Kentucky is home to some of the best colleges in the United States. These colleges offer a wide range of degree programs and extracurricular activities that cater to students’ diverse interests. The colleges in Kentucky are known for their academic excellence, affordability, and strong sense of community.

The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville are two of the most prestigious colleges in Kentucky. Both universities offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, and medicine. The University of Kentucky is also known for its strong research programs, particularly in the fields of agriculture, medicine, and engineering.

In addition to these large universities, Kentucky is also home to several small liberal arts colleges such as Berea College and Centre College. These colleges offer a more intimate learning environment, with smaller class sizes and a focus on critical thinking and analysis. Overall, the colleges in Kentucky provide students with a high-quality education and a strong sense of community, making them an excellent choice for students looking to further their education.

University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky (UK) is a public research university in Lexington, Kentucky. It is one of the best colleges in Kentucky, offering over 200 academic programs across 16 degree-granting colleges, the Lewis Honors College, and the Graduate School.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending UK for in-state students is $12,859, while out-of-state students pay $32,924. However, the university offers various scholarships and financial aid programs that can help offset the cost of attendance.

Enrollment and SAT Range

UK has an enrollment of over 30,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. The university has an acceptance rate of 94%, and the average SAT score range for admitted students is 1070-1290.

Majors

UK offers a wide range of majors, including business, education, engineering, health, and STEM fields. The university also offers study abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities to enhance students’ academic experiences.

UK is particularly well-known for its engineering and healthcare programs, which are highly ranked nationally. The university also has a strong focus on research, with over $400 million in annual research expenditures.

The campus is home to over 500 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, and has a strong athletic program. UK is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and has a strong basketball program, with eight national championships.

The location of UK is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with access to hiking trails, parks, and lakes. The university is also close to Cincinnati, Ohio, providing students with access to additional cultural and entertainment options.

Overall, the University of Kentucky is a top choice for students seeking a quality education at an affordable cost, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

University of Louisville

The University of Louisville is a public research university in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a member of the Kentucky state university system and is classified as a doctoral university with the highest research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending the University of Louisville varies depending on whether a student is a resident of Kentucky or an out-of-state student. In-state tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $12,370, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,716. Room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses are additional costs that students should also consider.

Enrollment and SAT Range

As of fall 2021, the University of Louisville had an enrollment of approximately 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1080-1310.

Majors

The University of Louisville offers over 170 undergraduate majors and minors and graduate programs in various fields. The university is particularly known for its strong health sciences, business, and education programs. Students can also take advantage of study abroad opportunities, internships, and job placement services.

The university has a wide range of clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, and recreational groups. The campus also features several museums, including the Speed Art Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center. Additionally, the university boasts a championship golf course and a campus shop where students can purchase school merchandise.

Ranking

The University of Louisville is ranked #182 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report for the 2022-2023 academic year. The university is also ranked in the top 100 public universities in the nation.

Overall, the University of Louisville offers students a comprehensive education focusing on research and innovation. Its location in Louisville, a major business and cultural hub, provides students with ample opportunities for internships and job placement after graduation.

Centre College

Centre College is a private liberal arts college located in Danville, Kentucky. It was founded in 1819 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,320 students as of fall 2021. The campus is situated on 178 acres and offers a variety of majors, including STEM fields, engineering, and health sciences.

Annual Cost

The annual tuition, room, and board cost at Centre College is $72,050 for the 2021-2022 academic year. The college offers a variety of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and work-study programs.

Enrollment and SAT Range

Centre College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,320 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. The middle 50% range for SAT scores of admitted students is 1240-1430.

Majors

Centre College offers over 50 majors and minors, with popular majors including economics, psychology, biology, and political science. The college also offers pre-professional programs in law, medicine, and engineering.

Centre College is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities, including study abroad programs, internships, and service-learning projects. The college also has a strong tradition of athletics, with over 80% of students participating in varsity or club sports.

