Best Colleges in Kentucky

Morehead State University opened its doors in 1887 as a small teacher training school. Today, the institution delivers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 10,000 students.

Students can enroll in bachelor's programs in technology management, industrial education, astrophysics, and criminal justice. They may also pursue a global studies degree to prepare for leadership positions within government agencies and international nonprofit organizations. Learners can engage in research with faculty mentors through the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program.

Master's programs cover fields such as music education, clinical and counseling psychology, and space systems engineering. Graduate students may also earn a doctoral degree in education. Concentration options include educational technology leadership, adult and higher education, and PreK-12 administration.

Prospective freshman students must submit an online application, official high school transcripts, and standardized test scores. To qualify for unconditional enrollment, learners need to score at least 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT. Graduate candidates need at least a 2.5 GPA.

In addition to its flagship campus in Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University maintains four satellite locations and enrolls about 16,000 students overall. The school offers undergraduate majors in several fields, including animal studies, construction management, forensic science, and social justice. Learners may pursue a bachelor of special education in learning and behavior disorders, which embeds some of the field experience needed for teacher certification. Graduate programs include master's of applied mathematics, creative writing, and occupational therapy. Candidates may also earn a doctorate in psychology.

Students who prefer online education can enroll in academic programs powered by Blackboard. Undergraduate online options consist of associate degrees in paralegal and police studies, as well as bachelor's degrees in homeland security and nursing. Distance learners can obtain graduate degrees that prepare them to work as school librarians and rural health family nurse practitioners.

Prospective first-time students need a minimum 2.5 GPA and adequate ACT or SAT scores. EKU charges tuition based on residency status and program type. Financial aid opportunities include foundational awards such as the Governor's School for the Arts Music Scholarship.

Georgetown College is a private liberal arts institution that supports 1,600 students. The school boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1 and delivers over 40 undergraduate programs. In addition to affordable tuition that ignores residency status, GC provides generous financial aid opportunities that include competitive scholarships for fine art, health sciences, and pre-law students. Transfer residential candidates benefit from scholarship programs based on GPA.

The academic catalog contains bachelor's programs in athletic training, biochemistry, religious studies, and healthcare administration. Students may pursue a diplomacy and international commerce major, which prepares them for careers as lawyers, import/export specialists, and foreign diplomats. The college also delivers a dual-degree track that enables candidates to earn their public administration bachelor's and master's degree in about five years.

GC specializes in graduate education programs that include advanced certificates for licensed teachers. Students without teaching credentials may pursue a master of education leading to initial state certification. Most of these programs are available online and do not require thesis work.

Based in Lexington, Transylvania University was founded in 1780 as the first higher education institution in Kentucky. Transy now enrolls 1,000 students in 46 undergraduate programs. On top of traditional majors, the university enables students to craft their own majors with the endorsement of faculty from two different programs.

Bachelor's programs cover fields such as writing, rhetoric, and communication; health and exercise science; and anthropology. Students may pursue a bachelor's in chemistry, picking from either a generalist track or concentrations in teaching and biochemistry. Transy also delivers pre-professional programs in law, public health, and engineering. Candidates may augment their major studies by taking on a complementary minor.

The school operates a test-optional admissions process, allowing candidates to decide whether ACT and SAT scores accurately reflect their academic potential. As a private university, Transy does not factor residency status for tuition. All students may apply for financial assistance, which can include merit scholarships based on GPA and standardized test performance.

Spalding University, based in Louisville, supports approximately 2,300 students each semester. The institution boasts a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers affordable tuition prices based on program type. In addition to federal aid and state grants, SU provides institutional awards such as the need-based Muhammad Ali scholarship and the Heartland scholarship for out-of-state candidates.

Undergraduate students can enroll in programs for graphic design, psychology, social work, and athletic training. They can pursue a nursing degree, picking from either an RN-to-BSN track or an accelerated option for second-degree candidates. SU also offers a bachelor of criminal justice with concentrations such as law enforcement, corrections, and forensics and electronic crimes.

At the graduate level, programs include clinical psychology, occupational therapy, and writing. The university also delivers a master of education for experienced teachers and a master of teaching leading to alternative initial state certification. Students can earn a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees online through asynchronous classes powered by Moodle.

