Best Colleges in Kentucky
Known as the “Bluegrass State” for its fertile soil, Kentucky is in the south-central region of the US and has four distinct seasons. Colleges in Kentucky are largely private institutions, with 14 boasting a liberal arts curriculum. There are also three law schools and an extensive community and technical college system. The largest college in the state is the University of Kentucky, which is located in Lexington, otherwise known as “The Horse Capital of the World.” The real capital of Kansas is Frankfort, though, for the record. Kentucky is home to more than KFC and Louisville Sluggers, it’s also home to many automotive manufacturing plants, as well as primary metal-related facilities. The Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky Derby, and Daniel Boone National Park are popular attractions.
How Were the Top Schools in Kentucky Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Founded by leaders of the Presbyterian Church, Centre College is a 4-year liberal arts college in central Kentucky. Centre confers bachelor’s degrees in over 50 fields of study and also allows students to create their own majors in consultation with...
Centre has fantastic professors who really know their field, and are passionate about teaching it. Classes are difficult, with a lot of work, but fun. The professors like doing different things. I've had professors take us on field trips, hold...
” – Chelsea from Chicago, IL
Founded in 1855, Berea College is a liberal arts college in Kentucky and the first coed and interracial college in the south. Berea confers bachelor’s degrees in 32 academic majors and the college provides free tuition to all students through the...
The professors all make sure that you are keeping up, but at the same time, you are expected to keep up to the rigorous pace they set. We currently operate on a 4-1-4 calendar year. That means that fall semester is 4 months, we have a January Short...
” – Morgan from Campbellsville, KY
Georgetown College is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in northern Kentucky and the first Baptist college in the region. Georgetown confers bachelor’s degrees in 45 academic majors and also features several programs of distinction such as...
I am only in my first semester at Georgetown, but I already feel like I am learning a great deal. The teachers are very helpful, and will not hesitate to work with you until you understand something. Their doors are always open outside of class also...
” – Caitlin from Florence, KY
Named for Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bellarmine University is a Catholic liberal arts college in Louisville. With a campus set amongst three hills in the Highlands region, Bellarmine grants undergrad degrees in 60 academic majors and encourages...
All of the classes I took were interesting and interactive. I really felt like the teachers cared about our education and were experts in the knowledge of the classes they took. They were always available and ready to answer questions in the...
” – Amber from Fort Knox, KY
Alice Lloyd College is one of nine 4-year work-study colleges in the United States. The liberal arts curriculum is heavily influenced by “The Purpose Road Philosophy” which promotes world service and culminates in either a Bachelor of Arts or...
Great school to get a education.
One of the best schools in the country for price.
The people here are very easy to get along with.
Founded in 1890, Asbury University is a multi-denominational Christian liberal arts college in central Kentucky. Asbury is home to 15 academic departments conferring undergrad degrees in over 150 fields of study, including the only Equine Studies...
Although it depends on the class and the professor, you will definitely walk away with more than one thing you never knew from each course. Each of the professors have their unique touch in the classroom, and it fascinates me to know how educated...
” – Emily from Strathmore, CA
Founded in 1780, Transylvania University is a liberal arts college in Lexington and the first university in the state of Kentucky. Transylvania confers bachelor’s degrees in 46 academic majors and all students are required to take First Year Seminar...
I have taken Biological Interactions, Women's Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Latin-American Civilizations, Computer Science, and Lifetime Fitness. I do not regret taking any of them because they have all taught me so much. The teachers are all...
” – Oriana from Lexington, KYBrescia University is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Owensboro, Kentucky. The college offers over 50 major and minor fields of study and features class sizes with an average 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Along with its...
Thomas More University is a small liberal arts university with a big reputation. Thomas More is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best regional universities in the South and ranks highest among other private and public...
The University of Kentucky is a land-grant university that was founded in 1865 in Lexington, Kentucky. U.S. News & World Report ranks UK as #63 in Top Public Schools. The most popular fields of study at this “selective” university are Education...
