The state of Kentucky has some prominent public colleges including the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. There are also many small private schools that have long traditions of academic excellence. Kentucky has faith-based colleges representing the Catholic, Methodists, and other Christian denominations. In combination, students have a wide choice of fields of study and learning environments.
Further, Kentucky’s education options include attendance at some out-of-state schools, at in-state rates. Kentucky is a member of the Academic Common Market, which includes Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
How Much Can You Make by Earning a Degree in Kentucky
The exact figures or salary averages may differ by the source of information, but the overall conclusion is firm. Income rises with the level of education. Over the course of a lifetime of earning, a worker with a bachelor’s degree can return about $1 million greater income than a high school graduate. The annual income advantage is about $17,500 per year. The direct relationship between income and educational attainment matches at the baccalaureate, master’s, and professional degree levels. Medical professionals are among the most well-educated members of the workforce, and they have the highest average income among all occupational groups.
Income advantages also include entrepreneurship. Professional earnings are not just from employment; education also opens vast opportunities for application of college-level education in entrepreneurial settings.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
Featured Online Programs
Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Kentucky
Kentucky has a long tradition of agriculture across the state and coal mining in Western Kentucky. Today the Kentucky economy continues to evolve and diversify as manufacturing, aerospace industries, and automobile manufacture have increased in recent decades. Fibers, filaments, resins, and rubber products have emerged as economic leaders, along with pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
The growth in business, finance, and exports have created new demands for graduates with business knowledge and a wide range of skills and abilities.
Top Business Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Accounting | 12,080 | $51,600 |
Budget analysis | 820 | $62,200 |
CEOs | 2,980 | $155,300 |
Engineering Psychologist | 630 | $89,900 |
Financial Managers | 6,120 | $92,400 |
Management analysts | 5,390 | $67,400 |
Organizational Psychologist | 630 | $77,800 |
Top Computers Careers and Salaries
- Computer Engineer
- Computer Information Technologist
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Scientist
- Cybersecurity
- Database Administrator
- Database Management
- Software Engineer
- Web Development
Top Education Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Atmospheric and Space Scientists | 80 | $82,700 |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary | 680 | $45,000 |
Librarians | 2,000 | $50,800 |
Preschool Teachers | 3,930 | $32,700 |
Psychology Teacher | 670 | $45,000 |
Substitute Teachers | 200 | $29,200 |
Teacher Assistants | 16,140 | $23,300 |
- Early Childhood Administrator
- Early Childhood Education Teacher
- General Education Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
Top Healthcare Careers and Salaries
CAREER NAME | CURRENTLY EMPLOYED | AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE |
---|---|---|
Chemists | 590 | $56,700 |
Dietitians and Nutritionists | 900 | $50,600 |
Epidemiologists | 60 | $64,500 |
Food Scientists and Technologists | 110 | $65,200 |
Microbiologists | 60 | $54,600 |
Neuropsychologist | 170 | $94,100 |
Occupational Therapists | 1,280 | $66,600 |
Optometrists | 480 | $108,400 |
Physical Therapists | 2,650 | $71,500 |
Physician Assistants | 1,230 | $97,800 |
Psychiatrist | 150 | $211,820 |
- Gerontology Nurse or Physician
- Healthcare Administrator
- Healthcare Manager
- Nurse
- Psychiatrists
Top Legal Careers and Salaries
Top Occupations With the Highest Forecasted Growth Rate
Occupation | Growth Percentage | Average Wage | Jobs in 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Home Health Aide | 59.5% | $25,710 | 6,620 |
Phys Therapist Assistant | 52.2% | $54,060 | 2,450 |
Operations Analyst | 49.4% | $73,290 | 2,390 |
Physical Therapy Aide | 49.2% | $24,410 | 1,000 |
Physical Therapist | 47.2% | $83,270 | 4,150 |
Certified Nursing Assistant | 46.1% | $25,160 | 37,180 |
Occupational Therapist | 45.7% | $80,110 | 2,710 |
Diag. Medical Sonographer | 43.5% | $62,740 | 1,320 |
Nurse Practitioner | 43.3% | $94,790 | 3,510 |
Top 15 Best Associate Degree Programs in Kentucky
Madisonville Community College
Score: 83.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $7,738
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 3,493
- Undergrad Students: 3,493
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $33,400
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Gateway Community and Technical College
Score: 82.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $9,263
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 4,440
- Undergrad Students: 4,440
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,300
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Hazard Community and Technical College
Score: 80.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $5,391
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 2,556
- Undergrad Students: 2,556
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,600
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Maysville Community and Technical College
Score: 78.72
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $5,736
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 3,974
- Undergrad Students: 3,974
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,300
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Owensboro Community and Technical College
Score: 77.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $7,640
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 4,621
- Undergrad Students: 4,621
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Score: 77.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $7,448
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 4,732
