Rankings / By State

Best Master's Programs in Kentucky

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 28 schools · Agent Insights

28

Schools Analyzed

$47,846

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

50%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$16,805

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a master's program is a significant decision, especially in Kentucky, where options abound. With 27 programs available, prospective students have plenty to consider when weighing their choices. The right program can set the stage for future earnings and career opportunities, making it essential to look at more than just reputation.

What distinguishes the stronger programs on this list is not merely their name but their tangible outcomes. Metrics such as graduation rates, average earnings, and student debt levels tell a clearer story about the return on investment for students. For instance, graduates from Centre College earn an impressive $66,240, while the overall average earnings for these programs sit at $47,846. Understanding these outcomes can help guide your decision-making as you explore what each school has to offer.

Take Berea College and the University of Kentucky as examples. Berea has a lower graduation rate of 60%, while UK stands at 71%. However, the earnings from Berea graduates are $43,150, trailing UK graduates who earn $59,025. This contrast highlights the importance of evaluating what you value most — whether it's a slightly higher earning potential or a more favorable graduation rate. Each program has unique strengths and trade-offs that require careful consideration.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 28

Avg. earnings at 10yr $47,846

Avg. graduation rate 50%

Avg. net price $16,805

Avg. median debt $22,008

How We Ranked

Master's programs in Kentucky ranked by graduate outcomes

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Berea College

Berea, KY

Earnings$43,150

Net Price$6,106

View full profile →

Murray State University

Murray, KY

Earnings$44,737

Net Price$9,096

View full profile →

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY

Earnings$50,220

Net Price$8,191

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Berea College

Berea, KY · 1,513 students · Private nonprofit

Berea College focuses on providing access to higher education for students from low-income families, with 84% of its students receiving Pell Grants. With a striking 60% graduation rate, the college's commitment to a no-tuition model allows students to graduate debt-free, something that resonates in today’s financial climate.

19% accepted 60% graduate $43,150 earnings

Berea's full profile

Murray State University

Murray, KY · 6,688 students · Public

Murray State University offers a close-knit community with approximately 6,700 students. The college has a graduation rate of 60%, and its graduates earn a median salary of $44,737 after ten years, showcasing a decent return on investment for the education provided.

86% accepted 60% graduate $44,737 earnings

Murray's full profile

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY · 8,246 students · Public

With over 8,200 students, Northern Kentucky University is a vibrant community located just south of Cincinnati. The university emphasizes student support and engagement, which is reflected in its 50% graduation rate, a figure that highlights the potential for success among its diverse student body.

68% accepted 50% graduate $50,220 earnings

Northern's full profile

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY · 14,727 students · Public

The University of Louisville stands out as a major research institution in Kentucky, home to nearly 15,000 students. Located in the heart of Louisville, it offers a rich urban experience that complements its academic programs, which help graduates achieve a 61% graduation rate and promising career outcomes.

79% accepted 61% graduate $53,899 earnings

University's full profile

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · 24,763 students · Public

With over 24,000 students, the University of Kentucky is a hub of activity and opportunity. The school boasts a graduation rate of 71%, and graduates can expect to earn a median salary of $59,025 after ten years, indicating strong post-college prospects in the workforce.

93% accepted 71% graduate $59,025 earnings

University's full profile

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · 12,155 students · Public

At Western Kentucky University, the spirit of community is palpable among the 12,155 students who call Bowling Green home. The university has a strong focus on student involvement, reflected in its 55% graduation rate, which is bolstered by a campus culture that encourages personal and academic growth.

94% accepted 55% graduate $43,889 earnings

Western's full profile

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY · 12,318 students · Public

Eastern Kentucky University, located in Richmond, serves over 12,300 students who are eager to make a difference. The university is known for its commitment to accessibility and student success, which is reflected in its graduation rate of 50%, indicating that many students are on a path to achieving their educational goals.

