History and Founding Background
Sullivan University was founded in 1962 in Louisville, Kentucky, by A.O. Sullivan and A.R. Sullivan to pave the way for students’ professional success. Beginning as a one-year vocational business school in Kentucky, Sullivan Business College offered programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in business. From awarding associate degrees to granting bachelor’s degrees in 1972, master’s degrees in 1990 and 1997, and launching its first doctoral program in 2008, the institution in Louisville, Kentucky, gradually expanded to offer a broader range of programs (including biological sciences, education and social work, health services, mathematics, and the humanities). Sullivan University was officially established in 2000. From a single central campus to three campuses in Louisville, Lexington, and Knoxville, Kentucky; from offering a single program to now operating three campuses and Kentucky Online; from a business school to Sullivan University. Replacement American University Diploma for Display Purposes
Campus Location and Transportation
Sullivan University is located in Louisville, Kentucky, the state’s largest city. It is easily accessible, situated 109 miles from Indianapolis, 92 miles from Cincinnati, and 153 miles from Nashville. The surrounding area features numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, allowing students to explore and enjoy the city at any time. Sullivan University has a main campus in Louisville, with satellite campuses in Lexington and Knoxville. Students can take courses from any faculty member at Sullivan University. Sullivan University is one of the few institutions rated Level 5 for campus safety; security personnel conduct 24-hour patrols and provide transportation services.
Scholarships and Financial Aid System
Committed to providing a quality education to as many students as possible, Sullivan University offers financial aid programs, including scholarships, with 96% of students receiving some form of assistance. The average institutional grant at Sullivan University provides approximately $4,812 per student. Sullivan University’s 2025 undergraduate tuition is $14,220, significantly lower than the average tuition at private universities in the United States. In addition to traditional federal and state grants, Sullivan University offers a special scholarship for high school graduates, benefiting 18 students annually with a total of $18,000. Based on academic performance and leadership, Sullivan University awards annual merit scholarships of up to $18,000. Sullivan University is a member of the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing additional support for veterans and active-duty military personnel during their studies and recognizing military training credits.
Why Is It So Popular?
Sullivan University’s “step-by-step” degree pathway allows all students to earn a useful credential or degree within a year and quickly enter the workforce. Students can obtain a vocational certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in one year—and some can even earn a master’s degree within that same timeframe. Small class sizes are another hallmark of Sullivan University; a 1:9 student-to-faculty ratio helps every student progress quickly. The employment rate after graduation exceeds 90%, and the Career Development Center actively assists unemployed students by helping them refine their resumes and providing job referrals. Sullivan University offers a wide range of convenient evening, weekend, and online classes to accommodate working students.
The Culinary Arts, Information Technology, and Nursing programs are Sullivan University’s three flagship programs. Classes are held in real kitchens, simulated hospitals, and laboratories, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in authentic work environments and become familiar with the job, enabling them to start working immediately upon graduation. For students who wish to enter the workforce and begin their careers as soon as possible, Sullivan University is an excellent choice.
Career Development Center Support
Sullivan University’s Career Development Center provides comprehensive career counseling from enrollment through graduation and beyond: resume and cover letter editing, mock interviews, career strategy consulting, networking support, and participation in resume and recommendation letter submission events. The center also proactively contacts employers to provide career consulting services, recommend resumes, and arrange campus interviews or on-site interviews at employers’ locations. The university also regularly organizes career fairs, allowing students to interact directly with employers. Graduates of Sullivan University who meet academic requirements can continue to use the Career Development Center indefinitely: the promise that “you can continue to enjoy the university’s career counseling services after graduation” brings comfort and gratitude to 93% of Sullivan University graduates.
