Sullivan University
Tuition per year
$15,480
$25,965 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
2,085
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
Peer median 13 : 1
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Sullivan University, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a well-respected institution known for its focus on career-oriented education. Established in 1962, the university offers a variety of programs across multiple disciplines, including business, technology, health sciences, and culinary arts. One of the university's key features is its commitment to providing a hands-on learning experience, emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This approach is designed to prepare students for the workforce, making them valuable assets to employers upon graduation. Sullivan University is known for its small class sizes, which foster a supportive learning environment where students can receive personalized attention from faculty.
The university's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "Your Future, Your Way," reflecting its dedication to helping students achieve their personal and professional goals. Sullivan University boasts a diverse student body and encourages an inclusive atmosphere that enriches the educational experience. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and culinary studios, which enhance learning and provide students with the tools they need to succeed. Additionally, the university supports student life through various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, promoting a vibrant campus culture. Sullivan University takes pride in its strong alumni network, with many graduates enjoying successful careers in their respective fields. Overall, Sullivan University stands out as a premier institution that prioritizes student success and career readiness.
Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, Gender Ratio, and Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Sullivan University has exhibited significant fluctuations in various metrics over the years. One of the most notable trends is in tuition costs. Between 2014 and 2023, in-state undergraduate tuition has increased from approximately $17,970 to $14,220, but there was a marked decrease in 2019, which may reflect broader economic challenges or shifts in enrollment strategies. This fluctuation can have a substantial impact on prospective students' decisions regarding enrollment, particularly given the rising overall costs of higher education nationwide.
In terms of enrollment, the university has seen a decline in student numbers, with undergraduate enrollment dropping from nearly 4,000 in 2013 to just 1,844 in 2023. This downward trend raises concerns about the university's attractiveness to potential students and could be a signal of the institution's challenges in retaining and attracting new students.
The gender ratio among undergraduates has also shifted, with male students decreasing from approximately 38% in 2013 to about 32.75% in 2023, indicating an increasing female predominance in the student body. This shift might reflect larger societal trends towards higher female participation in higher education, but it also suggests that the university may need to explore strategies to appeal to a more balanced demographic.
Moreover, the student-to-faculty ratio has varied over the years, reaching a low of 9 students per faculty member in 2020. A lower ratio is generally associated with more personalized attention and better educational outcomes, yet the recent increase back to 13 in 2023 may indicate the university's struggle to maintain adequate faculty numbers amid declining enrollment.
Overall, these trends suggest that Sullivan University faces significant challenges in terms of financial sustainability, enrollment retention, and maintaining an appealing demographic balance. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the institution's future viability and success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Louisville
- Nearest international airport
- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), about 5 mi
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Glenn Sullivan (Chancellor/Interim President)
- Phone
- 5024566504
- City
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Address
- 3101 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Physician Assistant · Master's56 (0% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's45 (0% international)
- Pharmacy · Doctoral30 (0% international)
- Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General · Master's22 (0% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Doctoral7 (0% international)
- Information Technology Project Management · Master's4 (25% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Data at Sullivan University
The data from Sullivan University for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the distribution of graduates across various academic fields. Notably, the healthcare disciplines exhibit a significant number of master's graduates, particularly in Physician Assistant studies, which graduated 48 students. This trend aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of ongoing global health challenges, emphasizing the importance of advanced training in this sector.
In the business domain, while some programs like Business Administration and Accounting had a modest number of bachelor's graduates (18 and 12 respectively), their master's programs showed no completions, which raises questions about the alignment of undergraduate and graduate offerings in these fields. Furthermore, the hospitality management sector, despite its relevance in a post-pandemic recovery landscape, reported only a handful of graduates, indicating potential underutilization of educational resources in an industry that is critical to economic revival.
The technology programs also present a mixed picture. Information Technology Project Management graduated one master's student while the Computer and Information Systems Security program did not report any graduates at the master's level, reflecting possible gaps in advanced IT training that warrant attention given the increasing reliance on technology across industries.
Interestingly, the data shows a lack of international graduate representation across the majority of programs, signaling a potential area for growth in attracting global talent to Sullivan University. In conclusion, while certain fields like healthcare are thriving, others may benefit from curriculum reevaluation and enhanced outreach to international students, paving the way for a more balanced academic environment.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. | $38,270 | ||||
| Surgical Technology/Technologist. | $48,739-$110,755 | ||||
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $48,739-$110,755 | ||||
| Physician Assistant. | $48,739-$110,755 | ||||
| Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling. | - | ||||
| Pharmacy. | $126,130 | ||||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $67,588 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $61,673 | ||||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $38,110-$72,489 | ||||
| Accounting. | $60,735 | ||||
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | $60,735 | ||||
| Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | $38,475 | ||||
| Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management. | $38,475 | ||||
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $57,655-$57,982 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef. | $35,035 | ||||
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | $35,035 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | $63,006 | ||||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | $52,568-$65,386 | ||||
| Information Technology Project Management. | $52,568-$65,386 | ||||
| Computer Support Specialist. | $52,568-$65,386 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections, General. | - | ||||
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - | ||||
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
Students
2,498 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 25:75
- Continuing undergraduates 963
- First-year undergraduates 271
- Graduate students 413
- Transfers and others 851
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,085)
Data insights
Composition of Students at Sullivan University in 2023
The student population at Sullivan University in 2023 reflects a diverse demographic with a notable gender disparity across different categories. The data reveals that undergraduate freshmen account for a significant portion of the student body, with 376 individuals, of which 35.6% are male and 64.4% are female. This trend of a higher female representation continues among undergraduate seniors, where females constitute 67.9% of the 1,275 students.
