Union Commonwealth University
About Union Commonwealth University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Union Commonwealth University sits in Barbourville, in the Appalachian coal country of southeastern Kentucky, and has taught there since 1879. Nursing, business, kinesiology and liberal arts are its largest programs.
Founded
1879
Location
Barbourville, Kentucky
Students
1,295
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
63.2%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
32.1%
Below national average
Tuition
$30,946
Per year
Avg Net Price
$21,311
After financial aid
SAT Average
980
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$42,002
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
63.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Union Commonwealth University accepts 63.2% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
980/ 1600
ACT Scores
19/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
32.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
63.8%
4-Year Grad
28%
6-Year Grad
37%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$5.2K
Class Size
Medium
The 28% graduation rate is below average, but 63.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$30,946
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$8,261
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$44,322
After Financial Aid
$21,311
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,214
Receive Grants
52.7%
Take Loans
60.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $44,322/yr, including $8,261 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $21,311.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Union Commonwealth University fund their education.
While in School
52.7%
Get Grants
Free money
60.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$36,523
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$257/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,250 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Union Commonwealth University.
Gender
38.9%
Female
61%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
746
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
549
Graduates
40.7%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
11.9%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 40.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 18.4% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
746
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Union Commonwealth University fields 13 varsity teams with 657 student athletes, about 88% of the student body.
Division
NAIA
Division I
Conference
Appalachian
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
657
88% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
71% / 29%
466
Men
191
Women
10
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Union Commonwealth Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$42,002
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$73K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$36K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$41K
24 grads
4yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
—
21 grads
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
—
15 grads
Marketing
—
11 grads
Graduates earn about $37K six years out, growing to $42K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Union Commonwealth University
What is the acceptance rate at Union Commonwealth University?▾
How much does Union Commonwealth University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Union Commonwealth University?▾
How much do Union Commonwealth University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.