Best Colleges in Kentucky for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Kentucky College Guide – What You Need to Know

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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.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Kentucky?

The most popular major field of study is the broad category of Business. The related majors and minors include accounting, auditing, marketing, and finance. The humanities follow as a popular area of study, and many students select psychology. The health professions have a high percentage of nursing students and the natural science majors include biology and biomedical studies.

Business studies are popular across the US, as many college students have career goals that involve some area of business, like digital marketing or global trade. Business majors are popular because the typical income for recent graduates is higher for business majors than it is for major in other fields. Students should consider that there are many paths to business careers, and many businesses actively recruit persons trained in non-business fields. Surveys indicate that employers seek outstanding performers, and they may be in demand without limitation for the field of study.

Your online Arkansas degree might in one of these popular, and potentially lucrative, fields:

How Much Can You Make by Having 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
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

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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.

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Top Business Management Careers and Salaries

CEOs are executive level employees that typically have the top level of authority and decision-making in an organization. CEOs may delegate and use authority selectively, but they have responsibility for the overall performance of the organization and for achieving goals.

Accounting positions have responsibility for the organization's records of transactions. Accounting professionals create official records and issue financial reports.

Management analysts perform analysis of organizational processes and functions to determine effectiveness against their intended missions. Management analysts contribute to efficiency, budgeting, planning, and assessment.

Financial analysts provide research, information, and advice for persons or organizations that make decisions regarding assets, value, funds, and investments.

Budget analysts work with public and private organizations to arrange their finances and spending plans. Budget analysts prepare reports, forecasts, and oversee spending within assigned areas of oversight.

Business

Business Administration

Business Management

Entrepreneur

Financial Analyst

Human Resources Management

Marketing Manager

Organizational Leader

Project Manager

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
CEOs 2,980 $155,300
Accounting 12,080 $51,600
Management analysts 5,390 $67,400
Financial Managers 6,120 $92,400
Budget analysis 820 $62,200

Best Kentucky Schools for Business

  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
  • Bellarmine University
  • Northern Kentucky University
  • Murray State University

Top Education Careers and Salaries

Business Teachers, Postsecondary provide advanced education in the fields of business, marketing, finance, and accounting. They perform research, contribute to peer-reviewed journals, and mentor graduate students. Business teachers at the graduate level help develop the future college-level faculty.

Preschool Teachers work with the youngest learners at the most critical stage of their development.

Substitute Teachers are the necessary talent pool to provide continuity in elementary and high school instruction.

Librarians are skilled professionals that apply systems of organization and presentation for books, materials, documents, and records. Librarians can work in public and private settings including law firms, corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Teacher Assistants provide in-class assistance and support services for classroom teachers and school administrators. Teacher assistants require less education than a teaching professional.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Business Teachers, Postsecondary 680 $45,000
Preschool Teachers 3,930 $32,700
Substitute Teachers 200 $29,200
Librarians 2,000 $50,800
Teacher Assistants 16,140 $23,300

Best Kentucky Schools for Education-Teaching

  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
  • Kentucky State University
  • Berea College
  • Asbury University

Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries

Nutritionists provide research and treatment for patients that have health issues related to food intake, diet, and the healthy balance of food and activity. They promote wellness and early detection of eating disorders and diseases like diabetes.

Optometrists are medical professionals with specific training to diagnose vision disorders and measure visual ability. Optometrists prescribe corrective devices like contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Physician Assistants are skilled medical professionals that can perform many of the functions of a licensed medical doctor. Physician assistants work in many settings including as primary care providers in managed care systems.

Occupational Therapists provide physical treatment and exercise regimens to help regain strength and motion after accidents, illness, or injury. Occupational therapy focuses on regaining physical abilities needed to function in a job or occupation.

Physical Therapists provide similar treatment to that given by occupational therapists. They might work with someone after a stroke or accident in order to return them as close to normal mobility and function as possible.

Healthcare Admins provide an array of job duties such as strategic planning, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and organizational development.

Healthcare Manager

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Dietitians and Nutritionists 900 $50,600
Optometrists 480 $108,400
Physician Assistants 1,230 $97,800
Occupational Therapists 1,280 $66,600
Physical Therapists 2,650 $71,500

Best Kentucky Schools for health professions

  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
  • Kentucky State University
  • Berea College
  • Morehead State University

Top Natural Sciences Careers and Salaries

Food Scientists and Technologists develop ways to understand and improve foods including preservation, sustainability, and food content.

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms in their growth, characteristics, and structures. These functions include studying the relationship between microorganisms and disease.

Epidemiologists study diseases, origins, and patterns. They work to find cures, prevention, and control mechanisms.

Atmospheric and Space Scientists study atmospheric patterns, conditions, and phenomenon. They assess data from sensors, satellites, and other systems, and they work in fields like climatology and weather information.

Chemists perform analysis, investigations, and research into the properties of chemical compounds.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Food Scientists and Technologists 110 $65,200
Microbiologists 60 $54,600
Epidemiologists 60 $64,500
Atmospheric and Space Scientists 80 $82,700
Chemists 590 $56,700

Best Kentucky Schools for Natural Sciences - Biology

  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
  • Kentucky State University
  • Western Kentucky
  • Northern Kentucky University
  • Berea College
  • Morehead State University

Top Psychology Careers and Salaries

Psychiatrists are medical doctors that have additional specialization in emotional and personality disorders. They can diagnose and treat patients with many types of therapies including medicines and counseling.

