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?
Cappex 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 Cappex!
Create a Cappex 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.
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
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, KYKentucky 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
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.
”
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 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
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, KYAffiliated 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...
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, KYAs 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 KentuckyHenderson 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...
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, KYHazard 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, KYJust 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...
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...
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...
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...
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, KYCreated 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...
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, KYElizabethtown 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, KYHopkinsville Community College is a 2-year community college with two campuses in western Kentucky. HCC offers degrees and certificates in 20 academic programs. The Construction Technology program features a curriculum that trains students to build a...
yes i will learn a lots because i very easy to learn thing that im most intrested in
” – Vanessa from A, KY
Jefferson Community and Technical College is a public, 2-year institution established in Louisville, Kentucky, with satellite locations throughout the city and surrounding area. Students attending JCTC can choose to enroll in a number of career...
My English teacher is Bekka Van Horn, she is so helpful and the best teacher I have had throughout all of my years in school. I have become a much better writer since I have been at Jefferson and I am so excited to see how much information I can...
” – Korbyn from Louisville, KYMadisonville Community College is a 2-year institution with three campuses and two extension sites in western Kentucky. MCC offers degrees and certificates in 27 academic areas of study. To promote diversity on campus, MCC sponsors the Multicultural...
Formed by the consolidation of Maysville Community College and Rowan Technical College, Maysville Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution in northern Kentucky. MCTC is home to 25 degree and certificate-granting programs. The college’s...
Owensboro Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution with four campuses in western Kentucky. OCTC confers degrees and certificates in 28 fields of study. The college’s downtown Owensboro campus features a veterinary lab hospital to offer...
Somerset Community College is a 2-year institution with two main campuses and four academic centers in southern Kentucky. SCC offers 35 academic programs, including the first certificate-granting program in 3D printing in the state. Every year, the...
Formerly part of Western Kentucky University, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution with a main campus in Bowling Green and two extension sites. SKYCTC offers degrees and certificates in 19 areas of study. To...
BGTC is a great place to get a degree because of the atmosphere. The staff is very willing to help you out anyway they can because they want to see you achieve your goals. This college is great at setting you up for your career!
” – Crystal from Glasgow, KYWith a main campus a short distance from the Ohio River, West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a 2-year institution serving ten counties. WKCTC is home to five academic divisions and the Paducah School of Art and Design where students in...
The classes really challenge you to do your best.
” – Sara from Paducah, KYLocated in the Gainesway Shopping Center, the College for Technical Education is a trade school in Lexington. CTE is home to six certification-granting vocational academic programs. To provide a hands-on learning experience, CTE also offers an...
Established in 1939 as the Frontier Graduate School of Midwifery, Frontier Nursing University is a graduate-level nursing school in southeastern Kentucky. FNU offers both Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees and its...