- Undergrad Students: 4,732
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Ashland Community and Technical College
Score: 77.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $6,658
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 2,515
- Undergrad Students: 2,515
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,900
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,706
- Out-of-State:$6,242
- Net Price: $7,721
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 10,318
- Undergrad Students: 10,318
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Score: 76.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $7,236
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,648
- Undergrad Students: 5,648
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,200
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Jefferson Community and Technical College
Score: 76.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,706
- Out-of-State:$6,242
- Net Price: $7,530
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 12,053
- Undergrad Students: 12,053
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $39,500
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Score: 75.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $8,090
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 5,309
- Undergrad Students: 5,309
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College
Score: 75.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $4,532
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 2,625
- Undergrad Students: 2,625
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,700
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Somerset Community College
Score: 73.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $5,611
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 5,529
- Undergrad Students: 5,529
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,500
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Hopkinsville Community College
Score: 72.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $7,645
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 2,028
- Undergrad Students: 2,028
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,600
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Henderson Community College
Score: 70.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,656
- Out-of-State:$6,192
- Net Price: $6,721
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 1,506
- Undergrad Students: 1,506
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,900
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky
Berea College
Score: 84.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,326
- Out-of-State:$49,326
- Net Price: $2,020
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 1,433
- Undergrad Students: 1,433
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Centre College
Score: 76.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $50,550
- Out-of-State:$50,550
- Net Price: $23,584
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 1,357
- Undergrad Students: 1,357
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 73.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State:$21,480
- Net Price: $7,259
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,801
- Undergrad Students: 10,776
- Graduate Students: 5,025
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Murray State University
Score: 72.27
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,708
- Out-of-State:$19,452
- Net Price: $11,042
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 9,479
- Undergrad Students: 7,679
- Graduate Students: 1,800
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Kentucky
Score: 72.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,212
- Out-of-State:$33,406
- Net Price: $18,693
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 31,547
- Undergrad Students: 22,735
- Graduate Students: 8,812
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Transylvania University
Score: 72.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,980
- Out-of-State:$44,980
- Net Price: $25,767
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 979
- Undergrad Students: 979
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
University of Louisville
Score: 71.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,828
- Out-of-State:$29,174
- Net Price: $19,327
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 22,017
- Undergrad Students: 15,921
- Graduate Students: 6,096
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Eastern Kentucky University
Score: 71.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,130
- Out-of-State:$20,820
- Net Price: $10,806
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 14,324
- Undergrad Students: 12,072
- Graduate Students: 2,252
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Score: 68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,393
- Out-of-State:$33,393
- Net Price: $20,735
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 813
- Undergrad Students: 813
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Bellarmine University
Score: 67.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,180
- Out-of-State:$47,180
- Net Price: $22,813
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 2,970
- Undergrad Students: 2,343
- Graduate Students: 627
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Georgetown College
Score: 67.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,010
- Out-of-State:$42,010
- Net Price: $15,152
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,548
- Undergrad Students: 1,233
- Graduate Students: 315
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Morehead State University
Score: 67.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,838
- Out-of-State:$14,706
- Net Price: $10,991
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 8,807
- Undergrad Students: 8,215
- Graduate Students: 592
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Asbury University
Score: 67.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,640
- Out-of-State:$33,640
- Net Price: $21,506
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 1,650
- Undergrad Students: 1,404
- Graduate Students: 246
