Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Small colleges in Kentucky are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
Key Takeaways
- Many small colleges in Kentucky offer specialized programs focused on Appalachian history, culture, and socioeconomic issues, providing students with unique opportunities to engage with local communities through service-learning and research.
- Some of Kentucky’s best small colleges, such as Alice Lloyd College and Berea College, are known for offering tuition-free education or mandatory work-study programs, allowing students to earn their degrees while gaining valuable work experience and minimizing student debt.
- Small colleges in Kentucky often incorporate sustainability and local agriculture into the curriculum, offering hands-on programs in sustainable farming, environmental science, and eco-friendly initiatives, with access to local farms and rural landscapes for fieldwork and research.
Best Small Colleges 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 small colleges in Kentucky saw a considerable amount of movement. Kentucky Wesleyan College gained the most ranking positions as a result of the school expanded its Digital Learning Center, offering students access to cutting-edge technology, including virtual labs and interactive coursework in fields like business, digital media, and healthcare. The college has also invested in enhancing its career services, with new internship partnerships, career counseling, and job placement services to better prepare students for post-graduation success.
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Kentucky is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 18 small colleges in Kentucky. The list below of the 30 best small colleges in Kentucky. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Kentucky
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
69%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/26
Career Outlook for degree at Transylvania University
Cost of Degree: $44,980Expenses: $17,735Starting Salary: $50,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Transylvania University known for?
Transylvania University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Economics
- Biology
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
25%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1217/25
Career Outlook for degree at Berea College
Cost of Degree: $49,326Expenses: $11,392Starting Salary: $36,300Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Berea College known for?
Berea College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
- Education
- History
- Physics
- Communications
- Political Science
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
87%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1332/29
Career Outlook for degree at Centre College
Cost of Degree: $50,550Expenses: $17,485Starting Salary: $53,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Centre College known for?
Centre College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #15 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025
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: $9,214Expenses: $12,513Starting Salary: $31,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kentucky State University known for?
Kentucky State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Education
- Biology
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- 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
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Graduation
35%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Pikeville
Cost of Degree: $24,150Expenses: $11,830Starting Salary: $39,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Pikeville known for?
University of Pikeville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- History
- Political Science
- Business
- Biology
- Communications
- Literature
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
University of Pikeville’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Private 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
- #24 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #6 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #7 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/21
Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown College
Cost of Degree: $42,010Expenses: $15,091Starting Salary: $50,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Georgetown College known for?
Georgetown College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- History
- Physics
- Biology
- Literature
- Political Science
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky #17 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
70%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Asbury University
Cost of Degree: $33,640Expenses: $14,350Starting Salary: $40,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Asbury University known for?
Asbury University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Communications
- History
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Business
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #9 Best Private 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
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
48%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/20
Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky Wesleyan College
Cost of Degree: $33,393Expenses: $15,949Starting Salary: $41,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kentucky Wesleyan College known for?
Kentucky Wesleyan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Political Science
- History
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Physics
- Business
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Kentucky Wesleyan College’s Online Degrees
BA in Graphic Design
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice And Criminology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Religion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #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’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Hospitality Management
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Resource Leadership
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Finance
- Healthcare Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Justice and Public Safety Administration
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: 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: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024 #10 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2025 #24 Best Online Associate in Human Services #13 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
50%
Graduation
43%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Brescia University
Cost of Degree: $30,450Expenses: $16,035Starting Salary: $48,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Theology
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSW in Social Work
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025 #16 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
44%
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
870/18
Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky Christian University
Cost of Degree: $25,000Expenses: $15,448Starting Salary: $36,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Biology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BA in History
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Management
- Sports Management
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 125
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Teacher Education- Middle School: Grades 5-9
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Teacher Education- Primary through grade 5
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024 #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky #18 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
44%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/21
Career Outlook for degree at Thomas More University
Cost of Degree: $37,650Expenses: $13,986Starting Salary: $58,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BES in Ethical Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BES in Individualized Program
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
40%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Alice Lloyd College
Cost of Degree: $14,080Expenses: $17,432Starting Salary: $41,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Alice Lloyd College known for?
Alice Lloyd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024 #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025 #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #18 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
43%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1070/22
Career Outlook for degree at Midway University
Cost of Degree: $26,080Expenses: $23,200Starting Salary: $37,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Care Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Education Studies
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Mathematics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Middle School Education
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Secondary Education
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Math
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sport Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #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
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’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Services And Counseling
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
33%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Union College, Kentucky
Cost of Degree: $31,071Expenses: $13,861Starting Salary: $36,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Law Enforcement
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Kentucky’s Best Small College in Your Area of 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.
