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Union Commonwealth University

Barbourville, KY · Private Nonprofit

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55.0%
Acceptance
1020
SAT
$34,700
Sticker Price
$25,500
Net Price*
$42,002
Earnings
14.6 yrs
Payback
834
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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What is Union Commonwealth University's acceptance rate?

Down 1.3 percentage points since 2018

With a 55.0% acceptance rate, Union Commonwealth University is considered moderately selective. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Union Commonwealth University?

Union Commonwealth University received 834 applications in 2023, down 46% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 43% is strong for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Union Commonwealth University?

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing leads as the most popular major at Union Commonwealth University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Union Commonwealth University?

Tuition has increased by 32% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 26% from $27,600 to $34,700.

Tuition Total Cost

How much do Union Commonwealth University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $56,415 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $56,415
$9,348 $113,585
Teacher Education and Professi... $29,685
$9,348 $113,585
Health and Physical Education/... $24,035
$9,348 $113,585
This school National avg

Union Commonwealth University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 834 459 55.0% 43.1%
2022 1,142 610 53.4% 32.8%
2021 723 408 56.4% 34.3%
2020 1,249 716 57.3% 36.0%
2019 1,357 742 54.7% 22.8%
2018 1,539 867 56.3% 25.6%
2017 1,325 841 63.5% 29.7%
2016 1,344 907 67.5% 29.1%
2015 1,337 925 69.2% 23.0%

Is Union Commonwealth University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

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Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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What do Union Commonwealth University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,002
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$6,000 $42,002 median $55,200

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $6,000 while the top 10% earn $55,200. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$36,529
Median Debt
$24,250
6-Year Graduation Rate
36.0%

How much does Union Commonwealth University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Union Commonwealth University is approximately $34,700 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

Tuition
$26,330
Fees
$1,670
Room & Board
$6,700
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,700

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $12,372
$30-48k income $15,306
$48-75k income $25,500
$75-110k income $44,375
$110k+ income $44,375

Which majors pay the most?

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $56,415
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $29,685
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness $24,035
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods N/A
  • Sociology N/A

Who attends Union Commonwealth University?

Union Commonwealth University enrolls 1,129 students, with 28% from outside the United States. Women make up 42% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 1,129
Retention Rate 58%
International 28%
Women 42%
Race/Ethnicity
White 50%
Black 10%
Hispanic 3%
Asian 2%

How much financial aid is available?

95% of students receive some form of financial aid at Union Commonwealth University. About 51% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 95%
Avg: $23,170 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 51%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 65%
Avg: $6,630
School's Own Grants 98%
Avg: $16,918 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Union Commonwealth University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

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