Prospective first-year students must submit an online application, official school transcripts, and ACT or SAT results.

Founded in 1876 as a teacher training and business school, Western Kentucky University now delivers comprehensive academic programs to over 20,000 students. Learners can choose from several undergraduate majors, including workforce administration, meteorology, health sciences, and computer information technology. Students may enroll in a unique recreation administration program that offers concentrations in facility and event management, sport services, and commercial tourism.

The university also offers a flexible interdisciplinary studies program for working professionals who want to complete their four-year degree. Graduate offerings emphasize the education field and include teaching endorsements and advanced certificates. WKU delivers online education through Blackboard.

Freshman applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA and adequate ACT or SAT scores. They must also fulfill the state-mandated pre-college curriculum requirement. To enroll as a transfer student, candidates need at least 24 credits earned with a 2.0 GPA. Financial aid packages include departmental awards based on major and the Targeted Non-Resident Scholarship for candidates with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Bellarmine University enrolls 3,800 students in over 60 academic programs. The school offers a flat tuition rate and over $19 million in scholarships to freshman candidates each year. Other financial aid opportunities include multicultural awards for students of color and transfer scholarships for applicants with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

The academic catalog contains undergraduate majors such as actuarial science, computer engineering, theology, and health services and senior living leadership. Students can earn a bachelor's in psychology, picking from concentrations in human resources or human clinical counseling. BU also delivers a comprehensive communication program that enables candidates to focus their studies on subfields such as sports broadcasting, advertising and public relations, and television and radio production.

Graduate programs focus on education, health sciences, and business. Additionally, BU provides noncredit courses and online certificates for working professionals who want to pursue career advancement.

BU generally accepts first-year students with at least a 2.5 GPA and a 21 ACT or 1060 SAT score.

Located in Owensboro, Brescia University was established in 1925 as a women's junior college. Today, the institution provides coeducational academic opportunities to 1,300 students. Candidates may pursue over 50 academic majors and minors, including bachelor's programs in theology, graphic design, accounting, and political science. Learners can also earn a social studies degree that leads to initial teacher certification for grades 8-12. Additionally, Brescia operates a bachelor of social work program that meets standards established by the Council on Social Work Education.

Graduate students can pick from four options, including master's programs in social work, speech-language pathology, and clinical psychology. The master of business administration features options for campus-based academics or fully online education. Brescia also offers online programs in fields such as management, integrated studies, and general education.

Admissions materials include an online application, official school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. Students who graduated from high school at least three years prior to applying do not need to submit standardized test results.

Kentucky State University, based in Frankfort, is a public, historically black institution of higher education. The school supports 1,800 students and delivers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs. Local high school juniors and seniors can jumpstart their college education by pursuing dual-credit coursework.

Undergraduate students may choose from several bachelor's programs, including Africana studies, business administration, applied mathematics, or biology. Candidates can also earn a computer science degree, focusing their studies on either information security or digital gaming entertainment and simulation. Additionally, KSU provides a variety of nursing programs, including an associate option and a bachelor's track for working RNs. The university delivers nine graduate programs and facilitates distance education through Blackboard.

To enroll as a freshman student, applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. They also must score at least 18 on the ACT or 960 on the SAT. On top of affordable tuition, KSU offers scholarships based on academic performance.

Kentucky Christian University was founded in 1919 as a public teacher training school. Today, the institution offers comprehensive degree options to 700 students each semester. In lieu of campus-based academics, candidates may enroll in online programs facilitated by the Sakai platform.

KCU offers bachelor's degrees in advanced biblical studies, biology, and teacher education. Students can also earn a social work degree, with minor options in counseling psychology and child and family studies. The university provides master's programs in advanced practice registered nursing, teacher leader education, and Christian leadership.

Freshman applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and earn at least a 180 on the ACT (or SAT equivalent). Candidates submit an online form, official transcripts, and a personal essay detailing their academic journey and career goals. KCU offers some of the lowest tuition rates among Kentucky universities. The school also provides financial aid, including merit scholarships for state residents and out-of-state students.

