#26 in Nursing
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Acceptance
93%
Total Cost
$27,512
SAT
1070–1290
Flagship public anchoring horse country with Wildcat basketball fever and top equine research.
Explore Kentucky Colleges
Colleges in Kentucky
Explore 33 colleges and universities in Kentucky, including 8 public institutions and 25 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
33
Colleges
8
Public
25
Private
Kentucky at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
80%
Average acceptance rate for Kentucky colleges
Avg Net Price
$17,430
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$21,681
For public universities
Kentucky Colleges Directory
Browse 33 colleges in Kentucky, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
#41 in Nursing
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
Acceptance
79%
Total Cost
$24,900
SAT
1040–1270
Kentucky's urban research engine driving engineering, medicine, and innovation amid bourbon trails and Derby crowds.
#60 in Liberal Arts
Centre College
Danville, KY
Acceptance
54%
Total Cost
$62,410
SAT
1160–1450
Kentucky's tight-knit liberal arts powerhouse where you'll debate policy over bourbon in a historic town that feels worlds away from everywhere else.
#72 in Liberal Arts
Berea College
Berea, KY
Acceptance
19%
Total Cost
$52,508
SAT
1156–1335
Earn your tuition-free liberal arts degree through hands-on campus work at America's pioneering interracial college.
#109 in Liberal Arts
Transylvania University
Lexington, KY
Acceptance
87%
Total Cost
$55,980
SAT
1120–1380
Transylvania University delivers intimate liberal arts learning in the heart of Kentucky's horse country, where you'll debate philosophy amid bourbon distilleries and bluegrass fields.
#138 in Best Value
Murray State University
Murray, KY
Acceptance
86%
Total Cost
$19,308
SAT
940–1170
Murray State University is located in Murray, KY.
#147 in Best Value
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY
Acceptance
99%
Total Cost
$19,175
SAT
940–1130
A small Kentucky campus with a big heart for affordability and personalized education.
#158 in Liberal Arts
Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY
Acceptance
91%
Total Cost
$52,294
SAT
960–1160
Historic Kentucky liberal arts college famed for its pioneering American Sign Language program amid Thoroughbred horse farms.
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY
Acceptance
68%
Total Cost
$22,920
SAT
953–1150
Northern Kentucky University blends small-town charm with big-city access, just minutes from Cincinnati's vibrant opportunities.
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
Acceptance
94%
Total Cost
$23,694
SAT
840–1050
A welcoming hilltop campus in Bowling Green, where Southern charm meets hands-on learning at an accessible price.
FAQs about Kentucky Colleges
Berea College is the highest-ranked university in Kentucky, ranked #82 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at Kentucky colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $21,681 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $24,508. After financial aid, the average net price is $17,430.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in Kentucky is 80%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
To qualify for in-state tuition at Kentucky public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a Kentucky driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
Kentucky is located in the Southeast region of the United States. The Southeast combines Southern hospitality with top-tier research universities and a growing tech sector, offering excellent value and vibrant campus life.
Kentucky offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $17,430. Public universities in Kentucky provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.