Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2026

Badge for BEST IN KENTUCKY PRIVATE COLLEGES

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Kentucky.

Key Takeaways

  • With low student-to-faculty ratios, Kentucky’s top private colleges provide a more individualized educational experience, allowing for close mentorship, accessible faculty, and a collaborative classroom environment.
  • Kentucky’s best private colleges are known for their scenic campuses and active student communities, offering a variety of clubs, events, and leadership opportunities that enhance the overall college experience.
  • The colleges in our ranking often offer extensive career resources, including internship placements, career counseling, and active alumni networks that help students connect with job opportunities both within Kentucky and nationally.

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 19 private universities in Kentucky. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Kentucky, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

Below you’ll find those institutions ranked and summarized with the practical details prospective students care about: academic strengths, campus character (including religious affiliation where relevant), program breadth, and the factors that most affect fit—class size, career outcomes, and affordability. Use these profiles to compare how each campus aligns with your academic goals and lifestyle priorities rather than treating the list as a one-size-fits-all hierarchy.

Best Private Colleges in Kentucky

  1. #1

    Transylvania University

    Lexington , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Transylvania University

    Cost of Degree: $44,980
    Expenses: $17,735
    Starting Salary: $57,381
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Berea College

    Berea , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Berea College

    Cost of Degree: $49,326
    Expenses: $11,392
    Starting Salary: $48,071
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Centre College

    Danville , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Centre College

    Cost of Degree: $50,550
    Expenses: $17,485
    Starting Salary: $66,582
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    University of Pikeville

    Pikeville , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Pikeville

    Cost of Degree: $24,150
    Expenses: $11,830
    Starting Salary: $47,890
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Pikeville’s Online Degrees

    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  5. #5

    Georgetown College

    Georgetown , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown College

    Cost of Degree: $42,010
    Expenses: $15,091
    Starting Salary: $55,880
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #6

    Bellarmine University

    Louisville , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Bellarmine University

    Cost of Degree: $46,780
    Starting Salary: $64,121
  7. #7

    Asbury University

    Wilmore , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Asbury University

    Cost of Degree: $33,640
    Expenses: $14,350
    Starting Salary: $49,862
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #8

    Spalding University

    Louisville , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    956/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Spalding University

    Cost of Degree: $27,672
    Expenses: $17,494
    Starting Salary: $55,738
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    27K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of the Cumberlands

    Cost of Degree: $9,875
    Expenses: $16,268
    Starting Salary: $47,477
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science in Coaching
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Elementary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • English/Communications
    • Interdisciplinary
    • Social and Behavioral Studies
    • Special Education*
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Finance
    • Strategic Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 27
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Missions and Ministry
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    BAS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • Infrastructure
    • Management
    • Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS/BAS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • Infrastructure
    • Management
    • Software Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  10. #10

    Kentucky Wesleyan College

    Owensboro , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1010/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky Wesleyan College

    Cost of Degree: $33,393
    Expenses: $15,949
    Starting Salary: $52,218
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Kentucky Wesleyan College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Graphic Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice And Criminology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Religion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  11. #11

    Campbellsville University

    Campbellsville , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Campbellsville University

    Cost of Degree: $26,990
    Expenses: $15,742
    Starting Salary: $44,606
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Campbellsville University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Campbellsville University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Leadership And Missions
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Liberal Arts And Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Pastoral Ministries
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing- Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  12. #12

    Sullivan University

    Louisville , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Sullivan University

    Cost of Degree: $14,220
    Expenses: $18,456
    Starting Salary: $42,383
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: 36 or 48 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Resource Leadership
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Justice and Public Safety Administration
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion Time: 18 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Format: Fully 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: 18 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Business Studies
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Format: Fully online
  13. #13

    Thomas More University

    Crestview Hills , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas More University

    Cost of Degree: $37,650
    Expenses: $13,986
    Starting Salary: $63,897
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Thomas More University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BES in Ethical Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BES in Individualized Program
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  14. #14

    Brescia University

    Owensboro , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Brescia University

    Cost of Degree: $30,450
    Expenses: $16,035
    Starting Salary: $49,034
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Integrated Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Integrated Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Theology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSW in Social Work
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  15. #15

    Midway University

    Midway , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Midway University

    Cost of Degree: $26,080
    Expenses: $23,200
    Starting Salary: $47,169
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Midway University known for?

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

    Midway University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Education Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • Math
    • Science
    • Social Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Human Resource Management
    • Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Middle School Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies
    • Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 12-24 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Secondary Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • Math
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Marketing Communications
    Degree Concentrations
    • Writing
    • Graphic Design
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
  16. #16

    Alice Lloyd College

    Pippa Passes , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    835/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Alice Lloyd College

    Cost of Degree: $14,080
    Expenses: $17,432
    Starting Salary: $47,366
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

  17. #17

    Union College, Kentucky

    Barbourville , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Union College, Kentucky

    Cost of Degree: $31,071
    Expenses: $13,861
    Starting Salary: $46,405
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Union College, Kentucky’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in General Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Law Enforcement
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
  18. Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $25,000
    Expenses: $15,448
    Starting Salary: $47,183
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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:

    Kentucky Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Counseling Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS/BA in History
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Management
    • Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Teacher Education- Middle School: Grades 5-9
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • Mathematics
    • Social Studies
    • Science
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Teacher Education- Primary through grade 5
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Teacher Education- Secondary Social Studies: Grades 8-12
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Format: Fully online
  19. #19

    Lindsey Wilson College

    Columbia , KY

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lindsey Wilson College

    Cost of Degree: $27,274
    Expenses: $16,221
    Starting Salary: $45,750
    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:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Lindsey Wilson College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Services And Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 12 months
    • Format: Fully online
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Kentucky’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

2021 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.

  1. Transylvania University
  2. Berea College
  3. Centre College
  4. Spalding University
  5. Asbury University
  6. Bellarmine University
  7. University of the Cumberlands
  8. Georgetown College
  9. Thomas More University

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here