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Best Colleges in Kentucky

All 40 colleges in Kentucky, ranked by overall quality and led by Centre College, University of Kentucky and Transylvania University. 8 public, 32 private. median out-of-state tuition $26,625. lowest in-state tuition $9,387 at Kentucky State University. Each school below shows its acceptance rate, tuition and average SAT.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best college in Kentucky?

Based on our overall rankings, Centre College is the top-ranked college in Kentucky. Other strong choices include University of Kentucky, Transylvania University, Bellarmine University.

How many colleges are in Kentucky?

We track 40 four-year colleges in Kentucky, including 8 public institutions and 32 private ones.

How much does college cost in Kentucky?

The average out-of-state tuition across colleges we track in Kentucky is approximately $26,625 per year. In-state students at public schools typically pay significantly less, and most schools offer financial aid that reduces the effective cost.

What are the best public colleges in Kentucky?

The best public colleges in Kentucky include University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Murray State University. Public universities typically offer lower tuition for in-state residents.

What are the best private colleges in Kentucky?

The best private colleges in Kentucky include Centre College, Transylvania University, Bellarmine University. Private colleges may offer more generous financial aid despite higher sticker prices.

How are these Kentucky rankings determined?

Our overall rankings are calculated independently from publicly available data including U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and aggregated student-experience signals — not from US News or any other publication.

By major in Kentucky

  1. 1. Centre College — Danville, KY · 54.4% acceptance · SAT 1,352 · $52,820 tuition · 81% grad rate
  2. 2. University of Kentucky — Lexington, KY · 92.9% acceptance · SAT 1,215 · $34,140 tuition · 71% grad rate
  3. 3. Transylvania University — Lexington, KY · 86.6% acceptance · SAT 1,287 · $46,870 tuition · 71% grad rate
  4. 4. Bellarmine University — Louisville, KY · 86.1% acceptance · SAT 1,210 · $48,770 tuition · 64% grad rate
  5. 5. Galen College of Nursing-Louisville — Louisville, KY · 61% grad rate
  6. 6. University of Louisville — Louisville, KY · 79.4% acceptance · SAT 1,150 · $29,482 tuition · 61% grad rate
  7. 7. Galen College of Nursing-ARH — Hazard, KY · $16,364 tuition · 56% grad rate
  8. 8. Asbury University — Wilmore, KY · 63.4% acceptance · $33,640 tuition · 65% grad rate
  9. 9. Murray State University — Murray, KY · 85.7% acceptance · SAT 1,133 · $19,836 tuition · 61% grad rate
  10. 10. Berea College — Berea, KY · 19.3% acceptance · SAT 1,249 · $51,658 tuition · 58% grad rate
  11. 11. Northern Kentucky University — Highland Heights, KY · 67.7% acceptance · SAT 1,087 · $21,912 tuition · 52% grad rate
  12. 12. Western Kentucky University — Bowling Green, KY · 93.9% acceptance · SAT 971 · $27,000 tuition · 56% grad rate
  13. 13. Spalding University — Louisville, KY · 99.5% acceptance · SAT 977 · $29,200 tuition · 52% grad rate
  14. 14. Georgetown College — Georgetown, KY · 91.1% acceptance · SAT 1,138 · $42,840 tuition · 49% grad rate
  15. 15. Thomas More University — Crestview Hills, KY · 90.4% acceptance · SAT 1,180 · $39,800 tuition · 41% grad rate
  16. 16. Eastern Kentucky University — Richmond, KY · 77.6% acceptance · SAT 1,149 · $21,230 tuition · 50% grad rate
  17. 17. Brescia University — Owensboro, KY · 35.2% acceptance · $31,550 tuition · 54% grad rate
  18. 18. University of the Cumberlands — Williamsburg, KY · 98.8% acceptance · $9,875 tuition · 50% grad rate
  19. 19. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College — Pineville, KY · $10,720 tuition · 38% grad rate
  20. 20. Morehead State University — Morehead, KY · 77.2% acceptance · $14,980 tuition · 52% grad rate
  21. 21. University of Pikeville — Pikeville, KY · $24,850 tuition · 42% grad rate
  22. 22. Kentucky Wesleyan College — Owensboro, KY · 71.6% acceptance · SAT 1,044 · $34,673 tuition · 47% grad rate
  23. 23. Midway University — Midway, KY · 95.1% acceptance · SAT 1,122 · $27,220 tuition · 41% grad rate
  24. 24. Kentucky Christian University — Grayson, KY · 60.9% acceptance · SAT 1,090 · $26,625 tuition · 37% grad rate
  25. 25. Kentucky Mountain Bible College — Jackson, KY · 100% acceptance · SAT 1,080 · $10,360 tuition · 55% grad rate
  26. 26. Campbellsville University — Campbellsville, KY · 79.7% acceptance · $27,998 tuition · 42% grad rate
  27. 27. ATA College — Louisville, KY · $14,200 tuition · 39% grad rate
  28. 28. Lindsey Wilson College — Columbia, KY · $27,808 tuition · 44% grad rate
  29. 29. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary — Louisville, KY · 55.9% acceptance · SAT 1,120 · $11,046 tuition · 40% grad rate
  30. 30. Union Commonwealth University — Barbourville, KY · 63.2% acceptance · SAT 980 · $30,946 tuition · 32% grad rate
  31. 31. Alice Lloyd College — Pippa Passes, KY · 75.2% acceptance · SAT 1,015 · $13,960 tuition · 32% grad rate
  32. 32. Kentucky State University — Frankfort, KY · 96.1% acceptance · SAT 870 · $13,658 tuition · 32% grad rate
  33. 33. Sullivan University — Louisville, KY · $15,480 tuition · 56% grad rate
  34. 34. Simmons College of Kentucky — Louisville, KY · 100% acceptance · $16,398 tuition · 24% grad rate
  35. 35. American National University-Pikeville — Pikeville, KY · $12,456 tuition · 50% grad rate
  36. 36. Beckfield College-Florence — Florence, KY · $13,295 tuition · 32% grad rate
  37. 37. Asbury Theological Seminary — Wilmore, KY
  38. 38. Frontier Nursing University — Versailles, KY
  39. 39. Lexington Theological Seminary — Lexington, KY
  40. 40. Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary — Louisville, KY

Best Colleges in Kentucky on PickACampus