Choosing a college is one of the most meaningful decisions a family can make. Parents want a place where their student will feel welcomed, supported and safe. They want to know the academics are strong, the professors are invested and the opportunities are real.
Many families tell us they recognized these qualities at Transylvania University through a series of small but powerful moments. A professor who speaks to their student with genuine interest. A staff member who takes time to explain next steps. A student ambassador who shares an honest story that feels familiar. Or the moment they see their student begin to imagine a future here with confidence and excitement.
These moments often reveal what families hope most: that Transylvania is not just a good college, but the right place for their student to grow.
You notice the way people treat your student
Families often share that Transylvania feels personal from the first conversation. Professors introduce themselves in a way that makes students feel seen. Staff members respond thoughtfully to questions. Students on campus greet visitors with warmth and talk openly about their experiences.
Parents say these first impressions matter. They help them understand that their student will not be lost in a crowd, but part of a community that notices, encourages and supports them through every step of their college journey.
Faculty who teach, mentor and spark inspiration
At Transy, faculty do more than teach. They mentor, guide and challenge students to think deeply and see new possibilities. Many parents describe feeling reassured after hearing a professor talk about advising students, collaborating on research or offering support during challenging courses.
This is especially true of Transylvania’s Bingham Endowed Chairs, distinguished faculty leaders who bring innovative teaching, cutting-edge scholarship and forward-thinking approaches directly into the undergraduate experience. Their work strengthens the academic environment and exposes students to faculty who are shaping thought in their fields.
Whether a student is exploring creative writing, studying biology or diving into politics and philosophy, these faculty leaders help them connect coursework to real-world ideas, research and impact. For many parents, knowing that their student will learn from faculty of this caliber reinforces that Transy offers an exceptional academic home.
Opportunities that start early and build confidence
With our Real World Ready Guarantee every Transy student has the opportunity to complete a high-impact learning experience through internships, study abroad or alumni mentoring. They graduate confident, connected and real world ready to lead.
95% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months.
Parents are often surprised by how quickly Transy students begin meaningful, hands-on experiences. Because the university is located in the heart of downtown Lexington, students can walk to internships, community organizations, hospitals, legal offices, arts venues and technology firms.
With the 100 Doors to Success program, students are paired with a successful alum — someone who knows the true value of a Transylvania education and will help guide them through your four years of college and into graduate school or the workforce. Students meet with a mentor regularly throughout the year and learn how to build a professional network, set goals, plan for their career and much more.
Many students also pursue undergraduate research with faculty or design independent projects that connect with Lexington’s vibrant community. These opportunities build confidence and help students develop professional strengths long before graduation.
GlobalTransy and May Term travel courses add even more depth. Whether students may study topics like environmental science in Hawaii or explore cultural dynamics in Costa Rica, these immersive experiences reshape how they see the world and their place in it.
Parents tell us that when they hear their student talk about these opportunities with excitement, the decision feels more certain.
A community that supports their well-being
Academic growth is important, but so is feeling at home. Families consistently share how quickly students find their place at Transy. They meet friends in residence halls, connect with peers in student organizations and find encouragement in academic and co-curricular spaces.
Jessie Reynolds ’25 said, “The community at Transy is so encouraging and has pushed me to take advantage of every opportunity I could.”
Parents value this sense of community. It helps students feel grounded and supported emotionally, socially and intellectually.
Student life is active and welcoming. Students participate in clubs, theater and music, intramurals, leadership groups, outdoor activities and fraternity and sorority life. Lexington’s restaurants, cafes, galleries and parks offer even more ways to explore and connect.
Safety is a central part of student well-being. The campus sits in a historic, walkable neighborhood supported by approachable campus safety officers and accessible well-being services. Families appreciate this balance of independence and reassurance.
You begin to picture their next four years
Parents often describe a moment when they can see their student’s future taking shape at Transy. They imagine them walking to class under the trees, discussing ideas with professors, presenting research, studying abroad or stepping into an internship downtown.
They picture their student gaining confidence, discovering new strengths and forming relationships that will last well beyond graduation. The more clearly they can imagine these moments, the more right the decision feels.
How families know their choice is right
Families tell us they recognized the right choice when their student felt welcomed. When they saw professors treat their student with care and curiosity. When they learned about early internships, mentoring programs and innovative faculty like the Bingham Endowed Chairs who invigorate the academic experience. When student life felt full, safe and energizing.
Most importantly, they knew when they saw their student becoming more confident and hopeful. Choosing a college is not just about where a student will study, but where they will grow. Parents often say that, at Transy, they can already see that growth beginning.
Discover why so many families trust Transylvania University.
Visit campus: apply.transy.edu/portal/visit-options
Learn more for families: transy.edu/parents-families
Ready to join the community? transy.edu/admission/admitted-students