78% accepted 50% graduate $45,795 earnings

Eastern's full profile

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY · 6,941 students · Private nonprofit

University of the Cumberlands is a larger private nonprofit institution in Williamsburg, KY, with nearly 7,000 students. Its open-door policy and high acceptance rate of 99% make it an attractive option for students seeking a welcoming environment where they can explore various fields of study.

99% accepted 48% graduate $45,036 earnings

University's full profile

Transylvania University

Lexington, KY · 1,005 students · Private nonprofit

Transylvania University in Lexington, KY is home to a tight-knit community of just over 1,000 students. With a 71% graduation rate, it emphasizes personal attention and academic support, fostering an environment where many students can thrive and pursue their passions effectively.

87% accepted 71% graduate $54,705 earnings

Transylvania's full profile

Georgetown College

Georgetown, KY · 1,097 students · Private nonprofit

Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY, serves about 1,097 students and offers a personalized educational experience. With a graduation rate of 48%, the college prioritizes student support, helping those who may need extra guidance to reach their academic goals.

91% accepted 48% graduate $52,074 earnings

Georgetown's full profile

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY · 2,161 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University, with around 2,161 students, is known for its strong liberal arts education and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. The university has a steady graduation rate of 66%, indicating a supportive environment where students are encouraged to complete their degrees and succeed post-graduation.

86% accepted 66% graduate $62,069 earnings

Bellarmine's full profile

Morehead State University

Morehead, KY · 4,578 students · Public

Morehead State University is a public institution in Morehead, KY, with a student population of 4,578. While it has a lower graduation rate of 50%, it offers a range of programs that appeal to students seeking a more affordable education in a supportive community atmosphere.

77% accepted 50% graduate $43,197 earnings

Morehead's full profile

Centre College

Danville, KY · 1,400 students · Private nonprofit

Centre College has a strong reputation for academic rigor, reflected in its impressive 83% graduation rate. With a median earning of $66,240 a decade after graduation, Centre graduates often find themselves well-positioned in the job market, thanks to a focus on practical learning experiences and close faculty mentorship.

54% accepted 83% graduate $66,240 earnings

Centre's full profile

Thomas More University

Crestview Hills, KY · 1,293 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Crestview Hills, KY, Thomas More University has a smaller student population of 1,293, allowing for a more intimate campus experience. This environment fosters close relationships between students and faculty, which is beneficial for those who appreciate individualized attention in their educational journey.

90% accepted 40% graduate $59,384 earnings

Thomas's full profile

Kentucky Wesleyan College

Owensboro, KY · 842 students · Private nonprofit

Kentucky Wesleyan College serves a close-knit community of around 842 students, fostering meaningful connections and personalized learning experiences. With a graduation rate of 49%, students here can expect a solid chance of completing their degree, which pays off with a median earning of $46,747 after ten years, suggesting strong outcomes for graduates in the workforce.

72% accepted 49% graduate $46,747 earnings

Kentucky's full profile

Asbury University

Wilmore, KY · 1,420 students · Private nonprofit

Asbury University, located in Wilmore, KY, presents a compelling option with a strong graduation rate of 65%. Students here earn a median income of $42,368 ten years after graduation, showcasing the university's ability to prepare graduates for rewarding careers in various fields.

63% accepted 65% graduate $42,368 earnings

Asbury's full profile

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY · 2,840 students · Private nonprofit

With an acceptance rate of 80%, Campbellsville University welcomes a diverse student body, making it a great option for those looking for a supportive environment. While the graduation rate is 44%, graduates earn a median income of $41,583 within ten years of completing their degree, indicating that many students find success after leaving campus.

80% accepted 44% graduate $41,583 earnings

Campbellsville's full profile

Lindsey Wilson College

Columbia, KY · 1,585 students · Private nonprofit

With a unique focus on personalized education, Lindsey Wilson College caters to around 1,585 students who seek a tight-knit college experience. Although the graduation rate is 41%, the median earnings for graduates stand at $41,129 after ten years, which reflects the value of a degree from this institution in the job market.

