# Best Colleges in Kentucky

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 28 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-kentucky

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in Kentucky

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing a college involves weighing many factors, especially in Kentucky, where 27 institutions are working to prepare students for the future. These schools share a commitment to education and student success, but they differ significantly in their outcomes and financial implications. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision.

Graduation rates, average earnings after graduation, debt levels, and mobility outcomes are key metrics to consider when evaluating these colleges. The schools at the top of this list tend to excel in these areas, offering students better prospects upon graduation. The data below will help you compare these institutions side by side, highlighting what they do well and where they may fall short.

For example, Berea College and Centre College present contrasting scenarios. Berea has a lower graduation rate at 60% and offers a net price of $6,106, while Centre boasts an impressive 83% graduation rate but comes with a much higher net price of $20,781. This comparison illustrates that higher costs can sometimes correlate with better outcomes, making it essential to weigh financial considerations against potential earnings and career mobility.

## Key Findings

- Berea College graduates earn an average of $43,150, while Centre College graduates earn $66,240.
- The average graduation rate for colleges in Kentucky is 50%, with Centre leading at 83%.
- Murray State University has the lowest net price at $9,096 but only a 60% graduation rate.
- Northern Kentucky University has a higher debt level at $23,000 compared to Berea's $3,591.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Berea College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/berea-college) | Berea, KY | 60% | $43,150 | $6,106 | $3,591 | 0.08x |
| 2 | [Murray State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/murray-state-university) | Murray, KY | 60% | $44,737 | $9,096 | $20,500 | 0.46x |
| 3 | [Northern Kentucky University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-kentucky-university) | Highland Heights, KY | 50% | $50,220 | $8,191 | $23,000 | 0.46x |
| 4 | [University of Kentucky](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-kentucky) | Lexington, KY | 71% | $59,025 | $18,851 | $22,500 | 0.38x |
| 5 | [University of the Cumberlands](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-cumberlands) | Williamsburg, KY | 48% | $45,036 | $14,107 | $14,911 | 0.33x |
| 6 | [University of Louisville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-louisville) | Louisville, KY | 61% | $53,899 | $17,988 | $20,500 | 0.38x |
| 7 | [Western Kentucky University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-kentucky-university) | Bowling Green, KY | 55% | $43,889 | $10,990 | $22,095 | 0.5x |
| 8 | [Eastern Kentucky University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-kentucky-university) | Richmond, KY | 50% | $45,795 | $11,040 | $22,500 | 0.49x |
| 9 | [Georgetown College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgetown-college) | Georgetown, KY | 48% | $52,074 | $14,095 | $25,200 | 0.48x |
| 10 | [Bellarmine University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bellarmine-university) | Louisville, KY | 66% | $62,069 | $21,499 | $25,000 | 0.4x |
| 11 | [Transylvania University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/transylvania-university) | Lexington, KY | 71% | $54,705 | $21,913 | $27,000 | 0.49x |
| 12 | [Morehead State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/morehead-state-university) | Morehead, KY | 50% | $43,197 | $9,793 | $22,250 | 0.52x |
| 13 | [Kentucky Wesleyan College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kentucky-wesleyan-college) | Owensboro, KY | 49% | $46,747 | $17,131 | $23,250 | 0.5x |
| 14 | [Thomas More University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/thomas-more-university) | Crestview Hills, KY | 40% | $59,384 | $21,835 | $26,236 | 0.44x |
| 15 | [Kentucky State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kentucky-state-university) | Frankfort, KY | 30% | $36,382 | $8,040 | $25,938 | 0.71x |
| 16 | [Asbury University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/asbury-university) | Wilmore, KY | 65% | $42,368 | $21,401 | $24,028 | 0.57x |
| 17 | [Lindsey Wilson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lindsey-wilson-college) | Columbia, KY | 41% | $41,129 | $15,070 | $16,784 | 0.41x |
| 18 | [Campbellsville University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/campbellsville-university) | Campbellsville, KY | 44% | $41,583 | $19,341 | $17,156 | 0.41x |
| 19 | [Centre College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/centre-college) | Danville, KY | 83% | $66,240 | $20,781 | $27,000 | 0.41x |
| 20 | [Kentucky Christian University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kentucky-christian-university) | Grayson, KY | 35% | $42,375 | $24,038 | $22,250 | 0.53x |
| 21 | [University of Pikeville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-pikeville) | Pikeville, KY | 40% | $48,231 | $20,311 | $20,679 | 0.43x |
| 22 | [Brescia University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/brescia-university) | Owensboro, KY | 51% | $45,500 | $8,709 | $29,430 | 0.65x |
| 23 | [Alice Lloyd College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alice-lloyd-college) | Pippa Passes, KY | 32% | $40,573 | $18,600 | $19,599 | 0.48x |
| 24 | [Union Commonwealth University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/union-commonwealth-university) | Barbourville, KY | 34% | $42,002 | $21,311 | $24,250 | 0.58x |
| 25 | [Spalding University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spalding-university) | Louisville, KY | 54% | $49,438 | $25,491 | $25,250 | 0.51x |
| 26 | [Midway University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/midway-university) | Midway, KY | 43% | $44,246 | $29,579 | $21,301 | 0.48x |
| 27 | [Simmons College of Kentucky](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/simmons-college-of-kentucky) | Louisville, KY | 24% | N/A | $18,434 | N/A | N/A |
| 28 | [The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-southern-baptist-theological-seminary) | Louisville, KY | 42% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Colleges in Kentucky." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-kentucky

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.