The University of the Cumberlands provides accessible liberal arts education that prepares students for successful careers and lifelong roles as servant leaders in their communities. Approximately 11,700 students attend the school, taking advantage of affordable tuition prices and generous financial aid. Opportunities include the merit-based music and Christian leadership scholarships, along with awards for transfer students who possess a minimum 2.5 GPA.

The academic catalog features traditional majors such as information technology sciences, physics, public health, and criminal justice. Students may enroll in a religious studies program, picking from options in youth and family ministries, global missions, and Christian planting. For individuals who prefer remote education, UC offers online programs in general studies and human services. Distance learners can also earn a bachelor's degree in athletic coaching.

Advanced academics include master's programs in clinical mental health counseling, digital forensics, and strategic management. UC offers traditional and executive MBA degrees. Graduate candidates benefit from distinct research funding and fellowship opportunities.

Based in Crestview Hills, Thomas More University is regularly ranked among the best colleges in the South. The school enrolls 2,000 students in 43 undergraduate and five graduate programs.

The school offers a number of undergraduate majors, including sports and entertainment marketing, environmental science, and management information systems. TMU operates a biology program with concentrations in marine biology and biochemistry. Students can also enroll in a business administration program, which comes with a dual-degree option that enables candidates to simultaneously earn their bachelor's and master's in five years. Graduate programs cover fields such as athletic training, ethical leadership, and teaching.

Freshman candidates need a minimum 2.5 GPA and either a 20 ACT, 1030 SAT, or 66 CLT score. To attend as a transfer student, applicants need at least 12 college credits earned with a 2.0 GPA. TMU charges affordable tuition based on program type. All learners can apply for financial aid, which includes institutional scholarships based on academic performance and area of study.

Established in 1906, Campbellsville University offers comprehensive academic programs to 12,000 students every semester. The school offers over 90 degree options, including undergraduate credentials for sociology, pastoral ministries, art and design, and criminal justice administration. CU provides a variety of business administration programs, enabling candidates to pick from emphasis areas such as accounting, entrepreneurship, and human resource management. The university also delivers pre-professional training for future engineers and healthcare specialists.

CU caters to the needs of its diverse student population by facilitating flexible online education through Moodle. Offerings include master's degrees in music education, TESOL, and management and leadership. Distance learners can also earn sport management credentials that prepare them for careers as facility operations directors and contract analysts.

All students benefit from low tuition rates that ignore residency status. Financial aid includes diversity scholarships and awards for academic excellence. Learners may also obtain departmental funding through opportunities like the Howell Environmental Science Scholarship.

Kentucky Wesleyan College was founded in 1858 as a training school for Methodist preachers. Today, the institution welcomes students of all backgrounds and offers undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts.

Academic majors include health sciences, zoology, art education, and political science. Students can pursue a bachelor's degree in fitness and sports management, developing the skills needed to work as exercise physiologists and rehabilitation therapists. The 120-credit program embeds hands-on learning through internships coordinated with local business and medical centers.

In addition to traditional academics, KWC facilitates a dual-degree track with the University of Louisville. This accelerated program enables dedicated students to earn their bachelor's credentials and juris doctor in six years. The college also provides online degree options through the Desire2Learn Brightspace platform.

Prospective first-year students submit an online application, official school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. Learners pay affordable tuition prices based on enrollment status. KWC offers a variety of financial aid, including grants and scholarships specifically for transfer students.

Located in Columbia, Lindsey Wilson College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to over 2,500 students every semester. LWC delivers associate programs in engineering mechanics, criminal justice, and health science. Undergraduate candidates may earn bachelor's degrees in media studies, biology, digital arts, and psychophysiology. The college also offers a pre-licensure nursing program and an accelerated BSN track for active RNs.

At the graduate level, programs cover fields such as counseling and human development, business administration, and technology management. Ph.D. candidates can enroll in the counselor education and supervision program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The 72-credit curriculum prepares students for careers as clinical researchers and program directors.

The school requires dual-enrolled high school students and first-year applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. Transfer candidates must meet a 2.0 minimum GPA requirement. LWC charges tuition prices based on program type, with lower rates available to distance learners. Financial aid includes merit awards such as the Wesley Scholarship for high-achieving students pursuing a Christian ministries major.