Kentucky

Colleges in Kentucky: what they cost, and what graduates earn

11 Kentucky universities with published federal data, teaching about 89,419 students. Median in-state tuition $13,136, median graduate earnings $45,795 ten years after entry.

Median tuition$13,136in-state, before aid
Median earnings$45,79510 yrs after entry
Paying loans down57%national 65%
Median SAT1150where published

Cheapest universities in KentuckyLowest published in-state tuition.

UniversityIn-stateEarningsDebtRepayingSAT
Murray State University Murray $9,900 $44,737 $20,500 57% 1133
Morehead State University Morehead $10,024 $43,197 $22,250 47% —
Eastern Kentucky University Richmond $10,320 $45,795 $22,500 48% 1149
Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights $11,088 $50,220 $23,000 55% 1087
Western Kentucky University Bowling Green $11,652 $43,889 $22,095 47% 971
University of Louisville Louisville $13,136 $53,899 $20,500 59% 1150
University of Kentucky Lexington $13,502 $59,025 $22,500 63% 1215
Sullivan University Louisville $15,480 $38,008 $20,000 32% —

Highest graduate earnings in KentuckyMedian pay ten years after entry.

UniversityIn-stateEarningsDebtRepayingSAT
Centre College Danville $52,820 $66,240 $27,000 80% 1352
University of Kentucky Lexington $13,502 $59,025 $22,500 63% 1215
Transylvania University Lexington $46,870 $54,705 $27,000 75% 1287
University of Louisville Louisville $13,136 $53,899 $20,500 59% 1150
Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights $11,088 $50,220 $23,000 55% 1087
Eastern Kentucky University Richmond $10,320 $45,795 $22,500 48% 1149
Murray State University Murray $9,900 $44,737 $20,500 57% 1133
Western Kentucky University Bowling Green $11,652 $43,889 $22,095 47% 971

Fastest debt payback in KentuckyYears of salary premium needed to clear the median debt.

UniversityIn-stateEarningsDebtRepayingSAT
Berea College Berea $51,658 $43,150 $3,591 68% 1249
Centre College Danville $52,820 $66,240 $27,000 80% 1352
University of Kentucky Lexington $13,502 $59,025 $22,500 63% 1215
University of Louisville Louisville $13,136 $53,899 $20,500 59% 1150
Transylvania University Lexington $46,870 $54,705 $27,000 75% 1287
Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights $11,088 $50,220 $23,000 55% 1087
Eastern Kentucky University Richmond $10,320 $45,795 $22,500 48% 1149
Murray State University Murray $9,900 $44,737 $20,500 57% 1133

Most selective universities in KentuckyHighest average SAT of admitted students.

UniversityIn-stateEarningsDebtRepayingSAT
Centre College Danville $52,820 $66,240 $27,000 80% 1352
Transylvania University Lexington $46,870 $54,705 $27,000 75% 1287
Berea College Berea $51,658 $43,150 $3,591 68% 1249
University of Kentucky Lexington $13,502 $59,025 $22,500 63% 1215
University of Louisville Louisville $13,136 $53,899 $20,500 59% 1150
Eastern Kentucky University Richmond $10,320 $45,795 $22,500 48% 1149
Murray State University Murray $9,900 $44,737 $20,500 57% 1133
Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights $11,088 $50,220 $23,000 55% 1087

Scholarships at Kentucky universities

Aid you never repay is the cheapest money in the whole calculation.

University Research Postdoctoral Fellowship in USA, 2017 Lyman T. Johnson Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Kent... Lyman T. Johnson Postdoctoral Fellowship in USA, 2017 International Leadership Scholarships at Murray State Universi... International Freshmen Scholarships at Northern Kentucky Unive... USA University of Kentucky International Ambassador Scholarshi...
Browse all scholarships →

Every Kentucky university we hold data for

Berea College Centre College Eastern Kentucky University Morehead State University Murray State University Northern Kentucky University Sullivan University Transylvania University University of Kentucky University of Louisville Western Kentucky University

Studying in Kentucky: common questions

How much does college cost in Kentucky?
The median Kentucky university charges $13,136 in-state and $27,000 out-of-state, with a full cost of attendance around $31,766. After aid, families under $30,000 pay a median $8,591.
What do graduates of Kentucky universities earn?
A median $45,795 ten years after entry, against median debt of $22,250.
Do students in Kentucky repay their loans?
57% of borrowers at the median Kentucky university are paying their balance down three years after leaving, against 65% nationally.
What SAT score do Kentucky universities expect?
The median Kentucky university that publishes scores reports an average SAT of 1150. Many are test-optional and publish nothing.
All states Kentucky debt vs salary Cheapest US tuition Which degree pays best

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard. Universities without published figures are not listed.