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Brescia University
Score: 66.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,450
- Out-of-State:$30,450
- Net Price: $16,127
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 646
- Undergrad Students: 551
- Graduate Students: 95
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Western Kentucky University
Score: 66.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,436
- Out-of-State:$27,000
- Net Price: $12,625
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 16,493
- Undergrad Students: 14,440
- Graduate Students: 2,053
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Thomas More University
Score: 66.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,400
- Out-of-State:$38,400
- Net Price: $21,962
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 1,958
- Undergrad Students: 1,829
- Graduate Students: 129
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of the Cumberlands
Score: 65.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,875
- Out-of-State:$9,875
- Net Price: $14,337
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 18,053
- Undergrad Students: 5,174
- Graduate Students: 12,879
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Kentucky State University
Score: 62.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,214
- Out-of-State:$13,260
- Net Price: $11,473
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 1,726
- Undergrad Students: 1,610
- Graduate Students: 116
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Union College
Score: 61.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,946
- Out-of-State:$30,946
- Net Price: $18,221
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 970
- Undergrad Students: 724
- Graduate Students: 246
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Score: 60.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,086
- Out-of-State:$13,086
- Net Price: $17,299
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 4,266
- Undergrad Students: 1,018
- Graduate Students: 3,248
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Spalding University
Score: 59.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,850
- Out-of-State:$27,850
- Net Price: $26,539
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 1,532
- Undergrad Students: 767
- Graduate Students: 765
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Midway University
Score: 57.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $26,080
- Out-of-State:$26,080
- Net Price: $22,848
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 1,441
- Undergrad Students: 1,203
- Graduate Students: 238
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Sullivan University
Score: 56.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,220
- Out-of-State:$14,220
- Net Price: $19,537
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 2,309
- Undergrad Students: 1,844
- Graduate Students: 465
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Campbellsville University
Score: 54.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $26,990
- Out-of-State:$26,990
- Net Price: $20,987
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 11,775
- Undergrad Students: 6,411
- Graduate Students: 5,364
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
Lindsey Wilson College
Score: 53.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,274
- Out-of-State:$27,274
- Net Price: $13,056
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 3,159
- Undergrad Students: 1,753
- Graduate Students: 1,406
- Grads Salary: $50,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Top 20 Best Master's Programs in Kentucky
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 80.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State:$21,480
- Net Price: $7,259
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,801
- Undergrad Students: 10,776
- Graduate Students: 5,025
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Murray State University
Score: 79.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,708
- Out-of-State:$19,452
- Net Price: $11,042
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 9,479
- Undergrad Students: 7,679
- Graduate Students: 1,800
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Kentucky
Score: 78.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,212
- Out-of-State:$33,406
- Net Price: $18,693
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 31,547
- Undergrad Students: 22,735
- Graduate Students: 8,812
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Eastern Kentucky University
Score: 78.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,130
- Out-of-State:$20,820
- Net Price: $10,806
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 14,324
- Undergrad Students: 12,072
- Graduate Students: 2,252
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Louisville
Score: 78.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,828
- Out-of-State:$29,174
- Net Price: $19,327
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 22,017
- Undergrad Students: 15,921
- Graduate Students: 6,096
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Morehead State University
Score: 74.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,838
- Out-of-State:$14,706
- Net Price: $10,991
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 8,807
- Undergrad Students: 8,215
- Graduate Students: 592
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Asbury University
Score: 73.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,640
- Out-of-State:$33,640
- Net Price: $21,506
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 1,650
- Undergrad Students: 1,404
- Graduate Students: 246
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Georgetown College
Score: 73.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,010
- Out-of-State:$42,010
- Net Price: $15,152
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 1,548
- Undergrad Students: 1,233
- Graduate Students: 315
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Bellarmine University
Score: 73.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,180
- Out-of-State:$47,180
- Net Price: $22,813
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 2,970
- Undergrad Students: 2,343