Centre College is a highly respected private liberal arts college in Kentucky with a strong focus on academic excellence, experiential learning, and student engagement.

Berea College

Berea College is a private institution located in Berea, Kentucky. It was founded in 1855 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,468 students (fall 2021). The college is known for its commitment to providing a high-quality education to students who demonstrate financial need.

Annual Cost

Berea College is one of the few colleges in the United States that offers a tuition-free education. However, students are still responsible for covering the cost of room and board, which is approximately $4,000 per year. The college also offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help students cover additional expenses.

Enrollment and SAT Range

Berea College has a small student body, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,468 students. The college has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 38%. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1130-1360, and the average ACT score range is 24-31.

Majors

Berea College offers a wide range of majors, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences programs. The college is particularly well-known for its sustainability and environmental studies programs and its commitment to social justice and community service.

Campus

Berea College’s campus is in a beautiful rural setting, with easy access to hiking trails and other outdoor recreational activities. The college also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives on campus.

Study Abroad

Berea College offers a variety of study abroad programs, including semester-long programs in locations such as China, Ghana, and Spain. The college also offers short-term study abroad opportunities during the summer and winter breaks.

Fraternities and Sororities

Berea College does not have any fraternities or sororities on campus. Instead, the college has a strong sense of community and encourages students to get involved in a variety of clubs and organizations.

Athletics

Berea College is a member of NCAA Division III and competes in the USA South Athletic Conference. The college offers a variety of sports programs, including basketball, soccer, cross country, and track and field.

Asbury University

Asbury University is a private Christian university located in Wilmore, Kentucky. The university is ranked as the best regional university in Kentucky by U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-23 Best Colleges Rankings. Asbury University offers over 70 majors and minors across its undergraduate and graduate programs.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attendance for Asbury University is $33,146, which includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses. Asbury University offers financial aid to eligible students, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Enrollment and SAT Range

As of Fall 2021, Asbury University has a total enrollment of 1,854 undergraduate and graduate students. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1070-1280.

Majors

Asbury University offers a wide range of majors, including business, communication, education, engineering, health sciences, music, psychology, and more. The university also offers pre-professional programs in law, medicine, and other fields.

Asbury University prides itself on providing a strong community for its students, with opportunities for student involvement in clubs, organizations, and athletics. The university also offers study abroad programs, allowing students to gain international experience and broaden their horizons.

Overall, Asbury University is a top-ranked private university in Kentucky, offering a strong academic program, a supportive community, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Bellarmine University

Bellarmine University is a private Catholic university located in Louisville, Kentucky. The university offers over 60 majors, including business, education, nursing, physical therapy, health professions, clinical sciences, and athletic training. Bellarmine is known for its strong liberal arts and sciences programs.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attendance for Bellarmine University is around $52,000, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. The university offers financial aid to eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Enrollment and SAT Range

Bellarmine University has an enrollment of around 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The average SAT score range for incoming freshmen is 1080-1260.

Majors

Bellarmine University offers a wide range of majors, including business, education, nursing, physical therapy, health professions, clinical sciences, and athletic training. The university also offers humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences majors.

The university is particularly strong in the health sciences, with nursing, physical therapy, and respiratory therapy programs ranked among the country’s best.

Campus and Community

Bellarmine University has a beautiful 145-acre campus located in the heart of Louisville. The campus features modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art health sciences center, a new residence hall, and a renovated student center.

The university has a vibrant community, with over 70 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, and a thriving athletics program with 22 NCAA Division II teams.

Study Abroad

Bellarmine University offers a variety of study abroad programs, including semester-long programs in Europe, Asia, and South America. The university also offers short-term study abroad programs during the summer and winter breaks.

Technology and STEM

Bellarmine University is committed to providing students with the latest technology and resources to support their academic success. The university has a state-of-the-art computer lab, a digital media lab, and a variety of online resources.

The university is also committed to STEM education, with biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering programs.

