Union College Guide

Union College has been a cornerstone of Barbourville since 1879. Founded as a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Union has educated generations of students from southeastern Kentucky and beyond. Its campus sits in the heart of town, and the college's presence shapes Barbourville's character — bringing the energy, culture, and diversity that a college provides.

The college offers more than 30 undergraduate degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, along with select graduate programs. Small class sizes and a close-knit campus community are hallmarks of the Union experience. Students come from across Appalachia and the country, and many choose to stay in the region after graduation, contributing to the professional and civic life of Knox County.

Union College isn't just a school — it's a community partner. The college hosts events that draw residents from across Knox County, from homecoming celebrations to cultural performances. Its students volunteer with local organizations, and the college is one of the area's major employers. For a town of Barbourville's size, having a college of this caliber is a tremendous asset.

Visitors to Barbourville can enjoy the campus's historic buildings, attend a Bulldogs game or a theatre production, or simply experience the energy a college brings to a small Appalachian town. The Union College area is one of Barbourville's distinctive neighborhoods, blending academic life with quiet residential streets.