Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Lexington, Kentucky
85% Acceptance Rate
Transylvania University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
85%Acceptance Rate
3.77Avg GPA
1285Avg SAT
27Avg ACT
$58,863Annual Cost
$54,705Grad Salary
24.1%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
85%
Avg GPA
3.77
Avg SAT
1285
Avg ACT
27
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1100–1290
ACT Middle 50%
24–30
Need-Based Aid
24.1% receive Pell
Transylvania University is a private, selective liberal arts college in Kentucky known for its rigorous academic curriculum and historic tradition of excellence. By providing a personalized and challenging educational experience, the college fosters critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing students for graduate study and successful careers.
Transylvania University Acceptance Rate
Admission at Transylvania University is inclusive by design. 85% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 85% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.77 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.57 – 3.76
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.32
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Transylvania University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 15 for Transylvania University (Early Action — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 99 days left — Early Action
Early Action
November 15
Regular Decision
February 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (2025/12/01 (Competitive scholarship priority)) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Transylvania University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Transylvania University is 3.77. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.47 and 3.77? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.97–4.17.Transylvania University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.77 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.57 – 3.76
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.37 – 3.56
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.36
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Graduation requires completing at least 10 "Transy Engagements" - credited attendance at approved campus lectures, films, plays, and similar events.
- Every student must complete a January Term intensive course, frequently involving travel or hands-on experiences carrying additional costs beyond standard tuition.
- Transylvania has no in-house ROTC program; Army and Air Force ROTC are available only through a formal partnership with the University of Kentucky, including tiered scholarships.
- Test-optional with a required admissions essay (1-2 typed, double-spaced pages); average admitted-student GPA is 3.77, with 51% holding a 4.0 GPA, despite an overall 85% acceptance rate.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Transylvania University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Transylvania University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Transylvania University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Transylvania University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Transylvania University Without SAT or ACT?
Transylvania University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Transylvania University Average SAT Score: 1285
Admitted students at Transylvania University average a 1285 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1285 — Slightly Competitive
A 1285 average tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1290 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Transylvania University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1100? A retake is worth it at Transylvania University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 575 | 530 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 620 | 570 | 670 |
| SAT Composite | 1285 | 1100 | 1290 |
A score under 1100 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1290+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Transylvania University with a 1300 SAT?
At 1300, your SAT is squarely in Transylvania University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Transylvania University ACT Requirements
Transylvania University's admitted students average an ACT of 27.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 27 — Competitive
An average of 27 is a respectable, above-average national benchmark.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 26 | 23 | 28 |
| ACT English | 29 | 24 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 27 | 24 | 30 |
Can I get into Transylvania University with a 30 ACT?
At 30, you're in the top quarter of Transylvania University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Transylvania University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Transylvania University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Transylvania University is accessible to students who show core competency. Focus on proving readiness for college-level work and locking in financial aid.
Plan for the 10 Transy Engagements graduation requirement
Graduation requires completing at least 10 "Transy Engagements" - credited attendance at approved campus lectures, films, plays, and similar events. Ask how this is tracked and whether specific events count toward major requirements, since it's a real structural requirement, not optional extracurricular activity.
Budget for January Term travel costs beyond tuition
Every student must take one intensive January Term course, often involving travel or hands-on experiences beyond standard tuition. Ask specifically about the cost range of Jan Term options before assuming tuition covers everything, since this is mandatory every year, not optional.
Use the University of Kentucky partnership if ROTC matters
Transylvania has no in-house ROTC program, but students can enroll in Army or Air Force ROTC through a formal partnership with UK, including tiered scholarships (Type 1 unlimited, Type 2 capped at $18,000, Type 7 capped at $9,000). Confirm enrollment logistics for taking courses at a different campus while remaining a full-time Transylvania student.
Respect the exact essay length constraint
The required admissions essay must be 1-2 typed, double-spaced pages showcasing individuality and potential community contribution. Treat the tight length as a discipline exercise - padding beyond 2 pages or writing well under 1 page both signal a mismatched effort level.
Expert Insight:
Transylvania is technically described as "open admission" by some sources, but the school explicitly recruits and admits students with strong academic profiles (average unweighted GPA 3.77, with 51% of admitted students holding a 4.0). Treat this as functionally moderately selective despite the 85% headline acceptance rate, and don't submit a rushed application assuming admission is a formality.
Transylvania University Profile
Full Name
Transylvania University
City
Lexington
State
Kentucky
ZIP Code
40508-1797
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Transylvania University Degree Worth It?
At $58,863/year against a $54,705 median graduate salary, Transylvania University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $57,100, and graduates see a 2.92% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Transylvania University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $58,863/year at Transylvania University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Transylvania University, 24.1% receive a Pell Grant and 50% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Transylvania University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Transylvania University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Transylvania University graduates report a median income of $54,705, about 35% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Transylvania University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Covenant College | Lookout Mountain, GA | 1254 | 27 |
| Bradley University | Peoria, IL | 1237 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Transylvania University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Transylvania University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Transylvania University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Transylvania University Admissions
Transylvania University graduates earn a moderate median salary of $54,705/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Transylvania University runs high, at roughly $58,863+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
24.1% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. Transylvania University skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Transylvania University's acceptance rate is 85%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Transylvania University students is 3.77, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.47 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Transylvania University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.37 or below makes admission tougher at Transylvania University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Transylvania University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1285, and within the 1100–1290 range, keeps you competitive.
Transylvania University's deadline is November 15 (Early Action).
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before 2025/12/01 (Competitive scholarship priority). That's Transylvania University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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