Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025

Badge for BEST IN KENTUCKY PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Kentucky provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Key Takeaways

  • Many public colleges in Kentucky have highly regarded healthcare programs with state-of-the-art simulation labs and strong partnerships with local hospitals, offering students practical training in nursing, public health, and allied health professions.
  • Kentucky’s public colleges provide competitive in-state tuition rates and offer a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options, making higher education more accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining a high standard of education.
  • The University of Kentucky and other top public institutions offer leading programs in agriculture, environmental science, and sustainability, taking advantage of the state’s rural setting and providing students with hands-on learning experiences in fields like equine studies, crop science, and environmental conservation.

Best Public Colleges in Kentucky in 2025

  1. University of Kentucky
  2. University of Louisville
  3. Western Kentucky University
  4. Northern Kentucky University
    +1
  5. Eastern Kentucky University
    –1
  6. Murray State University
  7. Kentucky State University
    +1
  8. Morehead State University
    –1

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 schools in our ranking of the best public colleges in Kentucky saw a few minor changes to the ranking. Northern Kentucky University was able to move up to the fourth ranking position as the university enhanced their Health Innovation Center, which offers state-of-the-art simulation labs and research opportunities in healthcare fields like nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. The university has also upgraded its cybersecurity and data analytics programs, providing students with hands-on training in cutting-edge technology and partnerships with local tech companies.

Additionally, NKU has expanded its mental health and wellness services, offering more resources such as peer support groups, counseling, and wellness workshops. These updates reflect NKU’s commitment to innovation, career readiness, and student well-being.

This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 8 public universities in Kentucky. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Kentucky, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

Best Public Colleges in Kentucky

  1. #1

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY
    #14 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $13,212
    Expenses: $21,886
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

    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
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $12,828
    Expenses: $20,878
    Starting Salary: $48,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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:

    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
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green , KY
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $11,436
    Expenses: $15,452
    Starting Salary: $38,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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:

    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Northern Kentucky University

    Highland Heights , KY
    #3 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $10,896
    Expenses: $14,960
    Starting Salary: $41,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

    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
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Eastern Kentucky University

    Richmond , KY
    #12 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $10,130
    Expenses: $14,535
    Starting Salary: $39,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

    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
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Murray State University

    Murray , KY
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,708
    Expenses: $17,211
    Starting Salary: $42,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

    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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Kentucky State University

    Frankfort , KY
    #8 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #15 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #4 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025
    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: $9,214
    Expenses: $12,513
    Starting Salary: $31,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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:

    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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Morehead State University

    Morehead , KY
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Morehead State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,838
    Expenses: $12,316
    Starting Salary: $37,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

    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
    Compare school
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Kentucky’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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. University of Kentucky
  2. University of Louisville
  3. Western Kentucky University
  4. Eastern Kentucky University
  5. Murray State University
  6. Morehead State University

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

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