Kentucky’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
What are the best colleges and universities in Kentucky if you reward schools for making the best use of their limited resources? Academic Stewardship asks how effectively schools manage their financial and human resources to gain the influence that makes them academically excellent. Schools that are exemplary in Academic Stewardship are doing everything in their power to help students and faculty achieve their full potential.
Colleges and universities in Kentucky deserve to be recognized when they do more with less. It’s impressive when a large wealthy school can spend money lavishly on expensive buildings and programs. But it’s even more impressive when a small school with limited means is able to train and inspire students that the larger wealthier schools tend to ignore.
The American Association of Colleges and Universities reported in late 2021 that almost 75 percent of higher-education professionals at US colleges and universities felt financial constraints prevented their schools from effectively attracting students. Distracted by the size and amenities of larger schools, prospective students tended especially to be overawed by the big research universities.
Kentucky’s smaller colleges, especially its liberal arts colleges, need effective ways of communicating their value to a world that celebrates “bigger is better” and “you need the best.” Unfortunately, most college ranking companies, such as U.S. News & World Report, define “best” in a way that devalues schools with smaller budgets and fewer students even when these schools do remarkable work in advancing their students’ education. By and large, college rankings penalize schools that serve underserved populations.
Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell, who for years now has criticized conventional college rankings for misrepresenting what’s good and valuable in education, we decided to construct a new ranking metric that highlights those schools that do more with less. That metric—called the Academic Stewardship metric—takes away both the size and the wealth advantage of schools, and focuses instead on how well schools use the resources available to them to advance the education of their students.
How We Measure the Academic Stewardship of Kentucky’s Colleges and Universities
As a metric, Academic Stewardship is defined by a precise mathematical formula, which can be found in our Academic Stewardship white paper. Measuring the Academic Stewardship of Kentucky’s colleges requires measuring two forms of stewardship: 1) Stewardship of financial resources (using the money they have responsibility without waste) and 2) Stewardship of human resources (doing their best to help students, faculty, and administration to flourish). Together, these two types of stewardship form what we call Academic Stewardship. If you want to learn more about the factors involved in Academic Stewardship, click the more button below.
- Stewardship of financial resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of financial resources, we factored in its undergraduate size, budget, endowments and reserves, as well as tuition and fees. All these data are available from the National Center for Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. In addition, we factored in a school’s financial responsibility as gauged by the Federal Student Aid Office at the US Department of Education through its financial responsibility composite scores.
- Stewardship of human resources: To determine a school’s stewardship of human resources, we used our InfluenceRanking engine to track the influence of the school’s faculty and alumni but also to control for size of the undergraduate student body. We’ve found that measuring a school’s influence based on the contributions of faculty and alumni make in their fields of study but then also controlling for size of the undergraduate population is the single best indicator of academic excellence. We call this Concentrated Influence. Schools that rank highly in Concentrated Influence are schools that, given their available human resources, invest heavily in their students and faculty, and the results are demonstrable.
- We measure the influence of colleges and universities based on the publications and citations of the schools’ faculty and alumni who are teaching in and working in areas related to their degrees. To do this, we take publicly available databases, such as Semantic Scholar, Crossref, and Wikipedia and use these to measure the influence of academics in their disciplines. Having measured the influence of persons, we then identify the schools that they’re affiliated with, adding up the influence scores of the faculty and alumni to measure the influence of the schools and their disciplinary programs. Finally, we control these influence scores by size of undergraduate student body so that schools do not score high in influence simply because of a size advantage. We lay out these methodological considerations on our methodology page.
- Academic Stewardship: Having measured a school’s stewardship of financial and human resources in the two previous points, we now divide the second measure by the first to define the Academic Stewardship metric. This metric spotlights smaller schools, with fewer financial resources and people, that invest wisely and do proportionately better in building influence than large wealthy schools. Many of these smaller, less wealthy schools are incentivized to make better use of their resources but would never get recognized in conventional school rankings, which directly or indirectly put a premium on the wealth of schools.
Academic Stewardship as so defined is connected to keeping tuition and other costs down, but it should not be confused with affordability or frugality. The schools that this metric ranks as exemplary academic stewards tend to be all over the map when it comes to tuition and other costs. At issue is the influence of schools given the financial and human resources they have on hand. If a school is going to charge more for tuition, then that needs to be reflected in the school having proportionately greater influence.
Why Academic Stewardship Matters to Students and Their Families
The benefits of attending a school with strong academic stewardship include:
- A clear reason for why students are at the school in the first place. Without the distraction of amenities and luxuries, these schools are at once unpretentious but also passionately committed to their educational mission. The schools in this ranking are financially efficient and academically rigorous. By avoiding frills, these schools take the most direct path to accomplishing their mission of educating students.
