Transylvania has lowered tuition and expanded course offerings for summer 2025, making it easier for students to earn a credit over the break whether or not they’re currently enrolled at the university.
A variety of online classes are on tap — from Elementary Statistics to Public Speaking. Since all are completely online or offer a hybrid option, out-of-town Pioneers who return home over the summer are able to enroll in one.
“We’re hoping more students take advantage of the classes we offer here and fewer feel they must take them elsewhere,” Registrar Michelle Robinson said.
All of the classes are synchronous, meaning the students meet with their professor online at the same time. “It’s still a classroom experience with others,” Robinson added.
While students from other schools, along with those who aren’t enrolled anywhere, can register for summer classes at Transy, priority is given to Pioneers. Transylvania students can sign up for them beginning March 24 (the same time as for fall term) through June 3. Register here if you’re not enrolled at the university. The courses can be taken for credit or audit.
For this summer, tuition dropped from $1,250 to $950 for each of the eight classes — it’s the same for in- and out-of-state residents.
There’s already a strong demand for summer courses among Transylvania students, with many now taking them at other schools. However, doing so through Transy means learning from faculty and classmates they’re likely familiar with. Plus they know they’re getting quality, personalized instruction.
“Our students who take classes in the summer elsewhere are often shocked because they are used to the one-on-one attention they get at Transylvania,” Robinson said. “If you’re one of 40 students in a class, you’re not going to get the same level of attention.”
Additionally, Pioneers trying to boost their GPA are better off taking a summer class at Transylvania because the grade will count toward their average, while transferred credits will not. Others may benefit if they’re taking advantage of the Accelerate three-year degree option and need to go year round — or if one of their general education requirements won’t transfer from another school. And looking to after graduation, Transylvania doesn’t charge for transcripts like many other schools do.
As for financial aid, students can often put federal Pell Grants toward summer classes — and they can sometimes use federal or private loans to help cover tuition. Contact the financial aid office for details.
Summer 2025 courses
Elementary Statistics (MATH-1144-OL, Kelly)
Health and Wellness (HES-1114-OL, Moffitt)
Intercultural Communication (WRC-2054-OL, Deaton)
Intro to Africana Studies (IDS-1004-OL, Dangerfield)
Music Appreciation (MUS-1004-01, Spell, online or in person)
Persuasion (WRC-3064-OL, Dangerfield)
Positive Psychology (PSY-2064-OL, Jackson)
Public Speaking (WRC-1034-OL, Deaton)