Even though UK is a pretty big school, they make it more like a small school by keeping many classes with a low student to teacher ratio, so you receive more one on one time with your instructor, which makes it easier to grasp the bigger concepts and...
” – Kristen from Pickerington, OH
The University of Louisville is a member of the Kentucky State University system and the first city-owned public university in the US. Louisville features three campuses hosting 12 colleges and schools and the university’s Health Sciences Center is...
Not only is there a wealth of wisdom in every professor, every opportunity is given so that a student can thrive. People say that a big school isn’t as good because each student won’t get personal attention. This is totally false-even in my largest...
” – John from Louisville, KYThe University of the Cumberlands is a private institution located in Williamsburg, Kentucky and associated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention. UC operates a satellite campus for clinical rotations in Florence, Kentucky. It is home to the Carl...
This University has small class sizes. Your professors will know your name and will be happy to answer your questions after class in their office. They're available on their office phones, email, or in person. And don't be afraid to sit in one of the...
” – Biology major
Midway University is a private, 4-year institution located in the state of Kentucky. Until 2016, MU only admitted female students but is now coeducational. Midway offers a number of programs of study, with focus given to its Equestrian Studies...
Midway is an amazing school! The academic, financial aid, and admission counselors are great as far as keeping in touch and helping in any way that they can. I can't wait to attend this beautiful campus in August.
” – Brittany from Owenton, KY
Morehead State University is a public institution situated at the base of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Morehead, Kentucky. MSU has one of only five space science programs in the nation and offers all students a chance for undergraduate...
Love this school...not to small yet its right between home and Lexington. Campus is beautiful the lake is gorgeous. The housing on campus is getting updated and renovated, to make it more modern. Morehead is AHMAZING!!!
” – Jenna from Ashland, KY
Eastern Kentucky University, located in Richmond, KY, is a regional, public institution of higher education offering more than 100 diverse and in-demand degrees and concentrations. EKU provides a high-quality and affordable education to nearly 15,000...
You learn a lot if you make it to every class and do all the readings required. It's tough, but anyone can do it. Get to know your teachers, they help more than you'd think. And they do understand what is happening with all the changes in our lives...
” – Natalie from Lexington, KY
Founded in 1879, Union College is a 4-year liberal arts college in southeast Kentucky affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Union grants bachelor’s degrees in over 30 academic majors and 25 minors and all classes are founded on higher order...
it is a beautiful campus with friendly staff and body of students. there is usually always something to do, whether fun or for class. the food is great as well.
” – Lauren from Barbourville, KY
Founded in 1814 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Spalding University is a 4-year institution in Louisville. Spalding grants bachelor’s degrees in 14 academic fields of study. All classes at Spalding follow a block schedule format where students...
Spalding is an amazing companionate school. Each professor I have had the pleasure to meet are truly interested in making sure your learn to your best ability and feel comfortable. Spalding also has an amazing campus and student body that are...
” – Jaelin from Louisville, KY
Kentucky Mountain Bible College is a private, Christ-centered, Wesleyan-Holiness institution located in Jackson. KMBC offers 23 academic programs throughout nine fields of study on-campus, and 3 fully-online programs. The college emphasizes...
Campbellsville University is a private institution affiliated with the Baptist Church. The CU campus is based in rural Kentucky and is home to the Clay Hill Memorial Forest which is used as an educational and research area for woodland studies...
Its a great school. Its a small schools, students are able to get a lot of help from their teachers, if needed one on one time is provided as well. The school is focused on making better life's for its students.
” – Destiny from Stanford, KY
Northern Kentucky University is a 4-year public university in the greater Cincinnati area. NKU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 70 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom facilities, the Northern Kentucky campus is home to a laser...
The school is quickly becoming well-known for its academics now more than ever.
” – Olivia from Cincinnati, OH