Organizational Psychologists provide focused services for a specific organization.

Neuropsychologists study behavior from the perspective of physiology and brain functions. They bridge the disciplines that study brain and nervous system function and behavioral and emotional disorders.

Engineering Psychologists focus on the relationship between human actors and machines, with particular emphasis on advanced industry and artificial intelligence devices.

Psychology Teachers at the postsecondary level prepare graduates for leadership positions in the field as researchers, college faculty, and many social science applications in the field of psychology.

Counselors

Addiction Counselors

Mental Health Counselors

School Counselors

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Psychiatrist 150 $211,820
Organizational Psychologist 630 $77,800
Neuropsychologist 170 $94,100
Engineering Psychologist 630 $89,900
Psychology Teacher 670 $45,000

Best Kentucky Schools for Psychology

  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
  • Kentucky State University
  • Western Kentucky
  • Northern Kentucky University

Additional Careers in Kentucky:

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The Top Occupations With the Highest Forecasted Growth Rate in Kentucky

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

Best Associate Degrees in Kentucky

Best Associate Degrees in Kentucky
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It's well known that some of the best two-year associate degree programs provide the same level of income for graduates as some four-year degree programs. Many great careers have launched from community college degrees. Further, students often have a terrific college experience at their local community college. Here are some Kentucky associate degree programs that will provide you unrivaled educational opportunity.

Gateway Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
4,763		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$7,873 		Grads Salary
$28,800
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
6,327		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$7,780 		Grads Salary
$30,300
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
4,304		 Graduation Rate
38%		 Net Price
$7,240 		Grads Salary
$34,000
Madisonville Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,737		 Graduation Rate
42%		 Net Price
$5,884 		Grads Salary
$33,200
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
5,850		 Graduation Rate
39%		 Net Price
$7,082 		Grads Salary
$29,000
Maysville Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,446		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$5,811 		Grads Salary
$29,300
Owensboro Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
4,004		 Graduation Rate
41%		 Net Price
$6,936 		Grads Salary
$33,600
Ashland Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
2,598		 Graduation Rate
43%		 Net Price
$6,605 		Grads Salary
$30,600
Hazard Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,245		 Graduation Rate
40%		 Net Price
$4,459 		Grads Salary
$27,400
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
10,143		 Graduation Rate
30%		 Net Price
$7,013 		Grads Salary
$33,100
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Kentucky

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Kentucky
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More and more employers are looking for applicants with bachelor's degrees. Bachelor’s programs in the state of Kentucky produce professionals who are skilled, knowledgeable, and who are able to adopt new training quickly. A four-year degree program will also form the foundation for a master’s degree and even a position in the C-suites. Keep reading to learn more about the best colleges in the state of Kentucky.

Berea College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,688		 Graduation Rate
67%		 Net Price
$1,964 		Grads Salary
$56,300
Centre College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,411		 Graduation Rate
83%		 Net Price
$22,748 		Grads Salary
$63,900
University of Kentucky
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
29,402		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$19,831 		Grads Salary
$67,200
Northern Kentucky University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
15,664		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$9,664 		Grads Salary
$65,200
Murray State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,449		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$11,628 		Grads Salary
$63,600
University of Louisville
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
21,670		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$17,894 		Grads Salary
$66,200
Transylvania University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
946		 Graduation Rate
74%		 Net Price
$26,054 		Grads Salary
$65,500
Kentucky Wesleyan College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
863		 Graduation Rate
38%		 Net Price
$19,348 		Grads Salary
$77,500
Georgetown College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,484		 Graduation Rate
56%		 Net Price
$18,056 		Grads Salary
$64,000
Bellarmine University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,331		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$24,425 		Grads Salary
$66,200
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Best Master's Degrees in Kentucky

Best Master's Degrees in Kentucky
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The best master’s degrees are from graduate schools that have attained excellent accreditation. Students who complete these programs are able to immediately put their graduate diplomas to work as they rise to new professional heights. Doctoral degree programs in the state are likewise sought for those who aspire to academia or top-level research positions. Students should keep reading to find the master’s or doctoral degree program in Kentucky that’s right for them. Students that are interested in an MBA program, can check out the best online MBA programs in Kentucky.

University of Kentucky
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
29,402		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$19,831 		Grads Salary
$67,200
Northern Kentucky University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
15,664		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$9,664 		Grads Salary
$65,200
Murray State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,449		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$11,628 		Grads Salary
$63,600
University of Louisville
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
21,670		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$17,894 		Grads Salary
$66,200
Georgetown College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,484		 Graduation Rate
56%		 Net Price
$18,056 		Grads Salary
$64,000
Western Kentucky University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
17,517		 Graduation Rate
52%		 Net Price
$12,705 		Grads Salary
$59,500
Bellarmine University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,331		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$24,425 		Grads Salary
$66,200
Thomas More University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,238		 Graduation Rate
39%		 Net Price
$20,868 		Grads Salary
$76,000
Eastern Kentucky University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14,980		 Graduation Rate
45%		 Net Price
$14,151 		Grads Salary
$62,200
Spalding University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,629		 Graduation Rate
58%		 Net Price
$23,003 		Grads Salary
$65,000
Full Ranking Report

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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College Cost Analysis - Kentucky vs. National

Average Kentucky 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.

Best Scholarships for Kentucky

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_logo

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_logo

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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