation offered at Transylvania University, students are also well-prepared for their civic duties within their communities as well. The University maintains a strong sense of globalization on campus, encouraging students to venture into the world to showcase and utilize their skills, talents and abilities for the greater good. Community outreach at Transylvania is globally recognized through missions and community service across the world.
School History
The history of Transylvania University dates back to the early political career of Thomas Jefferson. Founded and chartered in 1780, during Jefferson’s term as Virginia Governor, the University was establishing the foundation of a true liberal arts education for local students. In fact, the University was the 16th college established in the history of the country. Jefferson himself, later went on in the early 1800s to recognize the University as the strongest educational resource, admitting that the education being offered at the facility was more dominant than any in his own state. The University had already been established with a quality reputation by the time Kentucky even received its statehood. Since established, the University has provided an eclectic array of programs including a law school, medical school and seminary, in addition to the liberal arts and science program. However, over the years, the University has developed a more enhanced curriculum, incorporating more professional and academic courses to advance the lives of their graduates.
Transylvania University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Education program offered at the University, also holds an individual and separate accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Transylvania University also holds a history of reputable alumni and staff members such as Henry Clay, a reputable statesman and member of the Transylvania’s Board of Trustees. The infamous Cassius M. Clay, social leader and abolitionist, is also among the most reputable Transylvania University alumni. It is influences such as these that have become leaders in society and throughout our history, molded by the Transylvania education and experience.
Campus Life
Student life on the Transylvania University campus offers an exciting and creative addition to academic life inside the classroom. Students develop close-knit relationships that help them to develop leadership skills and independent responsibility, while establishing a sense of teamwork. For student and faculty health and safety, the University maintains a Tobacco Free Campus. Helping students to develop strong values and overall healthy lifestyles in important on campus, which is why the University also provides a Sustainable Campus at all times. This means active measures are taken on a daily basis to ensure the balance between the economy, environment and future social development of the future.
Residential life on campus offers a large contribution to the development of students while attending Transylvania University. Since over 80% of students reside on campus, the grounds have helped students develop into mature, independent and well-educated leaders in society. Outside of the classroom, students can appreciate and enjoy the various activities organized by the student organization and clubs, before retiring each night to their residence halls. Students have their choice of housing options in one of the many residence halls, apartment buildings and suite complexes located throughout the campus. However, many students also reside in the off-campus housing facilities located just outside the campus grounds. This type of housing provides an additional sense of independence for students and has become a senior favorite over the years.
Financial Aid
Transylvania University students are given several financial aid options while attending classes. To ensure that all students are able to take advantage of obtaining a challenging and quality education, regardless of financial stature, the University provides four main tiers of funding. This includes Institutional Aid funding, which consists of scholarships and grants given to students by the University, obtained by fundraising, donations and third party sources These funding options are based on merit- community, athletic and artistic achievements of each student and do not require repayment.
The University accepts all forms of Federal and State Aid including government funded grants and loans. This type of financial aid option also includes the work study program offered at Transylvania University, where students can obtain employment on and off-campus to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses. All students are encouraged to apply for Private Student Loans in addition to all other funding sources to ensure that they optimize their college experience without increasing the financial obligation. The Office of Financial Aid is available to assist students in choosing the right funding options for their individual situation and goals.