Admission and GPA

Bellarmine University has a selective admission process, with an acceptance rate of around 70%. The average GPA for incoming freshmen is around 3.5. The university also considers SAT and ACT scores during the admission process.

Murray State University

Murray State University is a public university located in Murray, Kentucky. It was founded in 1922 and offers over 140 programs of study. Murray State University has been ranked as one of the best colleges in Kentucky by U.S. News & World Report.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attendance for in-state students at Murray State University is $9,432, while out-of-state students pay $24,768. The university offers financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans to eligible students.

Enrollment and SAT Range

Murray State University has a total enrollment of approximately 10,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1020-1230.

Majors

Murray State University offers a wide range of majors in various fields, including STEM, engineering, health, and more. Some of the popular majors at the university include business, education, nursing, and psychology.

The university also offers study abroad programs for students who want to experience different cultures and gain a global perspective.

Campus Life

Murray State University has a vibrant campus life, with over 200 student organizations, clubs, fraternities, and sororities. The university also has a strong athletic program, with over 15 NCAA Division I teams.

For seniors, the university offers a program called Senior Scholars, which allows them to take classes for free. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the university’s proximity to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Overall, Murray State University provides a quality education at an affordable cost, making it one of the best colleges in Kentucky.

Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University is a public university located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is ranked #331-440 out of 443 National Universities by US News Best Colleges. The university has a student population of over 20,000 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Western Kentucky University is $11,112 for in-state students and $26,928 for out-of-state students. The university offers financial aid to eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.

Enrollment and SAT Range

The university has an acceptance rate of 98% and requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 for admission. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 980-1180. The university has a diverse student body with students from all 50 states and over 70 countries.

Majors

Western Kentucky University offers over 170 undergraduate and graduate majors across various fields of study. The most popular majors include Business, Health Professions, Education, Engineering, and Communication.

The university also offers study abroad programs in over 50 countries, allowing students to gain international experience and broaden their perspectives. Additionally, the university is known for its strong programs in STEM fields, including Engineering and Technology.

Overall, Western Kentucky University provides a vibrant community for students to learn and grow. The campus offers various resources and opportunities for students to get involved, including fraternities, sororities, and student-athlete programs. The university is also located in an area that is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with access to parks, lakes, and hiking trails.

Transylvania University

Transylvania University is a private liberal arts college located in Lexington, Kentucky. It was founded in 1780, making it one of the oldest colleges in the country. The university is known for its rigorous academic programs, including majors in STEM fields, health sciences, and engineering.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Transylvania University is $43,670, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the university offers financial aid to eligible students, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and work-study programs.

Enrollment and SAT Range

As of 2023, Transylvania University has an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students. The university has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1140-1340.

Majors

Transylvania University offers a wide range of majors in STEM fields, health sciences, and engineering. Some popular majors include biology, psychology, business administration, and computer science. The university also offers study abroad programs, allowing students to gain international experience and broaden their horizons.

Overall, Transylvania University is one of the best colleges in Kentucky, offering a strong academic program, a supportive community, and a beautiful campus. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in STEM, health sciences, or the liberal arts, Transylvania University has something to offer.

Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is a mid-size public university located in Highland Heights, Kentucky. NKU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.

Annual Cost

The annual cost for in-state tuition and fees at NKU is $10,600, while out-of-state students pay $20,340. However, the university offers scholarships and financial aid to eligible students.

Enrollment and SAT Range

As of Fall 2022, NKU has an undergraduate enrollment of 8,024 students. The average SAT score range for admitted students is 1080-1260.

Majors

NKU offers over 70 undergraduate majors, including Business, Nursing, Organizational Behavior Studies, and Information Technology. The university also offers graduate programs in various fields such as Education, Health Administration, and Business Administration.

NKU is also known for its Honors Program, which offers high-achieving students a challenging and enriching academic experience. The program provides opportunities for research, service learning, and leadership development.

Overall, NKU is a reputable university offering diverse programs and opportunities to its students.

Best Kentucky Colleges by Major