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?

Kentucky’s Best Overall

How do we determine Kentucky's best colleges and universities?

Methodology

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great! If you are serious about finding the best colleges and universities for a bachelor’s degree, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching and whether their graduates are themselves advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence in their fields of study.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Concentrated Influence provides a ranking that is freer from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

To rank the influence of schools, we first determine the influence of scholars and professionals based on the number of citations and publications they have had over the past 10 years. In addition to publications and citations, we consider the web links to and from these sources, and the page views of those sources. We then match the influential people to their alma maters and institutions of employment, so that their influence is attributed to those schools. Our machine-learning Influence Ranking algorithm produces a numerical score of academic achievements, merits, and citations across Wikipedia, wikidata, Crossref, Semantic Scholar and an ever-growing body of data. If you are interested in exploring how and why we rank by influence, explore our methodology in more depth.

We’ve identified 27 colleges and universities in Kentucky that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Kentucky below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Kentucky.

Best Colleges in Kentucky 2023

#1
University of Kentucky
Lexington , KY
#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 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
68%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Kentucky
Cost of Degree: $12,610
Expenses: $19,080
Starting Salary: $45,128
Salary after 4 years: $59,655
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is University of Kentucky known for?

University of Kentucky’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Mathematics
History
Medical
Anthropology
Nursing
Business
Law
Engineering
Chemistry
Social Work

Most Influential Alumni

Thomas Hunt Morgan
Wendell Berry
Joe Nickell
William M. Bass
Scott Pruitt
Story Musgrave
William Lipscomb
James C. Klotter
Walter Hooper
David Schweickart
Pat Riley
Mitch McConnell
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
Compare school
#2
University of Louisville
Louisville , KY
#2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
62%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Louisville
Cost of Degree: $12,370
Expenses: $17,834
Starting Salary: $55,050
Salary after 4 years: $64,305
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is University of Louisville known for?

University of Louisville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Medical
Law
History
Communications
Mathematics
Education
Political Science
Social Work
Psychology
Criminal Justice

Most Influential Alumni

Diane Sawyer
Simon Flexner
Ray Birdwhistell
Anthony Atala
Mitch McConnell
John A. Logan
Aryeh Kaplan
Howard Fineman
Chang-Lin Tien
Bob Edwards
Johnny Unitas
Sam Gilliam
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
Compare school
#3
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green , KY
#3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
54%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
Career Outlook for degree at Western Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $10,992
Expenses: $13,823
Starting Salary: $40,906
Salary after 4 years: $48,532
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Western Kentucky University known for?

Western Kentucky University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Anthropology
Earth Sciences
Mathematics
Chemistry
Education
History
Biology
Business
Sociology
Medical

Most Influential Alumni

Harry B. Gray
Larry Elmore
William D. Mounce
Sue Grafton
Danny Jorgensen
Kern Alexander
Michael Rosenbaum
Courtney Lee
Hal Rogers
Jerry Markham
John Carpenter
Kenny Perry
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
Compare school
#4
Berea College
Berea , KY
#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
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degree
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
33%
Graduation
66%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/24
Career Outlook for degree at Berea College
Cost of Degree: $43,612
Expenses: $10,784
Starting Salary: $28,941
Salary after 4 years: $40,215
Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Berea College known for?

Berea College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Sociology
Chemistry
Literature
Religious Studies
Education
History
Physics
Communications
Political Science
Economics

Most Influential Alumni

Carter G. Woodson
Rocky Tuan
James Fieser
John B. Fenn
Sumit Ganguly
George Samuel Hurst
James L. Powell
Harold L. Moses
Mack A. Breazeale
John Welsh
Charles E. Bishop
Robert G. Lawson
Compare school
#5
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond , KY
#17 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
48%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/22
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $9,752
Expenses: $12,210
Starting Salary: $41,416
Salary after 4 years: $49,579
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Eastern Kentucky University known for?

Eastern Kentucky University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Criminal Justice
Earth Sciences
Chemistry
Education
History
Political Science
Biology
Business
Mathematics
Economics

Most Influential Alumni

Tom Colbert
Don Showalter
Eula Bingham
Danny Ford
Crystal Wilkinson
Teresa W. Haynes
Steve Smith
Dan Patrick
Lee Majors
Thaksin Shinawatra
Mike Harmon
Faith Esham
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
Compare school
#6
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights , KY
#3 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
48%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/23
Career Outlook for degree at Northern Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $10,392
Expenses: $14,754
Starting Salary: $43,101
Salary after 4 years: $53,328
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Northern Kentucky University known for?