- Valuing character over prestige and self-indulgence. A school that’s a good steward of its resources doesn’t instill shame in its students over what they are missing (such as elite cuisine) but rather pride in what they have and making the most of it. These schools exhibit a culture of good stewardship, which tends to build good character in the students that attend these schools.
- Avoiding the spoiled-student syndrome. It’s easy to think that offering students endless options and opportunities will enrich their time at school in every way. But spoiling people—whether in business, sports, or academics—has the opposite effect, causing people to take their advantages for granted and in the end achieving less than they might otherwise, a point well-documented in Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code. Schools exhibiting academic stewardship avoid this pitfall.
- The best schools vs. the schools that help students to be their best. Students at schools demonstrating outstanding academic stewardship aren’t so much concerned about being at the “best” school, whatever that may mean, as about being at a school that helps them to be their best. These schools pay attention to their students, hoping that any glory goes to them rather than to the school. Small schools, and especially liberal arts colleges, help themselves by communicating this advantage to prospective students.
- Emphasizing development over talent and achievement. Schools like Harvard and Stanford have their pick of academic talent, and their students have a long record of achievement even before they apply to such elite schools. But if a school doesn’t have the resources of a Harvard or Stanford, how does it build a great team of students? In that case, it must focus on student development. Colleges exemplifying academic stewardship emphasize student growth and development, ensuring that the schools are doing everything in their power to help students reach their full potential and thereby become their best selves.
Kentucky’s Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
- #24 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #6 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/21
Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown College
Cost of Degree: $41,600Expenses: $14,774Starting Salary: $50,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgetown College known for?
Georgetown College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- History
- Physics
- Biology
- Literature
- Political Science
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
69%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/26
Career Outlook for degree at Transylvania University
Cost of Degree: $43,670Expenses: $16,100Starting Salary: $50,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Transylvania University known for?
Transylvania University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Economics
- Biology
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #19 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #8 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
32%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
880/17
Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky State University
Cost of Degree: $9,004Expenses: $12,571Starting Salary: $31,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kentucky State University known for?
Kentucky State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- Biology
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Medical
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Kentucky State University’s Online Degrees
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
87%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1332/29
Career Outlook for degree at Centre College
Cost of Degree: $48,070Expenses: $15,400Starting Salary: $53,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Centre College known for?
Centre College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
25%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1217/25
Career Outlook for degree at Berea College
Cost of Degree: $45,026Expenses: $11,042Starting Salary: $36,300Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Berea College known for?
Berea College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Education
- History
- Physics
- Communications
- Political Science
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #5 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's in English
- #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #12 Best Online Master's in Economics
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #18 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #23 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
58%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1077/22
Career Outlook for degree at Murray State University
Cost of Degree: $9,432Expenses: $15,655Starting Salary: $42,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Murray State University known for?
Murray State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Murray State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Agricultural Science
Degree Concentrations
- Agribusiness
- Agriscience Technology
- Required Credits: 169
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity and Network Management
Degree Concentrations
- Cybersecurity
- Wireless Communications
- Network and Systems Administration
- Required Credits: 102-104
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
47%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Morehead State University
Cost of Degree: $9,560Expenses: $13,043Starting Salary: $37,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Morehead State University known for?
Morehead State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Business
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Physics
- Biology
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Morehead State University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BUS in University Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #17 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #5 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
- #6 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #7 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
- #9 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
49%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1062/20
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $9,844Expenses: $13,160Starting Salary: $39,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eastern Kentucky University known for?
Eastern Kentucky University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Business
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Eastern Kentucky University’s Online Degrees
BA in Corrections & Juvenile Justice Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Emergency Medical Care
Degree Concentrations
- Emergency Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Child & Family Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Child Development
- Required Credits: 120-125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Health Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Global Hospitality and Tourism
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Geral Psychology
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Forensic Psychology
- Child & Family Psychology
- Workplace Psychology
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Brain & Cognitive Sciences
- Substance Abuse
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Occupational Safety
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Fire Protection Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Homeland Security
Degree Concentrations
- Disaster management
- Intelligence studies
- and Security operations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Risk Management & Insurance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Paralegal Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Police Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #3 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
- #6 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #15 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
51%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/21
Career Outlook for degree at Western Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $11,112Expenses: $14,336Starting Salary: $38,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Kentucky University known for?
