Union Commonwealth University
Union Commonwealth University is a private nonprofit university in Barbourville, KY ranked #1527 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 746 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 63.1%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 63.8% first-year retention, and 32.1% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $21,311, about $4,313 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -57.1%, roughly 142.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $36,529. That's about $7,159 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Union Commonwealth University has an acceptance rate of 63.1%, annual tuition of $30,946, average net price of $21,311, and a national rank of #1527 (Grade C+), with a 32.1% six-year graduation rate, about 746 undergraduates, and median earnings of $36,529 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Union Commonwealth University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Union Commonwealth University graduates 32.1% of students within six years and keeps 63.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Union Commonwealth University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $30,946 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,261 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,100 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $44,322 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 52.7% of Union Commonwealth University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $12,214 to $44,322 depending on family income. Use Union Commonwealth University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $44,322/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $44,322/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $36,529
- 10-Year Median Earnings $36,529
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 46.7%
- Employment Rate 89.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Union Commonwealth University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Union Commonwealth University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Union Commonwealth University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Union Commonwealth University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Union Commonwealth University graduates earn $36,529 median, the -57.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 15-22
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 746
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 63.8%
- Graduation Rate 32.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Union Commonwealth University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Union Commonwealth University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 63.1%, Union Commonwealth University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 63.1% acceptance rate, Union Commonwealth University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Union Commonwealth University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 22.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 17.7%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 9.1%
- Psychology, General 6.9%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.3%
See more majors
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.3%
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Profe 4.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $72,614
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $35,875
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Education, General (Master's Degree) $63,402
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $46,458
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $72,614—102% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($35,875). Graduate: Education, General programs lead with $63,402 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Union Commonwealth University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 10 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (22 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Marketing
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Sociology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biology, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Education, General
- Chemistry
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Mathematics
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 746
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 61.1%
- Female Students 38.9%
- Caucasian 49.3%
- Asian 0.5%
- Hispanic 3.8%
- Black 18.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 52.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Union Commonwealth University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Union Commonwealth University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Union Commonwealth University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Union Commonwealth University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Union Commonwealth University has a diverse student body, with 49.3% identifying as White. Men make up 61.1% of undergraduates. 52.7% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Union Commonwealth University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Union Commonwealth University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Union Commonwealth University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -57.1% ROI. Ranked #1527 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,311 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $36,529 median earnings. With 32.1% graduating within six years and 63.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Union Commonwealth University's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1527 ranking, Union Commonwealth University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,311 annually, Union Commonwealth University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 63.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,918 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -57.1% ROI and $36,529 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,311+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Union Commonwealth University ranks #1527 of 6101 institutions, with 1285 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 32.1% six-year graduation rate sits 30.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 63.8% first-year retention is 13.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -57.1% return on investment is 142.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $36,529 run about 16% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,311 is roughly $3,914 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 63.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.8% employment rate within three years sits 21.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,311 is about $3,914 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Union Commonwealth University, a private nonprofit university in Barbourville, KY, secures a C+ grade in our latest review. It appears at #1527 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support C+, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 63.8% retention and 32.1% six-year graduation. The reported ROI is -57.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,311 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $44,322.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $23,011 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 52.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $36,529 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 16% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.8%.
The ROI comes in near -57.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
63.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Union Commonwealth University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Union Commonwealth University's acceptance rate?
Union Commonwealth University's acceptance rate is 63.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Union Commonwealth University cost?
At Union Commonwealth University, listed tuition and fees are $30,946 per year, and the average net price after aid is $21,311. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Union Commonwealth University's ranking?
Union Commonwealth University ranks #1527 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Union Commonwealth University's graduation rate?
At Union Commonwealth University, the six-year graduation rate is 32.1%, and first-year retention is 63.8%.
What are Union Commonwealth University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Union Commonwealth University report median earnings of $36,529 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Union Commonwealth University's student population?
Union Commonwealth University enrolls about 746 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Barbourville, KY 40906-1499
- Website www.unionky.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$31.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate29.0%