Best Colleges in Kentucky (2023 Rankings)

Thinking of pursuing higher education in the Bluegrass State? If so, then you've come to the right place to explore some of the best colleges in the state of Kentucky!

Whether you're looking for a large public institution with great sports teams or a small private college where you'll get plenty of hands-on experience, we've got you covered. Check out our rankings for the top colleges in the state (in no particular order), complete with a breakdown of what each has to offer!

Berea College

Tuition: $45,092

Fast facts:

• 1,432 undergraduate students 
• Acceptance rate: 33%
• Graduation rate: 50% (4-year), 67% (6-year)

Think you can't afford college? Berea College says, think again! The first integrated co-ed college in the South, the small private college offers such strong financial aid options that over half its students graduate with no student debt.

Berea is also one of only around 10 official Work Colleges that assign students to work positions that prepare them for the future. Enjoy a strong 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio as you pursue a degree in one of 30+ fields, ranging from Agriculture or Peace and Social Justice Studies to English or Business.

You might also like: Alice Lloyd College, Pippa Passes

Centre College, Danville

Tuition: $44,300

Fast facts:

• 1,333 undergraduate students 
• Acceptance rate: 72%
• Graduation rate: 82% (4-year), 83% (6-year)

Centre College is a private Presbyterian college where 85% of students enjoy the chance to study abroad. Many students also pursue internships with partners like Johns Hopkins University, C-SPAN, the U.S. Congress, and more. With a small student population, Centre College offers plenty of individual attention, no matter which major you decide to focus on.

Choose from degree options such as Behavioral Neuroscience, Politics, and Environmental Studies, or opt for one of many preprofessional programs like Law, Education, or Healthcare. Make sure you attend the school's yearly Activities Expo to find out more about student clubs and activities on campus!

You might also like: Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia

University of Kentucky, Lexington

In-state Tuition: $12,484

Out-of-state Tuition: $31,294

Fast facts:

• 22,227 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 96%
• Graduation rate: 47% (4-year), 66% (6-year)

The University of Kentucky-Lexington (UK) is a public college that brings plenty to the table! UK is one of less than 10 higher education institutions in the country where you'll find liberal arts, engineering, agricultural, medical, and professional colleges all in one.

With over 200 academic programs to choose from, you'll have no problem finding the perfect choice for you. Cheer on the over 20 Wildcats sports teams at the next big game! Or head over to the college's student organizations page to find out more about the hundreds of clubs, Greek chapters, and volunteer opportunities you'll find on campus.

You might also like: Kentucky State University, Frankfort

University of Louisville

In-state Tuition: $12,162

Out-of-state Tuition: $28,508

Fast facts:

• 15,927 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 65%
• Graduation rate: 37% (4-year), 60% (6-year)

Established in 1798, The University of Louisville is a nationally recognized public research institution. The university offers a huge range of academic programs, from associate and bachelor's degrees to master's, doctoral, and professional degrees.

The University of Louisville also offers a number of accelerated programs that can help you earn a bachelor's degree and get started on a graduate degree faster! With over 400 student organizations, not to mention killer NCAA Division I athletics teams, you'll have no problems finding lots of fun on campus.

You might also like: Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond

Bellarmine University, Louisville

Tuition: $43,470

Fast facts:

• 2,484 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 82%
• Graduation rate: 55% (4-year), 64% (6-year)

Bellarmine University is a private Catholic liberal arts college that offers 50 majors, dual degree programs, and a solid 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Whether you're into medical laboratory science, music, or marketing, Bellarmine's got a program for you.

Here you'll find a tight-knit, diverse student body and a beautiful campus right on the edge of downtown Louisville's trendy Highlands neighborhood. Home of the NCAA Division I Louisville Knights sports teams, Bellarmine offers plenty of opportunities to get involved with on-campus events, clubs, and community groups.

You might also like: University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg

Transylvania University, Lexington

Tuition: $41,610

Fast facts:

• 963  undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 92%
• Graduation rate: 70% (4-year), 74% (6-year)

Transylvania University is a private Christian liberal arts university with a fascinating history. First chartered by then-governer Thomas Jefferson in 1780, Transylvania is actually older than the state of Kentucky itself!