Northern Kentucky University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Anthropology
Computer Science
Law
Psychology
Mathematics
Political Science
Criminal Justice
Education
History
Sociology

Most Influential Alumni

Gary Webb
George Clooney
Steve Zahn
Jeff Walz
Michael Dourson
Maria T. Accardi
Nate Jones
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
Compare school
#7
Murray State University
Murray , KY
#3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #1 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
56%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/24
Career Outlook for degree at Murray State University
Cost of Degree: $9,252
Expenses: $15,458
Starting Salary: $44,471
Salary after 4 years: $52,748
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Murray State University known for?

Murray State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Earth Sciences
Biology
History
Chemistry
Engineering
Economics
Physics
Mathematics
Psychology
Education

Most Influential Alumni

Joe Staton
Jeff Easley
David L. Armstrong
Popeye Jones
Ja Morant
Jim Varney
Chris Thile
Terry Yates
Vicki Funk
Kirk Rueter
W. Earl Brown
Alison Marr
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
Compare school
#8
Transylvania University
Lexington , KY
#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
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
73%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/27
Career Outlook for degree at Transylvania University
Cost of Degree: $42,520
Expenses: $15,550
Starting Salary: $40,095
Salary after 4 years: $53,331
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Transylvania University known for?

Transylvania University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

History
Economics
Biology
Political Science
Chemistry
Literature
Communications
Mathematics
Philosophy
Education

Most Influential Alumni

Stephen F. Austin
John C. Breckinridge
John Marshall Harlan
Albert Sidney Johnston
John Hunt Morgan
Richard Mentor Johnson
Thomas Holley Chivers
James Lane Allen
Eugene C. Barker
Richard Berman
John E. Fryer
Charles Wilkins Short
Compare school
#9
Centre College
Danville , KY
#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
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
86%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1220/29
Career Outlook for degree at Centre College
Cost of Degree: $46,000
Expenses: $14,700
Starting Salary: $35,065
Salary after 4 years: $57,075
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Centre College known for?

Centre College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Literature
History
Chemistry
Mathematics
Biology
Political Science
Philosophy
Economics
Religious Studies
Physics

Most Influential Alumni

John C. Breckinridge
John Marshall Harlan
Andrew Fleming West
Adlai Stevenson I
Ernest S. Croot III
Fred M. Vinson
Philip B. Coulter
George Ella Lyon
Kern Alexander
William Preston Johnston
Bo McMillin
Charles R. Martin
Compare school
#10
Bellarmine University
Louisville , KY
#3 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
65%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/24
Career Outlook for degree at Bellarmine University
Cost of Degree: $44,620
Starting Salary: $45,938
Salary after 4 years: $54,303
What is Bellarmine University known for?

Bellarmine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Philosophy
Psychology
Mathematics
Communications
Economics
Political Science
History
Literature
Computer Science
Business

Most Influential Alumni

Frank L. Schmidt
John M. Culkin
Gerald J. Lynch
Suzanne Lenhart
Joseph C. Burke
Todd Wellemeyer
James N. Seiber
Shawn Evans
Dillon Ward
Kyle Sorensen
John James
Sean Thomson
Compare school
#11
Morehead State University
Morehead , KY
#6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
45%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Morehead State University
Cost of Degree: $9,462
Expenses: $13,652
Starting Salary: $38,043
Salary after 4 years: $45,184
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Morehead State University known for?

Morehead State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Mathematics
Engineering
Business
Education
Earth Sciences
History
Computer Science
Biology
Physics
Literature

Most Influential Alumni

Phil Simms
Chris Offutt
Jon Rauch
Kenneth Faried
Ron Lewis
Sally Haydon
Paul Nickell
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
Compare school
#12
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville , KY
#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
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
36%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Campbellsville University
Cost of Degree: $25,400
Expenses: $15,492
Starting Salary: $37,158
Salary after 4 years: $47,236
Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Campbellsville University known for?

Campbellsville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Social Work
Economics
Criminal Justice
Religious Studies
Literature
History
Education
Business
Political Science
Communications

Most Influential Alumni

E. Bruce Heilman
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
Compare school
#13
University of Pikeville
Pikeville , KY
#5 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Tuition + fees
$23K
Graduation
31%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Pikeville
Cost of Degree: $22,650
Expenses: $13,240
Starting Salary: $41,548
Salary after 4 years: $63,496
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is University of Pikeville known for?

