
310 College Street, Barbourville, KY 40906, USA


Union College-Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. This accreditation ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness in higher education. Maintaining this accreditation is critical for students, as it signifies that the college's academic programs, faculty qualifications, and institutional resources meet recognized benchmarks for educational excellence.
In addition to the institutional accreditation, some specific programs at Union College-Kentucky may hold specialized accreditations relevant to their fields, enhancing the credibility and recognition of these disciplines. Prospective students should verify accreditation status for particular programs of interest if specialized credentials are important for their career goals.
Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges also facilitates students' eligibility for federal financial aid and smooth credit transfer opportunities, which are significant considerations for many when selecting a college. Union College-Kentucky's accredited status underpins its commitment to continuous improvement and accountability to students and stakeholders.
Union College-Kentucky requires applicants to have a high school diploma; a GED is not accepted for admission. Prospective students must also submit their secondary school records and maintain a minimum grade point average from high school. While ranking in secondary school is recommended, it is not mandatory. The college requires TOEFL scores from applicants for whom English is a non-native language. Other standardized tests, though not compulsory, are suggested for stronger consideration.
The institution does not have an open admission policy, indicating selective acceptance based on specific academic criteria. Computer ownership or lease is not a prerequisite for applying. Union College-Kentucky recognizes both dual credit and Advanced Placement credits toward degree requirements.
Admissions statistics reflect an acceptance rate of 55%, placing the college in the lower quarter nationally for selectivity. The average enrolled student's SAT score is 1052, ranking in the bottom 25% percentile, with a mean ACT score of 19, which is in the bottom 10%. These figures illustrate an admission profile that is selective yet accessible to students meeting the outlined academic benchmarks.
Union College-Kentucky requires all prospective students to pay a nonrefundable application fee as part of the admissions process. This fee is set to cover the administrative costs associated with processing each application.
Applicants facing financial hardship may be eligible for a waiver of this application fee. To obtain a waiver, students typically need to provide appropriate documentation demonstrating their financial situation, although specific criteria and procedures for requesting a waiver should be confirmed directly with the college's admissions office.
The availability of fee waivers reflects Union College-Kentucky's commitment to making higher education more accessible by reducing financial barriers during the application phase.
Union College-Kentucky offers access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through its role as a cooperating host institution. This setup allows students to participate in ROTC training affiliated with another nearby university, providing military leadership development opportunities while pursuing their academic degrees.
Transfer students have multiple enrollment options throughout the year at Union College-Kentucky, including fall, winter, and spring terms. The institution considers transfer credits and accepts general CLEP exam credits, which may facilitate a smoother transition for students with prior academic experience. Admission to the college is rated as moderately difficult, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity for incoming transfer applicants.
Union College-Kentucky offers its students opportunities to engage in international study programs designed to enhance their academic experience and global perspective. These programs are tailored to complement the college's curriculum, allowing students to earn credit while exploring diverse cultures and academic environments abroad. The institution supports various formats including semester-long exchanges, short-term faculty-led trips, and summer study options, providing flexibility for students to choose according to their academic schedules and personal interests.
Students may participate in programs that emphasize cultural immersion, language acquisition, or specialized study in fields relevant to their major or career goals. Faculty-led programs often include organized tours, on-site learning, and interaction with local communities, enriching the overall educational experience. Additionally, Union College-Kentucky collaborates with partner institutions globally to facilitate exchange programs that support reciprocal academic engagement.
The college offers advising and preparatory resources to help students navigate the logistics of studying abroad, including application procedures, travel requirements, and financial planning. These support systems are intended to ensure students are well-prepared and can maximize the benefits of their international study experiences.
Median composite SAT score
1052Median composite ACT score
19Percent of students submitting ACT scores
59%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
16%High school completions
High school diploma required and GED is not acceptedComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring