LEXINGTON, Ky. — Transylvania University is emphasizing how location matters as much as campus when prospective students choose where to attend college, arguing that the right city can make higher education feel like home.

In recent messaging published on the university's 1780 blog, the 1780-founded liberal arts institution highlights how its downtown Lexington location provides students with immediate access to real-world learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

The university notes that Lexington has earned national recognition for hospitality, quality of life and culture. The city of approximately 344,000 people consistently ranks among the best college towns in the nation, offering cultural events, entertainment, dining and major employers within walking distance of campus.

Transylvania's position in downtown Lexington allows students to integrate academic coursework with professional development. The institution emphasizes that internships, research opportunities and career connections are not distant possibilities but part of students' weekly routines. For many, the city becomes an extension of their education.

The university enrolls approximately 1,007 students with an 11-to-1 student-faculty ratio. Classes average about 15 students, allowing professors to invest personally in student success while students maintain access to urban resources.

Beyond academics, Transylvania highlights how downtown location enables community engagement. Students can lead service projects, participate in nonprofits and engage with causes they support, helping them understand their role in the broader community while still in college.

Ninety-five percent of Transylvania graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, according to the university. The institution also reports that more than 99 percent of students receive financial aid, with many finding the net cost comparable to or lower than large public universities.