University of Pikeville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Medical
History
Biology
Communications
Nursing
Literature
Computer Science
Education
Criminal Justice
Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

Donnie Jones
University of Pikeville’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Nursing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#14
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg , KY
#6 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
48%
Student body
16K
Median SAT/ACT
1035/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of the Cumberlands
Cost of Degree: $9,875
Expenses: $15,009
Starting Salary: $44,567
Salary after 4 years: $48,240
Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is University of the Cumberlands known for?

University of the Cumberlands’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Psychology
Criminal Justice
Religious Studies
Business
Literature
Education
Communications
History
Political Science
Biology

Most Influential Alumni

Chris Ulmer
Harold L. Moses
Jean Ritchie
Betty Siegel
Virginia R. Young
Ergun Caner
Bert Combs
University of the Cumberlands’s Online Degrees
BS/BA in Applied Science

Degree Concentrations
Accounting
Allied Health
Business Administration
Coaching
Criminal Justice
General Studies
Human Services
Information Technology
Missions and Ministries
Public Health

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science in Coaching

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Accounting

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BAS in Human Services

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BAS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Elementary Education

Degree Concentrations
English/Communications
Interdisciplinary
Social and Behavioral Studies
Special Education*

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration

Degree Concentrations
Business Administration
Finance
Strategic Marketing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BAS in General Studies

Required Credits: 27
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BAS in Missions and Ministry

Required Credits: 122
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Nursing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: None Reported
BAS in Information Technology

Degree Concentrations
Cybersecurity
Infrastructure
Management
Software Engineering

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS/BAS in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Information Technology

Degree Concentrations
Cybersecurity
Infrastructure
Management
Software Engineering

Required Credits: 128
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#15
Georgetown College
Georgetown , KY
#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
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #20 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
56%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown College
Cost of Degree: $41,200
Expenses: $14,474
Starting Salary: $35,919
Salary after 4 years: $43,116
Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Georgetown College known for?

Georgetown College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Sociology
History
Physics
Biology
Economics
Political Science
Philosophy
Literature
Religious Studies
Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

Scott Pruitt
James C. Klotter
Patrick Francis Healy
Jacqueline Taylor
Steven Curtis Chapman
Red Foley
Gary Bauer
Woo Chia-wei
Paul Derringer
Joe Dan Osceola
Billy Ray Cyrus
Hollis Summers
Compare school
#16
Kentucky State University
Frankfort , KY
#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
65%
Graduation
37%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
955/17
Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky State University
Cost of Degree: $9,020
Expenses: $8,988
Starting Salary: $32,532
Salary after 4 years: $41,356
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What 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
Medical
Literature
Sociology

Most Influential Alumni

Whitney Young
Tom Colbert
Margaret Buckner Young
Jayjay Helterbrand
Rhonda Childress
Eleanor Young Love
Yingluck Shinawatra
Tim Duncan
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
Compare school
#17
Sullivan University
Louisville , KY
#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
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
20%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Sullivan University
Cost of Degree: $13,500
Expenses: $17,491
Starting Salary: $44,788
Salary after 4 years: $52,120
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Sullivan University known for?

Sullivan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Nursing
Business
Political Science
Criminal Justice
Medical
Computer Science
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
Compare school
#18
Asbury University
Wilmore , KY
#9 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #17 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
65%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/24
Career Outlook for degree at Asbury University
Cost of Degree: $32,652
Expenses: $12,810
Starting Salary: $37,547
Salary after 4 years: $40,504
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Asbury University known for?

Asbury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Religious Studies
Mathematics
Literature
Communications
History
Political Science
Psychology
Education
Philosophy
Medical

Most Influential Alumni

Wei-Liang Chow
Thomas C. Oden
James B. Pritchard
E. Stanley Jones
Bell I. Wiley
J. Waskom Pickett
Ted Strickland
Dean Jones
Mack B. Stokes
Barbara Harrell-Bond
Steve Smith
Oscar Craig
Compare school
#19
Spalding University
Louisville , KY
#7 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
42%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
999/19
Career Outlook for degree at Spalding University
Cost of Degree: $26,500
Expenses: $16,500
Starting Salary: $50,535
Salary after 4 years: $61,977
Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Spalding University known for?

Spalding University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Psychology
Criminal Justice
Communications
Business
Sociology
Social Work
Biology
Nursing
Education
Medical

Most Influential Alumni

Diana Raab
Elmer Lucille Allen
Richard Goodman
Crystal Wilkinson
David Allen Patterson
Parneshia Jones
Lois Ann Pfiester
Compare school
#20
Union College, Kentucky
Barbourville , KY
#9 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
37%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Union College, Kentucky
Cost of Degree: $28,889
Expenses: $12,125
Starting Salary: $42,507
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Union College, Kentucky known for?

