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.

Explore the Best Universities in Kentucky with Appily!

Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.

Murray State University

Murray State University is a 4-year public school in southwest Kentucky. Murray State is home to six colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in 126 academic programs. For students interested in the performing arts, Murray State mounts an...

“…

No matter what school you choose be sure to get involved in some way, it makes college much more enjoyable and Murray is a great place to get involved.

” – Kayley from Morganfield, KY
College placeholder image

Kentucky Christian University is a private, Christ-centered institution located in the city of Grayson. Students enrolled at KCU are required to attend chapel twice weekly, each of which typically includes a visiting speaker. KSU’s unique curriculum...

“…

Since the school has around 600 students, the class sizes are small. My largest class has about 35 people in it, and that is as a freshman; therefore, as I continue my education and take specific courses for my major the class sizes will be even...

” – Lindsay
Kentucky State University

Founded in 1866, Kentucky State University is a public institution situated in Frankfort, KY. The school offers a liberal arts education and is also a land-grant institution. Popular majors at KSU include human development, nursing, and criminal...

“…

Kentucky State University is a well-rounded school overall. They challenge you academically and give many academic opportunities. They also make you feel at home.

University of Pikeville

The University of Pikeville is a private, 4-year institution established in the state of Kentucky. While UPIKE offers a wide variety of degree programs, a significant amount of the student population is enrolled in one of the Health Sciences programs...

“…

It's a small student mass...You will be able to be more one-on-one with your teachers.

” – Katelyn from Raccoon, KY
Kentucky Wesleyan College

Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. KWC provides a career-oriented liberal arts curriculum and admissions are rated as “selective.” Business, communications, and kinesiology and...

“…

Different majors will challenge you in different ways. I'm an art major and I have learned to build on the skills I already knew. I'm also an entreprenuership minor, something I've never done before and therefore learning a TON! You will be...

” – Senior Student from Owensboro, KY
Western Kentucky University

Founded in 1906, Western Kentucky University is a 4-year public institution with campus perched atop a hill. WKU is home to six colleges granting bachelor’s degrees in 101 academic majors and 111 minors. The university also hosts the Colonnade...

“…

I am going into my second year at WKU and I feel that I have already noticed a big difference in how I think about certain topics. The majority of my professors have opened up my eyes to certain topics that never really crossed my mind in high school...

” – Kaitlyn from Louisville, KY
College placeholder image

Affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, Clear Creek Baptist Bible College is a Christian institution dedicated to preparing students for lives of service. Clear Creek offers an immersive Ministry bachelor’s degree that covers the entire...

College placeholder image

Lindsey Wilson College is a private not-for-profit college based in the rural town of Columbia, Kentucky, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Lindsey Wilson established the R.V. Bennett Honors Program to provide more challenge for students...

“…

The classes are small sized, so professors really get to know you and make an effort to help you in every aspect of your learning. There are multiple on-campus resources to help you, including an Academic Success Center, Writing Center, and multiple...

” – Natalie from Lancaster, KY
College placeholder image

As the oldest institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a Christian academy dedicated to training students for ministry. All undergraduate students attend Southern Seminary’s Boyce...

“…

The Southern Seminary is truly serious about the Gospel. The stress the importance of academics. They also stress the importance of building community within the dorms.

” – Zach from Kentucky
College placeholder image

Henderson Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Henderson, Kentucky, with a satellite center in Morganfield. HCC offers academic programs in 15 fields of study, awarding diplomas, certificates, and associate’s degrees designed...

College placeholder image

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is a 2-year community college with five campus locations. SKCTC offers degrees and certificates in 27 academic fields of study. For students interested in the fine performing arts, the Godbey...

“…

Southeast is a decent school. These aren't world class teachers by any means, but they generally know what they're talking about and are very willing to lend a hand. Teachers are also understanding that you have a life outside of school. It's very...

” – Rachel from Middlesboro, KY
College placeholder image

Hazard Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution with three campuses and two extension centers in east Kentucky. HCTC offers degrees and certificates in 31 areas of study such as a Telehealth Technician Assistant program which trains...

“…

this is a great place to further your education. they have programs to help with all of your educational needs. they have really great people working there and will go out of their way to help you.

” – Rodney from Combs, KY
College placeholder image

Just across the river from Cincinnati, Gateway Community and Technical College is a 2-year college in northern Kentucky. While most of Gateway’s over 30 academic programs are available at its main Urban Metro facility, the college’s healthcare and...

College placeholder image

Founded in the Wesleyan tradition, Asbury Theological Seminary is a multi-denominational Christian graduate school focusing on ministry training and The Bible. With campuses in Kentucky and Florida, Asbury offers 10 theological master’s degree...

College placeholder image

Established as a school of business, Sullivan University is a for-profit college with campuses in Louisville and Lexington. With a focus on career training programs, Sullivan is home to eight colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in 18 fields of study...

College placeholder image

Beckfield College is a career-centered institution in northern Kentucky. Beckfield confers bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Nursing as well as associate degrees in Medical Assisting, Medical Billing, Nursing, and Business...

College placeholder image

With a main campus a few blocks from the Ohio River, Ashland Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution in northern Kentucky. Among Ashland’s 28 academic programs, the college’s Appalachian Studies curriculum immerses students in the...

“…

The professors here are really good at helping you understand the material, I actually like going to class and learning something new everyday.

” – jared from ashland, KY
College placeholder image

Created by the merger of Prestonburg Community College and Mayo Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution in eastern Kentucky. With four campus locations, BSCTC offers over 25 academic and vocational...

College placeholder image

Bluegrass Community & Technical College is a public, 2-year institution located in Lexington, Kentucky. There are three BCTC campuses within the school’s home city, along with three additional satellite campuses in Danville, Lawrenceburg, and...

“…

When I visited BCTC to see their campus and find out more about what their professors had to offer me, I quickly realized how much more attention I will receive from the staff here when it comes to my school work. The classes are smaller and the...

” – Kaitlyn from Louisville, KY
College placeholder image

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution with four campuses in northern Kentucky. ECTC is home to degree and certificate granting programs in 30 fields of study such as Respiratory Care and Diesel Technology. Outside of...

“…

It is a very good school, I am getting ready to start my second semester. I have learned quiet a bit of information, but it has not been easy. You actually have to attend class (shocker I know) and do your homework. All of the teachers are willing to...

” – Brittany from bardstown, KY