- Graduate Students: 627
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Brescia University
Score: 73.09
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,450
- Out-of-State:$30,450
- Net Price: $16,127
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 646
- Undergrad Students: 551
- Graduate Students: 95
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Western Kentucky University
Score: 72.74
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,436
- Out-of-State:$27,000
- Net Price: $12,625
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 16,493
- Undergrad Students: 14,440
- Graduate Students: 2,053
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of the Cumberlands
Score: 71.31
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,875
- Out-of-State:$9,875
- Net Price: $14,337
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 18,053
- Undergrad Students: 5,174
- Graduate Students: 12,879
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Thomas More University
Score: 70.79
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,400
- Out-of-State:$38,400
- Net Price: $21,962
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 1,958
- Undergrad Students: 1,829
- Graduate Students: 129
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Kentucky State University
Score: 67.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,214
- Out-of-State:$13,260
- Net Price: $11,473
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 1,726
- Undergrad Students: 1,610
- Graduate Students: 116
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Union College
Score: 66.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,946
- Out-of-State:$30,946
- Net Price: $18,221
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 970
- Undergrad Students: 724
- Graduate Students: 246
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Score: 66.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,086
- Out-of-State:$13,086
- Net Price: $17,299
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 4,266
- Undergrad Students: 1,018
- Graduate Students: 3,248
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Spalding University
Score: 63.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,850
- Out-of-State:$27,850
- Net Price: $26,539
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 1,532
- Undergrad Students: 767
- Graduate Students: 765
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Midway University
Score: 61.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $26,080
- Out-of-State:$26,080
- Net Price: $22,848
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 1,441
- Undergrad Students: 1,203
- Graduate Students: 238
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Sullivan University
Score: 60.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,220
- Out-of-State:$14,220
- Net Price: $19,537
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 2,309
- Undergrad Students: 1,844
- Graduate Students: 465
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Lindsey Wilson College
Score: 58.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,274
- Out-of-State:$27,274
- Net Price: $13,056
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 3,159
- Undergrad Students: 1,753
- Graduate Students: 1,406
- Grads Salary: $50,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Cost of Kentucky College Education & Salaries
Kentucky public schools charge for credits using a two-tiered system of in-state versus out-of-state rates. This policy recognizes the support from residents for the state’s educational institutions. Kentucky has a high percentage of private colleges that charge one rate for all students. In-state tuition offers a substantial reduction from the out-of-state rate. When students seek a major that they cannot find in Kentucky, they may be able to attend a school in a nearby state while still paying the Kentucky in-state rate. This is because they are a part of the Academic Common Market, which includes several nearby states and allows students the freedom to earn their degree in those nearby states for in-state prices.
Kentucky schools offer a wide variety of learning environments and some unique approaches to education and access. Berea College, for example, has a tuition guarantee scholarship that applies to every student. The policy guarantees that every student will participate without paying tuition directly. For a typical student, this scholarship covers about $100,000 in tuition and fees.
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Tuition Cost Analysis - In-state vs. National
Average Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools
In-State Tuition - $10,674
National Average – $9,580
Out-of-State Tuition – $25,430
National Average – $27,437
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
The costs of education are an investment in a brighter economic future. The costs may be a barrier for some families, and their choice of schools may be limited by their means. However, financial aid can change the equation in the student’s favor. Students can even qualify for grants and scholarships that do not require repayment.
Forty percent of grant applicants received funding in Kentucky, which is slightly higher than the national average of 38 percent. Kentucky also ranks 37th in financial aid per recipient, below the national average by about 10%. The State has the Kentucky College Access Program grant. The CAP grant helps resource-challenged students by providing up to $1,900 per year towards tuition and fees. The state awards funds on a first come basis, and there are no guaranteed participation provisions.
Nearly every public and private college in Kentucky participates in this grant program.
Financial Aid | Kentucky | Nationally |
---|---|---|
Received Federal Grants | 40% | 37.7% |
Average $ per Recipient | $9,714 | $10,927 |
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
Scholarships for Kentucky Students
The State of Kentucky has a state-financed basic educational grant. The private sector has also acted to award financial assistance to deserving students through a variety of corporate and business association scholarships. The list below describes some of the leading scholarships for Kentucky students.
