Lexington, Kentucky · ★ — / 5 Overall
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Private not-for-profit · 4-year · Bachelor's
Transylvania University (often shortened as Transy) is a private liberal arts college in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. It was founded in 1780 and is Kentucky's oldest university. It offers 46 major programs, as well as dual-degree engineering programs, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its medical program has graduated 8,000 physicians since 1859. Transylvania University takes its name from the Latin phrase trans silvam, meaning “across the woods.” The name refers to the Transylvania Colony, a short-lived land claim established in 1775 in what is now Kentucky, which at the time was part of Virginia. The university was founded in 1780 as Transylvania Seminary in the Kentucky District of Virginia. It is the alma mater of two U.S. vice presidents, three U.S. Supreme Court justices, 50 U.S. senators, 101 U.S. representatives, 36 U.S. governors, and 34 U.S. ambassadors, making it a large producer of American statesmen.
Lots of Greek Life
Ranked #17 in Lots of Greek Life (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
National Liberal Arts Colleges
Ranked #109 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (2026). Source: US News ↗
Liberal Arts Colleges
Ranked #130 in Liberal Arts Colleges (2025). Source: Washington Monthly ↗
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300 N Broadway, Lexington, Kentucky, 40508-1797
Visit University SiteValue rank
Ranked #891 on Washington Monthly Best Bang for the Buck (2025). Source: WM Best Value ↗
25th–75th percentile
SAT total: 1100–1290
SAT ERW: 570–670
SAT math: 530–620
ACT composite: 24–30
Total: 1,022
Undergrad: 1,022
Undergrad full-time: 999
Part-time: 23
In-state
Tuition: $44,980
Total cost on campus: $62,715
Out-of-state
Tuition: $44,980
Total cost on campus: $62,715
Room & board: $14,195
Books & supplies: $1,000
Receive aid: 100%
Avg grant aid: $33,159
Pell grant recipients: 27%
Rent: $776 / mo
Average city asking rent, as a roommate share. Zillow Observed Rent Index.
Coffee: $4.75
State average cafe price. Numbeo, 2024.
Gas: $4.12 / gal
State average price. AAA.
Average meal: $8.46
Published board plan, per meal. IPEDS.