41% graduate $41,129 earnings

Lindsey's full profile

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, KY · 1,309 students · Public

Kentucky State University in Frankfort serves as an important educational institution for many aspiring students, particularly those from underserved communities. Despite a graduation rate of just 30%, the university has a significant percentage of Pell Grant recipients at 58%, highlighting its commitment to affordability and support for low-income students.

96% accepted 30% graduate $36,382 earnings

Kentucky's full profile

Kentucky Christian University

Grayson, KY · 429 students · Private nonprofit

Kentucky Christian University in Grayson serves a close community of 429 students, where faith plays a central role in the educational experience. The graduation rate of 35% reflects the challenges some students face, but the median earnings at 10 years post-graduation stand at $42,375, offering a glimpse of the potential return on investment. The school attracts a diverse group, with 43% of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to accessibility for lower-income families.

61% accepted 35% graduate $42,375 earnings

Kentucky's full profile

University of Pikeville

Pikeville, KY · 1,135 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Pikeville, the University of Pikeville offers a unique opportunity for students who are eager to engage in a supportive learning environment. Though the graduation rate is 40%, the median earnings of $48,231 a decade after graduation demonstrate that many alumni find success in their chosen fields, contributing to the local economy and beyond.

40% graduate $48,231 earnings

University's full profile

Brescia University

Owensboro, KY · 545 students · Private nonprofit

With a tight-knit community of just 545 students, Brescia University in Owensboro, KY, focuses on delivering a personalized education. The school emphasizes strong student support, which can make a significant difference for those who thrive in smaller learning environments.

35% accepted 51% graduate $45,500 earnings

Brescia's full profile

Alice Lloyd College

Pippa Passes, KY · 558 students · Private nonprofit

Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes focuses on empowering students from appalachian Kentucky, fostering a strong sense of community and support. With 58% of students receiving Pell Grants, the school is dedicated to making education accessible for those who may face financial challenges, despite a lower graduation rate of 32% that reflects the hurdles some students encounter in completing their degrees.

75% accepted 32% graduate $40,573 earnings

Alice's full profile

Union Commonwealth University

Barbourville, KY · 746 students · Private nonprofit

Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY, serves around 746 students and prioritizes accessibility with a 63% acceptance rate. The smaller campus allows for a close-knit community, which may appeal to students looking for a supportive and interactive educational setting.

63% accepted 34% graduate $42,002 earnings

Union's full profile

Spalding University

Louisville, KY · 583 students · Private nonprofit

With a generous acceptance rate of 99%, Spalding University in Louisville welcomes a diverse group of students, making it an accessible choice for those seeking higher education. The median earnings of $49,438 a decade after graduation suggest that graduates can find solid job opportunities in the area, especially in a city known for its vibrant culture and community involvement.

99% accepted 54% graduate $49,438 earnings

Spalding's full profile

Simmons College of Kentucky

Louisville, KY · 481 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Louisville, Simmons College of Kentucky has an open-door admissions policy, welcoming all students who apply. With a small student body of 481, it fosters a close-knit community where personalized attention is part of the learning experience. Despite a graduation rate of 24%, the college is committed to empowering students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, with 41% receiving Pell Grants.

100% accepted 24% graduate

Simmons's full profile

Midway University

Midway, KY · 1,262 students · Private nonprofit

Midway University, with its picturesque setting in Midway, KY, is home to 1,262 students who enjoy a supportive academic environment. The graduation rate is 43%, indicating that nearly half of the students successfully complete their degrees. With a median earning of $44,246 a decade after graduation, the university positions itself as a viable investment for those eager to enter the workforce with valuable credentials. The 95% acceptance rate shows a commitment to inclusivity, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of students.

95% accepted 43% graduate $44,246 earnings

Midway's full profile

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Louisville, KY · 848 students · Private nonprofit

56% accepted 42% graduate

The's full profile

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

DK

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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