Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2023
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.
Best Public Colleges in Kentucky
Colleges and Universities in Kentucky
Students who wish to attend traditional and online colleges in Kentucky have plenty of excellent options. Traditional students and distance learners alike have an array of affordable, accessible, and reputable undergraduate and graduate degrees to choose from.
Between community colleges, technical schools, and universities, Kentucky has 24 public schools. The community colleges and technical schools average $4,000 for tuition, and tuition for public universities ranges from $8,000 to $12,000. Online students pay the same in state tuition rates when enrolling in these public options.
Prospective students planning to attend private colleges can choose from 26 schools, of which 21 are religiously affiliated. The cost to attend private schools tends to be higher, reaching $42,000 in Kentucky. There are, however, some affordable private options with tuition rates as low as $9,000.
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The largest and top-rated public university is the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky has over 30,000 students and costs about $12,000. UK offers a wide range of traditional and fully online programs in areas like political science, chemistry, and literature.
Students who attend either the University of Louisville or Western Kentucky University will become part of a friendly basketball rivalry. Both of these universities also offer highly regarded graduate and undergraduate degrees in fields like mathematics, communications, business, and history.
Eastern Kentucky University is also among the top public colleges in Kentucky, with more than 14,000 students enrolled in a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
In addition, Kentucky encourages graduating education students to apply for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. This financial aid program awards $5,000 to $17,500 toward Federal Stafford loans to those remaining in the profession.
There is something for everyone in The Bluegrass State. Kentucky is home to the famous Kentucky Derby, the Daniel Boone National Forest, and the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Both traditional and online Students wanting to study in a state that Abraham Lincoln and Muhammad Ali called home have 50 higher learning institutions from which to choose.
Kentucky has it all - associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Check out the top brick-and-mortar and online schools the state of Kentucky has to offer.
What are Kentucky’s Colleges & Universities?
- 7 Research Universities
- 20 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 9 Graduate Schools
- 8 Public Colleges & Universities
- 19 Private Colleges & Universities
- 15 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 18 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 11 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 16 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Kentucky’s Best Overall
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
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 2022
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #1 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
68%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/25
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
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2023 #2 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2023
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
62%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/24
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
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2023 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
54%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
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
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #5 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2023
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
48%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/22
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
- Business
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Eastern Kentucky University’s Online Degrees
BA in Corrections & Juvenile Justice Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Emergency Medical Care
Degree Concentrations
- Emergency Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Child & Family Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Child Development
- Required Credits: 120-125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Health Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Global Hospitality and Tourism
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Geral Psychology
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Forensic Psychology
- Child & Family Psychology
- Workplace Psychology
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Brain & Cognitive Sciences
- Substance Abuse
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Occupational Safety
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Fire Protection Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Fire, Arson and Explosion Investigation
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Homeland Security
Degree Concentrations
- Disaster management
- Intelligence studies
- and Security operations
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Risk Management & Insurance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Paralegal Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Police Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2023 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #6 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2023
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
48%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/23
What is Northern Kentucky University known for?
Northern Kentucky University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Law
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- History
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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #7 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2023
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
56%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/24
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
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
45%
Student body
7K
What is Morehead State University known for?
Morehead State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Communications
- History
- Computer Science
- Law
- Business
- Biology
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
- #8 HBCU Doctoral Programs Online #19 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #7 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2023 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
37%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
955/17
What is Kentucky State University known for?
Kentucky State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Literature
- Medical
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Kentucky State University’s Online Degrees
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Kentucky’s Best Public College 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.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.
