Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024
Interested in attending a STEM school in Kentucky? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Bellarmine University
- University of the Cumberlands
- Spalding University
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Bellarmine University
- Spalding University
- University of the Cumberlands
- Spalding University 98%
- Western Kentucky University 97%
- University of Kentucky 95%
- Bellarmine University 88%
- Northern Kentucky University 86%
- University of the Cumberlands 83%
- University of Louisville 82%
- Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
- University of the Cumberlands 18 to 1
- University of Kentucky 17 to 1
- Northern Kentucky University 17 to 1
- University of Louisville 13 to 1
- Bellarmine University 12 to 1
- Spalding University 9 to 1
- Bellarmine University $46,030
- Spalding University $27,300
- University of Louisville $12,324
- University of Kentucky $11,496
- Western Kentucky University $11,112
- Northern Kentucky University $10,208
- University of the Cumberlands $9,875
- University of Louisville $13,944
- Bellarmine University $13,785
- Spalding University $13,075
- University of Kentucky $12,583
- Western Kentucky University $12,140
- Northern Kentucky University $9,900
- University of the Cumberlands $4,282
- Spalding University
- University of the Cumberlands
- Bellarmine University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Western Kentucky University
- University of Louisville
- University of Kentucky
- University of the Cumberlands
- Spalding University
- Bellarmine University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Western Kentucky University
- University of Louisville
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville 82%
- University of the Cumberlands 83%
- Northern Kentucky University 86%
- Bellarmine University 88%
- University of Kentucky 95%
- Western Kentucky University 97%
- Spalding University 98%
- Spalding University 9 to 1
- Bellarmine University 12 to 1
- University of Louisville 13 to 1
- University of Kentucky 17 to 1
- Northern Kentucky University 17 to 1
- Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
- University of the Cumberlands 18 to 1
- University of the Cumberlands $9,875
- Northern Kentucky University $10,208
- Western Kentucky University $11,112
- University of Kentucky $11,496
- University of Louisville $12,324
- Spalding University $27,300
- Bellarmine University $46,030
- University of the Cumberlands $4,282
- Northern Kentucky University $9,900
- Western Kentucky University $12,140
- University of Kentucky $12,583
- Spalding University $13,075
- Bellarmine University $13,785
- University of Louisville $13,944
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.
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?
- 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
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 7 research universities in Kentucky. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2023
- #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 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #1 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
- #3 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #7 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
- #7 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
- #8 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #8 Best Online Master's in Special Education
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #9 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #13 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #15 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
- #15 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
- #16 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #25 Best Online Master's in Management
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: $12,859Expenses: $20,206Starting 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
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 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
- #5 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #5 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #5 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Master's in Special Education
- #12 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #13 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
- #14 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #19 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #21 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
- #25 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
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: $12,520Expenses: $19,160Starting Salary: $48,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
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 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #3 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #5 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
- #6 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #15 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $11,112Expenses: $14,336Starting Salary: $38,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #9 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #20 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 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: $10,592Expenses: $14,548Starting 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’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 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
$46K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
60%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/24
Career Outlook for degree at Bellarmine University
Cost of Degree: $45,630Starting 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
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
- #3 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #3 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #3 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #7 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
- #9 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
- #9 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #9 Best Online Associate in Education
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #10 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #10 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #10 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #18 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #19 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #19 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #22 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #22 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #25 Best Online Associate in General Science
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: $9,875Starting Salary: $38,200What 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
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
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024
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: $27,050Expenses: $16,490Starting 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
Find the Best Research Universities in Kentucky for 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 research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.