Colleges in Kentucky

There are 42 accredited colleges and universities in Kentucky. They admit an average of 78% of applicants, and the average net price after aid is $17,580 per year. Compare acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, and net prices — and see your personal admission chances for free.

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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology · Updated August 2026

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Top Colleges in Kentucky

The most selective and highly ranked accredited universities in Kentucky. Click any school for its acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, net price, and a free admission-chance estimate.

UniversityLocationAcceptance Rate
Berea CollegeBerea, KY33%
Centre CollegeDanville, KY54%
Brescia UniversityOwensboro, KY35%
Kentucky Mountain Bible CollegeJackson, KY36%
Transylvania UniversityLexington, KY85%
Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown, KY74%
Union Commonwealth UniversityBarbourville, KY55%
University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY80%
Kentucky Wesleyan CollegeOwensboro, KY67%
Kentucky Christian UniversityGrayson, KY62%
University of KentuckyLexington, KY92%
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY78%
Bellarmine UniversityLouisville, KY94%
Murray State UniversityMurray, KY86%
Thomas More UniversityCrestview Hills, KY97%
The Southern Baptist Theological SeminaryLouisville, KY97%
Midway UniversityMidway, KY95%
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, KY96%
Spalding UniversityLouisville, KY99%
Kentucky State UniversityFrankfort, KY93%
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY97%
Alice Lloyd CollegePippa Passes, KY86%
Asbury UniversityWilmore, KY64%
University of the CumberlandsWilliamsburg, KY71%
Morehead State UniversityMorehead, KY82%
Simmons College of KentuckyLouisville, KY98%
Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville, KY98%
Asbury Theological SeminaryWilmore, KY
Clear Creek Baptist Bible CollegePineville, KY
University of PikevillePikeville, KY81%

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky

Universities in Kentucky with the lowest average net price after grants and scholarships (federal College Scorecard data).

UniversityLocationAvg Net Price
Berea CollegeBerea, KY$6,106
Kentucky State UniversityFrankfort, KY$8,040
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, KY$8,191
Brescia UniversityOwensboro, KY$8,709
Murray State UniversityMurray, KY$9,096
Kentucky Mountain Bible CollegeJackson, KY$9,337
Morehead State UniversityMorehead, KY$9,793
Clear Creek Baptist Bible CollegePineville, KY$10,949
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY$10,990
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY$11,040
Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown, KY$14,095
University of the CumberlandsWilliamsburg, KY$14,107

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in Kentucky?

There are 42 accredited colleges and universities in Kentucky in Admit Coach's database, sourced from federal IPEDS data. They admit an average of 78% of applicants and cost about $17,580 per year after aid.

What is the best college in Kentucky?

Berea College is the highest nationally ranked university in Kentucky. The best college depends on your major, budget, and admission chances, though. Admit Coach ranks all 42 Kentucky colleges by your personal fit using your GPA and test scores, not just national reputation.

What is the average cost of college in Kentucky?

The average net price — the real cost after grants and scholarships — at colleges in Kentucky is about $17,580 per year. Admit Coach shows net price by five income brackets for every school, so you see the estimate for your family's income bracket, not just the sticker price.

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