Western Kentucky University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Western Kentucky University’s Online Degrees
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Workforce Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminology
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Family And Consumer Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- Family Studies
- Child Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BIS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
Degree Concentrations
- Community
- Environment And Development
- Family-Gender And Sexuality
- Inequality And Social Change
- Research Methods
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
- #5 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #5 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #5 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Master's in Special Education
- #12 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #13 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
- #14 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #19 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #21 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
- #25 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
62%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Louisville
Cost of Degree: $12,520Expenses: $19,160Starting Salary: $48,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Louisville known for?
University of Louisville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- History
- Law
- Communications
- Education
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
University of Louisville’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accountancy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Communication
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Organizational Leadership & Learning
Degree Concentrations
- Counseling and Human Relations Track
- Early Childhood Education
- Healthcare Leadership Track
- Career & Technical Education
- Counseling & Human Relations
- Early Childhood Education
- Healthcare Leadership (term or flex option)
- Leadership
- Training & Organization Development
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Sociology
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Sport Administration
- Required Credits: 123
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #9 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #20 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
50%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/22
Career Outlook for degree at Northern Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $10,592Expenses: $14,548Starting Salary: $41,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northern Kentucky University known for?
Northern Kentucky University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Law
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Northern Kentucky University’s Online Degrees
BA/BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Services and Addictions
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Psychological Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Integrative Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- General Business
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #14 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #1 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
- #3 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #7 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
- #7 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
- #8 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #8 Best Online Master's in Special Education
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #9 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #13 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #15 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #15 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
- #16 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #25 Best Online Master's in Management
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
69%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Kentucky
Cost of Degree: $12,859Expenses: $20,206Starting Salary: $54,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Kentucky known for?
University of Kentucky’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Kentucky’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Health Science
Degree Concentrations
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Information Communication Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024 #9 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024 #24 Best Online Associate in Human Services #13 20 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
50%
Graduation
43%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Brescia University
Cost of Degree: $27,950Expenses: $15,640Starting Salary: $48,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Brescia University known for?
Brescia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Brescia University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Theology
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
27%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Sullivan University
Cost of Degree: $14,220Expenses: $18,501Starting Salary: $35,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sullivan University known for?
Sullivan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Sullivan University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Resource Leadership
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Justice and Public Safety Administration
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Cyber Security Professional
- Network Support Administration and Security
- Web Design and Application Development
- System Support and Administration
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate in Education
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #9 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #9 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #15 Best Online Master's in Theology
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
- #20 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #20 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #24 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #10 20 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
41%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at Campbellsville University
Cost of Degree: $26,100Expenses: $15,662Starting Salary: $35,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Campbellsville University known for?
Campbellsville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Education
- History
- Business
- Nursing
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Campbellsville University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Leadership And Missions
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Liberal Arts And Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Pastoral Ministries
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Kentucky’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
Colleges and Universities in Kentucky
Students who wish to attend traditional and online colleges in Kentucky have plenty of excellent options. Traditional students and distance learners alike have an array of affordable, accessible, and reputable undergraduate and graduate degrees to choose from.
Between community colleges, technical schools, and universities, Kentucky has 24 public schools. The community colleges and technical schools average $4,000 for tuition, and tuition for public universities ranges from $8,000 to $12,000. Online students pay the same in state tuition rates when enrolling in these public options.
Prospective students planning to attend private colleges can choose from 26 schools, of which 21 are religiously affiliated. The cost to attend private schools tends to be higher, reaching $42,000 in Kentucky. There are, however, some affordable private options with tuition rates as low as $9,000.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
The largest and top-rated public university is the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky has over 30,000 students and costs about $12,000. UK offers a wide range of traditional and fully online programs in areas like political science, chemistry, and literature.
Students who attend either the University of Louisville or Western Kentucky University will become part of a friendly basketball rivalry. Both of these universities also offer highly regarded graduate and undergraduate degrees in fields like mathematics, communications, business, and history.
Eastern Kentucky University is also among the top public colleges in Kentucky, with more than 14,000 students enrolled in a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
In addition, Kentucky encourages graduating education students to apply for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. This financial aid program awards $5,000 to $17,500 toward Federal Stafford loans to those remaining in the profession.
There is something for everyone in The Bluegrass State. Kentucky is home to the famous Kentucky Derby, the Daniel Boone National Forest, and the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Both traditional and online Students wanting to study in a state that Abraham Lincoln and Muhammad Ali called home have 50 higher learning institutions from which to choose.
Kentucky has it all - associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Check out the top brick-and-mortar and online schools the state of Kentucky has to offer.
What are Kentucky’s Colleges & Universities?
- 7 Research Universities
- 20 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 9 Graduate Schools
- 8 Public Colleges & Universities
- 19 Private Colleges & Universities
- 15 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 18 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 11 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 16 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges