Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025
Key Takeaways
- Nine schools in Kentucky meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
- Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Kentucky’s top industries.
- It is important to choose a grad school in Kentucky that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Best Grad Schools in Kentucky in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best graduate schools in Kentucky remained fairly stable. The University of the Cumberlands gained the most ranking positions as the university has been recognized as the safest college campus in Kentucky and ranks 15th in the nation for campus safety, reflecting a strong commitment to student security. In addition, Cumberlands has achieved high rankings for its academic environment, securing second place for Best College Campus and third for Best Small College in Kentucky.
The university also earned the designation of a Gold Military Friendly® School for 2024-2025, underscoring its dedication to supporting military students and veterans. These developments highlight University of the Cumberlands’ efforts to provide a safe, supportive, and academically enriching environment for all students.
Colleges and Universities in Kentucky
Students who wish to attend traditional and online graduate schools in Kentucky have plenty of excellent options. Traditional students and distance learners alike have an array of affordable, accessible, and reputable graduate degrees to choose from.
The largest and top-rated public university is the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky has over 30,000 students and costs about $13,000. UK offers a wide range of traditional and fully online programs in areas like political science, chemistry, and literature.
Students who attend the University of Louisville can focus on master’s and doctorate degrees in popular fields like mathematics, communications, business, and history.
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.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
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
Kentucky’s Best Overall
There are 9 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Kentucky. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Kentucky is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in Kentucky
- #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025
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: $13,212Expenses: $21,886Starting 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
The University of Kentucky is one of Kentucky’s two land-grant universities. This public land-grant institution is located in Lexington, Kentucky, and is divided into 16 colleges, a graduate school, and over 200 undergraduate, master, and doctoral programs.
What We Love About the University of Kentucky
The best part about the University of Kentucky campus is that it sits right in the middle of one of the most beautiful cities in the state- Lexington. The nightlife options, the food scenes, culture, arts, and the festivals, everything is there.
The University of Kentucky is ideal for students who:
Are bubbly and outgoing and can appreciate Greek life and want to be a part of it. One should also be academically driven since classes are very rigorous.
The University of Kentucky might not be a good fit for students who:
Can easily succumb to party scenes. One can easily get wrapped up in the wrong college crowd, and their college life could go terribly downhill if they can’t control the social life on campus.
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
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: $12,828Expenses: $20,878Starting Salary: $48,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
The University of Louisville is a public research school that’s part of the Kentucky State University System. It offers over 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs and is known for its innovations in the field of medicine.
What We Love About the University of Louisville
On top of its vibrant campus, students get to enjoy all the perks of living in a booming metropolitan city. Louisville is popular for its rich history, vibrant arts scenes, world-class attractions, and beautiful park system.
The University of Louisville is ideal for students who:
Want a big school feeling with a small campus. The school is also a great place for engineers, band geeks, art students, and ASL majors, among others.
The University of Louisville might not be a good fit for students who:
Are not willing and open to diversity and other people. The school has a variety of students, and if this makes you uneasy, then this school is not for you.
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Kentucky 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: $10,896Expenses: $14,960Starting 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 is located in Highland Heights and offers bachelor’s and graduate degree programs across seven colleges. This public university is the third biggest university of Greater Cincinnati’s four large universities. It is also the youngest among the eight public universities in the state.
What We Love About Northern Kentucky University
The school has endless opportunities where students can get involved, build lifelong skills, and create lasting relationships with others along the way.
Northern Kentucky University is ideal for students who:
Want hands-on experience with small class sizes and interested professors, as well as those who love having a small community of dedicated and intelligent students with diverse backgrounds.
Northern Kentucky University might not be a good fit for students who:
Opt to go to a big school because NKU doesn’t have that many students, so most of the time, everybody knows everyone.
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
60%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/24
Career Outlook for degree at Bellarmine University
Cost of Degree: $46,780Starting Salary: $50,600What is Bellarmine University known for?
Bellarmine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Economics
- History
- Political Science
- Medical
- Nursing
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Named after Saint Robert Bellarmine,Bellarmine University is a private Catholic school in Louisville, Kentucky. It offers over 50 majors in business, arts and sciences, education, communication, and health sciences and is composed of seven colleges and schools.
What We Love About Bellarmine University
There is a sense of kindness everywhere in this premier independent Catholic university. And since it’s a small university, it’s not a surprise to see most people knowing each other.
Bellarmine University is ideal for students who:
Are serious and very focused on their education because the school is not a party university.
Bellarmine University might not be a good fit for students who:
Are there for social reasons since the university has very rigorous academic programs.
- #6 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
44%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of the Cumberlands
Cost of Degree: $9,875Expenses: $16,268Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of the Cumberlands known for?
University of the Cumberlands’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Education
- Communications
- Political Science
- History
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
The University of the Cumberlands is a private Christian university located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It offers over 40 majors and minors, plus pre-professional programs. The school is also ranked as one of the best universities for education degrees.
What We Love About the University of Cumberlands
UC is continuously offering students of all backgrounds a solid and broad-based liberal arts program filled with Christian values.
The University of Cumberlands is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a great education in a small community setting. It’s also suitable for people who love sports.
The University of Cumberlands might not be a good fit for students who:
Don’t have a school spirit, and those who are not dedicated to their classes because Cumberland is a very rigorous school.
- #7 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
45%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
981/19
Career Outlook for degree at Spalding University
Cost of Degree: $27,672Expenses: $17,494Starting Salary: $48,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Spalding University known for?
Spalding University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Spalding University is a private Catholic university in Louisville. It is closely affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of health sciences, business, social sciences, natural sciences, education, and humanities.
What We Love About Spalding University
Spalding University has small class sizes for a better student and teacher relationship. Students are also provided with ample support for counseling and even tutoring.
Spalding University is ideal for students who:
Need a small classroom environment and those who can keep up with a rigorous and fast paced program.
Spalding University might not be a good option for students who:
Are interested in going to a large university, as well as those who are looking for a school with lots of student activities.
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024 #6 Best Online Associate in Education
Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
41%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at Campbellsville University
Cost of Degree: $26,990Expenses: $15,742Starting 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, located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, is a private Christian university that offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. It also has a full second campus in Harrodsburg, complete with dorms and sports teams.
What We Love About Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University is a very inclusive and welcoming community centered on Christ’s commandments. It is strongly dedicated to academic excellence grounded in the liberal arts that fosters integrity, personal growth, and professional preparation.
Campbellsville University is ideal for students who:
Love a small town where everybody knows everyone. The conservatives and neutral ones are more comfortable on this campus as well.
Campbellsville University might not be a good fit for students who:
Want to be in college just to party and enjoy the social life. Not only is the campus located in a small town, but the social scene is relatively boring.
- #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025 #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
27%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Sullivan University
Cost of Degree: $14,220Expenses: $18,456Starting 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 is a private for-profit school located in Louisville, Kentucky. It offers certificates and diplomas, undergraduate and graduate programs approved by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.
What We Love About Sullivan University
Sullivan is a very small university, so students won’t have to waste time running from one building to the next. There are also plenty of open classrooms and computers, so students can easily get their work done.
Sullivan University is ideal for students who:
Are working adults as the school offers a flexible schedule of courses including their online programs.
Sullivan University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are expecting the “Hollywood” type of college life because the school is career focused. It’s also not ideal for those who are looking for plenty of extracurricular activities.
- #10 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025 #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$26K
Graduation
37%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Lindsey Wilson College
Cost of Degree: $27,274Expenses: $16,221Starting Salary: $31,300Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lindsey Wilson College known for?
Lindsey Wilson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Literature
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Communications
- History
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Lindsey Wilson College is located in Columbia, Kentucky. This private United Methodist-related college offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.
What We Love About Lindsey Wilson College
Because Lindsey Wilson College is a small campus, students can easily communicate and interact with most of the students.
Lindsey Wilson College is ideal for students who:
Want a small and closely-knit college community with similar vibes to most high schools. It’s also perfect for those who love different campus events because the school has a handful of them.
Lindsey Wilson College might not be a good fit for students who:
Are not comfortable with religion because most of the programs will focus on religion, and students are required to take a religion course.
Kentucky’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
2023 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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.