KGCSA
Kentucky Grocers and Convenience Store Association Inc
https://www.kgcsa.org/index.php/scholarships-awards/legacy-scholarship
Amount: $1,000 (5 Awards)
Deadline: May 1
The Kentucky Grocers Education Foundation Scholarship assists students that are employees, children, or grandchildren of employees of a member company. The student’s connection must be with a Kentucky Grocers and Convenience Store Association Inc. (KGCSA) member company in good standing. The member stores may also award a piggyback scholarship to their employees in addition to the Association award.
KCGAS
Kentucky Corn Growers Association Scholarship
www.kycorn.org
Amount: $1,000 (2 awards) or $2,000 (1 award)
Deadline: March 15
Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors, or a current college student enrolled in an accredited college or university. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field. The student or their parent/guardian must be a Kentucky Corn Grower Association member. The award criteria look at extra-curricular activities, community engagement, and academic performance.
AAF
American Advertising Federation – Louisville
www.aaflouisville.org/scholarship
Amount: $2,500 (2 Awards)
Deadline: March 1
Eligible students must intend to enter the field of advertising. Applicants must be in an associate degree or technical certificate program with at least 30 completed semester hours or be a junior or senior in a four-year degree program with at least 60 completed semester hours. These requirements must be met as of the time of application, and students must carry a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must be residents of Kentucky and engaged in pursuing a degree in a field related to advertising, marketing, or marketing communications. Eligible majors include communications, mass communication, journalism, print advertising, public relations, marketing, business communications, graphic arts, computer design, multimedia technology, and English.
HAKS
Horatio Alger Kentucky Scholarship
https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/state-scholarships/
Amount: $10,000 (10 Awards)
Deadline: October 25
High school students in their final year can apply for the Alger Association scholarship if they are US citizens, legal residents, and intend to enroll at a US college or university. Students must demonstrate financial need and have a family income of $55,000 or less. The program seeks to reward students that have faced adversities and overcome them through effort. The program grants priority for students actively involved in extra-curricular activities and community contributions. Students must have a 2.0 GPA or higher. Students may begin studies at a two-year institution and then move to a four-year school.
ABSBMAS
ABAK Buena S. Bond Memorial Agriculture Scholarship
www.kyagbusiness.org
Amount: $1,000 (4 awards per year)
Deadline: March 31
The AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky Scholarship is based on merit and financial need. At least one of the four awards must go to a currently enrolled college student. Eligible students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a public or private vocational school, college, or university. The awards must go to Kentucky residents with a declared major in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. The applicant must research the assigned topics and complete the technical application requirements, namely: two letters of recommendation, the most recent official transcript, an official acceptance letter or proof or enrollment, and three 500-word essays on the designated subjects.
HWAMS
Howard E. and Wilma J. Adkins Memorial Scholarship
www.aws.org/foundation/scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: February 15
This scholarship program has a preference for students that reside or attend school in Kentucky or Wisconsin. Eligible students must attend or plan to attend a US institution, be a legal US resident, or US citizen. The award requires students to be a junior or senior pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree in welding engineering or welding engineering technology. The applicants must have a 3.2 GPA on a four-point scale in engineering and science subjects and an overall GPA of 2.8 or higher.
KHAS
Kentucky Housing Association Scholarship
http://www.kyhousingassn.com/Portals/33/2018Updates/2018%20APPLICATION%20KIT.pdf?ver=2018-03-27-134601-800
Amount: up to $2,500
Deadline: March 31
Eligible applicants must be residents of a low-rent public housing program managed by a public housing authority or a HUD Section 8 Program. The program accepts current college students, high school seniors, recent graduates, and holders of a GED from an accredited educational agency. All applicants must meet the income requirements as defined by HUD for housing. Applicants must have a sponsor that is an active member of the Kentucky Housing Association. The program awards four scholarships. One award is a one-year non-renewable $2,500 payment. Three additional awards for $750 per year may be renewed for up to four years.
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