The small but mighty student body enjoys a choice of 48 majors, as well as the opportunity to design their own. With over 50 student organizations, 27 athletic teams, and exceptional graduation rates, Transylvania University is an excellent choice for an intimate college experience.

You might also like: Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Asbury University, Wilmore

Tuition: $32.028

Fast facts:

• 1,492 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 75%
• Graduation rate: 53% (4-year), 74% (6-year)

Asbury University is a private Christian liberal arts college that blends spirituality with top-notch academic programs. Undergraduates enjoy a choice of 150+ areas of study, including unique options like youth ministry, equine training, and forensic psychology.

Asbury also offers a solid range of student life opportunities, including clubs, intramurals, and volunteer or leadership activities. If you're looking for a strong faith-based education in a welcoming community, then Asbury is a great school to check out!

You might also like: Campbellsville University, Campbellsville

Georgetown College

Tuition: $40,800

Fast facts:

• 1,109 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 72%
• Graduation rate: 50% (4-year), 56% (6-year)

Georgetown College is a private Baptist college where you'll find a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of just 15 students. Choose from popular majors like biology, business administration, communications and media, and more.

You'll enjoy a strong sense of community as you make friends through campus activities like Greek life, intramural sports, or faith and service activities. If you're a high school student looking into applying for enrollment at Georgetown, be sure to check your eligibility for one of the college's Programs of Distinction, which may offer additional scholarship opportunities!

You might also like: Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights

Spalding University, Louisville

Tuition: $25,975

Fast facts:

• 855 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 93%
• Graduation rate: 34% (4-year), 58% (6-year)

Spalding University is a private Catholic college that welcomes students of all backgrounds and viewpoints. Spalding's student population is less united by religion and more by a commitment to justice, service, and compassion.

Spalding offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as several fast-track options designed to help you achieve your higher education goals quickly. With 25+ student clubs and a range of on-campus programs, Spalding is the type of place where your fellow classmates will quickly feel more like family.

You might also like: Thomas More University, Crestview Hills  

Midway University

Tuition: $24,850

Fast facts:

• 1,164 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 73%
• Graduation rate: 49% (4-year), 51% (6-year)

If you're into horses, you'll feel right at home at Midway University, a private Christian college that devotes part of its 200-acre campus to a working horse farm. It even has 70 acres of pastureland! Midway offers 20+ career-focused areas of study, including everything from equine studies or sports management to English or nursing.

In addition to a full list of common college sports, the Midway Eagles athletics department also offers fun options like competitive Equestrian, esports, and Archery teams. Check out Midway's list of student organizations for clubs themed around everything from LGBTQ+ inclusivity and student athletics to student government and (of course) horses.

You might also like: Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro 

Kentucky colleges FAQ

What is the number one best college in Kentucky?

Considering that diversity is one of the key strengths of Kentucky's overall university system, it's more important to concentrate on finding the best school for you. If you're looking for the state's best variety of programs, then the University of Kentucky-Lexington is a great choice. If you're into horses, however, then Midway University or Asbury University may be among your strongest contenders.

What's the best liberal arts college in Kentucky?

While Kentucky is full of outstanding liberal arts colleges, Barea is among the most celebrated. Not only do students get a solid four-year education, but a great deal of work experience - not to mention the benefits of a stellar financial aid system.
 

What's the best Christian college in Kentucky?

In addition to its denominational considerations, Centre College is one of our top picks due to its strong academic track record, fantastic graduation rates, and a strong emphasis on real-world experience.

Find the perfect Kentucky school with College Rover

Looking for a one-stop guide to the best colleges and programs in America? Head to College Rover, where you'll find user-friendly search tools designed to help you find, research, and compare the best schools for you!

Use our customizable filters to search for schools that fit your own unique methodology or compare your top choices side by side. No matter what type of college experience you're looking for, College Rover is here to make your search a whole lot easier!

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.