Rankings / By State
Best Communications Colleges in Kentucky
- 18
- Schools
- $47,715
- Avg. Earnings
- 50%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,311
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,310
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $36,382 at the low end to $62,069 at the top. That 1.7× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Berea College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $43,150 against $6,106 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, Berea College at $6,106 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $43,150, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Kentucky graduates 71% of its students, well above the 50% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Berea College: graduates owe only 0.08× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Berea College ($43,150 earnings), not the highest earner, Bellarmine University ($62,069). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Berea College ($6,106/yr) and Midway University ($29,579/yr) produce graduates earning $43,150 and $44,246 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $23,473 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Berea College outperforms Bellarmine University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Berea College and University of Kentucky. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $47K within a decade, and pr specialist roles are projected to grow 6%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Berea College #1 overall | $43,150 ▼ -10% vs avg | $6,106 | 60% | 74 |
| 2 University of Kentucky #2 overall | $59,025 ▲ +24% vs avg | $18,851 | 71% | 73 |
| 3 Northern Kentucky University #3 overall | $50,220 ▲ +5% vs avg | $8,191 | 50% | 72 |
| $44,737 ▼ -6% vs avg | $9,096 | 60% | 71 | |
| $52,074 ▲ +9% vs avg | $14,095 | 48% | 71 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Communications Colleges in Kentucky
This analysis ranks 18 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $47,715 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 50% and an average net price of $16,311.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Berea College — Net Price: $6,106 | Graduation Rate: 60%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Kentucky — 71% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Bellarmine University — Median alumni earnings: $62,069
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Humanities & Creative Fields Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the value of a humanities and creative education?
$45,742
Median earnings (10yr)
50%
Median graduation rate
$17,988
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
The value of a humanities or creative degree resists summary in a single earnings number, but that does not make it absent. These programs build critical thinking, persuasive writing, and creative problem-solving, the abilities employers consistently say they need most. Those skills compound over a career and narrow the early earnings gap with more vocational fields.
Across the 18 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $45,742 ten years after they first enrolled. The median graduation rate is 50%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $17,988 a year, with about $22,298 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 38% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.3%.
Variability is the theme across these programs, and wide ranges in both earnings and cost make school selection especially consequential. Graduates earn a median of $45,742 ten years after enrollment, and the median net price runs $17,988. Affordability is the single most effective lever for improving ROI in this category.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Berea College lands at #1 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (68/100). Graduates earn a median $43,150 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,106 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Kentucky lands at #2 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $59,025 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,851 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Northern Kentucky University lands at #3 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,220 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,191 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Murray State University lands at #4 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $44,737 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,096 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Georgetown College lands at #5 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $52,074 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,095 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Transylvania University lands at #6 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $54,705 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,913 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of Louisville lands at #7 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $53,899 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,988 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Western Kentucky University lands at #8 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $43,889 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,990 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Asbury University lands at #9 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $42,368 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,401 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Bellarmine University lands at #10 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $62,069 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,499 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Kentucky State University lands at #11 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,382 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,040 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Kentucky Wesleyan College lands at #12 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $46,747 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,131 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Lindsey Wilson University lands at #13 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $41,129 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,070 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
University of Pikeville lands at #14 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $48,231 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,311 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Alice Lloyd College lands at #15 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,573 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,600 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Midway University lands at #16 with a 54/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $44,246 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,579 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Simmons College of Kentucky lands at #17 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Net price runs $18,434 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary lands at #18 with a 20/100 composite, led by value per dollar (100/100) and pulled down by social mobility (3/100). Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 17 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become PR Specialists and related roles — a field with $67,440 median pay and 6% projected growth.
See the PR Specialist career guide →Communications programs in Kentucky provide students with a solid foundation for launching their careers in media, public relations, and related fields. With a range of schools offering varying outcomes, it's essential for prospective students to consider not just the programs themselves but also the potential financial and professional benefits they can expect after graduation.
The strongest communications schools on this list are distinguished by their graduates' earnings, completion rates, and manageable debt levels. For instance, we see a stark contrast between the University of Kentucky, where graduates earn an average of $59,025, and Northern Kentucky University, with earnings of $50,220. This data will help you evaluate which school might align best with your career aspirations and financial situation.
Consider the University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University. While the former boasts a graduation rate of 71% and higher earnings, the latter's lower graduation rate of 55% and earnings of $43,889 may signal different strengths and weaknesses in their programs. This contrast highlights the importance of examining not only potential earnings but also how well each school supports its students in completing their degrees.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 13 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.3%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Kentucky State University leads the group at 1.9%, with University of Pikeville (1.6%) and Transylvania University (1.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 9.5% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Lindsey Wilson University enrolls the most, at 21.1%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 18.1% across the list, peaking at 31.8% at Transylvania University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.52, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Asbury University is highest at 1.70.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
The data reveals a clear distinction between the University of Kentucky and Murray State University. The University of Kentucky not only has a higher graduation rate of 71% but also average earnings of $59,025, compared to Murray State's lower earnings of $44,737 and graduation rate of 60%. This suggests that the former may have better resources or support systems in place to help students succeed after graduation.
After reviewing these rankings, think about what factors are most important for you. Are you willing to invest more in a school that has higher potential earnings, or is a lower net price more appealing? Weigh these outcomes against your personal priorities, such as location, campus culture, and the specific strengths of each program. Crafting a decision based on this data can help ensure that you choose a school that fits both your career goals and financial situation.
Ultimately, these figures reflect the real stakes of choosing a college. For many families, the decision isn't just about education; it's about laying a foundation for financial stability and career success. For example, a family might choose the University of Kentucky for its strong outcomes, knowing that a good education can lead to a more secure future. This decision can shape their lives for years to come.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Communications Colleges in Kentucky: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Communications Colleges in Kentucky ranking? +
Berea College in Berea, KY ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Communications Colleges in Kentucky ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $43,150 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 60% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Bellarmine University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $62,069 ten years after enrollment, well above the $47,715 average across the 16 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Berea College leads: graduates earn a median $43,150 against net price of about $6,106 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Kentucky has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 71%, compared with a 50% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $16,311 a year across the 17 ranked schools with cost data. Berea College is among the most affordable at roughly $6,106. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Communications Colleges in Kentucky ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 18 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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