Union College, Kentucky’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Biology
Chemistry
Sociology
Psychology
Business
Mathematics
Nursing
Literature
Medical
History

Most Influential Alumni

Phillip Allen Sharp
Union College, Kentucky’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in General Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Law Enforcement

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in General Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#21
Lindsey Wilson College
Columbia , KY
#9 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #10 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2024 #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
40%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Lindsey Wilson College
Cost of Degree: $25,718
Expenses: $15,738
Starting Salary: $35,952
Salary after 4 years: $41,137
Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Lindsey Wilson College known for?

Lindsey Wilson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Social Work
Nursing
Psychology
Literature
Engineering
Mathematics
Sociology
Communications
Education
History

Most Influential Alumni

Tyrone Marshall
Lindsey Wilson College’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Human Services And Counseling

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#22
Midway University
Midway , KY
#4 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024 #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024 #18 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
Other Rankings
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
58%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/21
Career Outlook for degree at Midway University
Cost of Degree: $24,850
Expenses: $16,800
Starting Salary: $43,737
Salary after 4 years: $45,286
Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Midway University known for?

Midway University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Biology
Mathematics
Literature
Psychology
Education
Nursing
Communications
Business
Medical
Midway University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Health Care Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in English

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Education Studies

Degree Concentrations
English
Math
Science
Social Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Business Administration

Degree Concentrations
Accounting
Human Resource Management
Leadership

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Elementary Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Mathematics

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Middle School Education

Degree Concentrations
English
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Nursing

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Secondary Education

Degree Concentrations
English
Math

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Sport Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Public Health

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#23
Brescia University
Owensboro , KY
#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
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
49%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1035/22
Career Outlook for degree at Brescia University
Cost of Degree: $26,950
Expenses: $15,304
Starting Salary: $37,975
Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Brescia University known for?

Brescia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

History
Mathematics
Literature
Political Science
Engineering
Business
Psychology
Sociology
Biology
Computer Science
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
Compare school
#24
Alice Lloyd College
Pippa Passes , KY
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
36%
Graduation
29%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
930/18
Career Outlook for degree at Alice Lloyd College
Cost of Degree: $14,230
Expenses: $13,890
Starting Salary: $41,600
Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Alice Lloyd College known for?

Alice Lloyd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Literature
Sociology
Communications
Business
Education
History
Nursing
Biology
Medical
Compare school
#25
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Owensboro , KY
#5 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
46%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/21
Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky Wesleyan College
Cost of Degree: $29,660
Expenses: $14,648
Starting Salary: $29,520
Salary after 4 years: $40,579
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Kentucky Wesleyan College known for?

Kentucky Wesleyan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Mathematics
Literature
Religious Studies
History
Political Science
Chemistry
Physics
Communications
Business
Medical

Most Influential Alumni

Stanley Forman Reed
Henry Kirby Taylor
Ray Harper
Rube McCray
Kentucky Wesleyan College’s Online Degrees
BA in Graphic Design

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice And Criminology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in General Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BA in Religion

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#26
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills , KY
#10 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Thomas More University
Cost of Degree: $34,760
Expenses: $13,580
Starting Salary: $56,337
Salary after 4 years: $70,596
Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Thomas More University known for?

Thomas More University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Physics
Nursing
Chemistry
Mathematics
Literature
Sociology
Psychology
Religious Studies
Education
Biology

Most Influential Alumni

Joseph Donnermeyer
Thomas More University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BES in Ethical Leadership

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BES in Individualized Program

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#27
Kentucky Christian University
Grayson , KY
#5 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2024 #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
36%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
841/18
Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky Christian University
Cost of Degree: $22,130
Expenses: $15,184
Starting Salary: $55,022
Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Kentucky Christian University known for?

Kentucky Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Social Work
Nursing
Religious Studies
History
Biology
Medical
Education
Psychology
Kentucky Christian University’s Online Degrees
BS in Counseling Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Biology

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS/BA in History

Required Credits: 121
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Business Administration

Degree Concentrations
Accounting
Management
Sports Management

Required Credits: 121
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Nursing

Required Credits: 125
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Social Work

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Teacher Education- Middle School: Grades 5-9

Degree Concentrations
English
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science

Required Credits: 126
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Teacher Education- Primary through grade 5

Required Credits: 126
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school

Build your own college ranking

Kentucky’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

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