# Best Master's Programs 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-masters-kentucky

## Methodology

Master's programs in Kentucky ranked by graduate outcomes

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 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.

## 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 Louisville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-louisville) | Louisville, KY | 61% | $53,899 | $17,988 | $20,500 | 0.38x |
| 5 | [University of Kentucky](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-kentucky) | Lexington, KY | 71% | $59,025 | $18,851 | $22,500 | 0.38x |
| 6 | [Western Kentucky University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-kentucky-university) | Bowling Green, KY | 55% | $43,889 | $10,990 | $22,095 | 0.5x |
| 7 | [Eastern Kentucky University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-kentucky-university) | Richmond, KY | 50% | $45,795 | $11,040 | $22,500 | 0.49x |
| 8 | [University of the Cumberlands](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-cumberlands) | Williamsburg, KY | 48% | $45,036 | $14,107 | $14,911 | 0.33x |
| 9 | [Transylvania University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/transylvania-university) | Lexington, KY | 71% | $54,705 | $21,913 | $27,000 | 0.49x |
| 10 | [Georgetown College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/georgetown-college) | Georgetown, KY | 48% | $52,074 | $14,095 | $25,200 | 0.48x |
| 11 | [Bellarmine University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bellarmine-university) | Louisville, KY | 66% | $62,069 | $21,499 | $25,000 | 0.4x |
| 12 | [Morehead State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/morehead-state-university) | Morehead, KY | 50% | $43,197 | $9,793 | $22,250 | 0.52x |
| 13 | [Centre College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/centre-college) | Danville, KY | 83% | $66,240 | $20,781 | $27,000 | 0.41x |
| 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 Wesleyan College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kentucky-wesleyan-college) | Owensboro, KY | 49% | $46,747 | $17,131 | $23,250 | 0.5x |
| 16 | [Asbury University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/asbury-university) | Wilmore, KY | 65% | $42,368 | $21,401 | $24,028 | 0.57x |
| 17 | [Campbellsville University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/campbellsville-university) | Campbellsville, KY | 44% | $41,583 | $19,341 | $17,156 | 0.41x |
| 18 | [Lindsey Wilson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lindsey-wilson-college) | Columbia, KY | 41% | $41,129 | $15,070 | $16,784 | 0.41x |
| 19 | [Kentucky State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kentucky-state-university) | Frankfort, KY | 30% | $36,382 | $8,040 | $25,938 | 0.71x |
| 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 | [Simmons College of Kentucky](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/simmons-college-of-kentucky) | Louisville, KY | 24% | N/A | $18,434 | N/A | N/A |
| 27 | [Midway University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/midway-university) | Midway, KY | 43% | $44,246 | $29,579 | $21,301 | 0.48x |
| 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 Master's Programs in Kentucky." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.