While the undergraduate transfer students show a similar gender distribution with 69.3% female, the graduate students present a slightly more balanced picture, with 35.5% male and 64.5% female representation. This gender disparity raises questions about the underlying factors influencing enrollment decisions and retention rates among male and female students within these categories.
Additionally, the data on ethnic composition is crucial to understanding the broader societal context. The presence of various ethnic groups, including White, Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students, suggests an inclusive environment. However, the detailed breakdown of these groups is essential for a comprehensive analysis that could inform recruitment strategies and support services tailored to the needs of diverse populations.
Overall, Sullivan University’s student composition highlights ongoing trends in higher education regarding gender representation and the importance of fostering an inclusive atmosphere that caters to a wide array of cultural backgrounds. Addressing the gender imbalance and enhancing support for underrepresented groups could significantly improve the educational experience and outcomes for all students.
Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Sullivan University
The data from Sullivan University reveals an interesting age composition among its student body, showcasing a diverse range of ages enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The largest group of students falls within the 25-29 age bracket, accounting for approximately 29% of the total student population. This trend aligns with the growing phenomenon of non-traditional students pursuing higher education later in life, often balancing careers and family responsibilities alongside their academic ambitions.
The age group of 18-19 also represents a significant portion, with nearly 25% of the total students, indicating that the university continues to attract traditional-age college students. However, it is noteworthy that the participation of students aged 30-34 and 35-39 remains robust, suggesting that Sullivan University successfully caters to adult learners who may be seeking career advancement or a career change.
Moreover, the gender distribution within these age groups reveals that female students, particularly in the 25-29 and 22-24 age ranges, outnumber their male counterparts. This trend highlights an ongoing shift in higher education, where more women are enrolling and completing degrees, which is reflective of broader societal changes regarding women's roles in education and the workforce.
In contrast, the representation of students aged 50 and above is minimal, with only a handful of individuals, indicating that while there is interest in lifelong learning, the university might consider strategies to better engage this demographic. Overall, Sullivan University demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its student body, which is essential in today’s evolving educational landscape.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
5 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016
14 in 2025 · 24.5% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Sullivan University
The data on international student enrollment at Sullivan University reveals a fluctuating trend over the years. In the early 2000s, the number of undergraduate international students was relatively low, with a peak of only 0.88% in 2005. However, this percentage saw a significant increase in recent years, particularly in 2023, where it rose to 2.22%, indicating a growing appeal of the university for international students.
On the graduate level, the percentage of international students has shown more substantial growth. From a mere 3.82% in 2004, it spiked dramatically to 25.31% in 2015, marking a peak in the data provided. By 2023, this percentage settled at 6.45%, suggesting a more stable, yet still favorable environment for graduate international students.
The fluctuations in both undergraduate and graduate international student numbers can be attributed to various factors. For instance, global events, economic conditions, and changes in immigration policies often impact the mobility of international students. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has had significant effects on international education, likely contributing to the sharp declines observed in 2020 and 2021.
Overall, while Sullivan University has experienced ups and downs in international enrollments, the recent increase in the undergraduate international student percentage is promising. It reflects the university's potential to attract a diverse student body, which is crucial for fostering a global learning environment. As educational institutions adapt to the changing landscape, it will be interesting to see how Sullivan University continues to evolve and attract international talent in the coming years.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$25,965
- Undergraduate tuition
- $15,480
- Room and board
- $10,485
- Graduate tuition
- $15,840
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose -22% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 8%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$51.1M
Expenses$56.4M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of LouisvilleLouisville · 4.9 mi
U.S. News #179
-
Centre CollegeDanville · 62.4 mi
Liberal Arts #54
-
University of KentuckyLexington · 64.5 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington · 80.4 mi
U.S. News #73
-
Berea CollegeBerea · 87.2 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati · 89.0 mi
U.S. News #179
-
Xavier UniversityCincinnati · 91.4 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Oakland City UniversityOakland City · 91.6 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Miami University-OxfordOxford · 102.7 mi
U.S. News #133
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Sullivan University:
-
University of Louisville - Ranked 195th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Centre College - A liberal arts college ranked 51st, Centre is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
University of Kentucky - With a rank of 159, this comprehensive university is renowned for its research initiatives and diverse educational offerings.
-
Indiana University-Bloomington - This well-regarded university ranks 73rd and is known for its large selection of programs and vibrant student community.
-
Vanderbilt University - A prestigious institution ranked 18th, Vanderbilt is noted for its exceptional academic programs and research opportunities.
These institutions provide a variety of educational options for students in the region.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Sullivan University
The crime statistics from Sullivan University over the past decade showcase a fluctuating trend in campus safety. Notably, 2014 experienced the highest recorded incidents, with a crime rate of 5.10 per 1,000 students, significantly higher than subsequent years. This spike may raise concerns about campus security measures during that period.
Following 2014, the crime rates generally declined, reaching a low of 0.39 in 2022. This downward trend suggests that the university may have implemented effective strategies to enhance student safety, reduce crime, and create a more secure environment. The data indicates a significant drop in arrests related to various offenses, such as drug and alcohol-related incidents, particularly in the years following the peak in 2014.
However, the figures for 2023, though still low at 0.52 per 1,000 students, indicate that vigilance is still necessary. While the absence of serious crimes, such as murder or robbery, is encouraging, the university community must remain proactive in addressing potential threats and ensuring the safety of all students.
Overall, while the decline in crime rates is a positive sign, it is essential for Sullivan University to continue monitoring these trends and maintain strong preventive measures to foster a safe learning environment for all its students. For more detailed calculations of crime rates, please refer to this link.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.