Transylvania University
Transylvania University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Transylvania University at a Glance
Transylvania University 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.
1780
246 years old
1,007
150 acres
Identity
Is Transylvania University Worth It?
Transylvania University offers moderate value at $21,913/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $54,705, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 71% graduation rate means roughly 29% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Transylvania University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #11 of 105 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #4 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #5 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #6 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #11 | Transylvania University | 44 | $21,913 | $54,705 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Transylvania University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in KY.
Best Programs at Transylvania University
The highest-earning program at Transylvania University is Business/Commerce, General at $43,400/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from Transylvania University earns $43,400, while a Business/Commerce, General graduate earns $43,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $26,142 in median debt vs. $26,142 for Business/Commerce, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,913/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $43,400 | $43,400 | $26,142 |
Similar Colleges in KY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lexington, KY
- Student Body
- 1,005 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 71%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,913
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,705
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000