 copy.jpg){kind=avatar}
The 10 Cheapest Colleges in Kentucky
What’s Covered:
- The Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky
- Tips for Saving Money on College
- How Much Will You Pay for College?
From large public universities to HBCUs and highly rated liberal arts colleges, Kentucky is home to a wide range of excellent institutions. The Bluegrass State also offers a number of affordable colleges—great news for students seeking a quality education without breaking the bank.
The Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky
1. Kentucky State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,387/$13,658
Location: Frankfort, KY
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,546
A public HBCU, Kentucky State University (KSU), was founded in 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons. Today, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees across five colleges and schools. A highly diverse institution, KSU boasts the lowest student-faculty ratio (18:1) among public schools in Kentucky and a strong sense of community.
Learn more about Kentucky State University and what it takes to get accepted.
2. University of the Cumberlands
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,875/$9,875
Location: Williamsburg, KY
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,091
The University of the Cumberlands is grounded in Christian principles and is consistently recognized as a top school for military-affiliated students. The University of Cumberlands offers over 40 undergraduate programs, including majors in:
- Coaching
- Exercise and Sports Science
- Gaming
- Management
- Social Work
The university also offers several graduate programs, such as an MSPA in Physician Assistant Studies and an MACS in Christian Studies. Just how affordable is the University of Cumberlands? One in four students graduates debt-free.
Learn more about the University of Cumberlands and what it takes to get accepted.
3. Murray State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $9,900/$19,836
Location: Murray, KY
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,878
Nationally ranked for academics, athletics, affordability, and value, Murray State has operated for over 100 years and offers an array of programs. Some of the most popular undergraduate fields include:
- Agricultural Science
- Animal Health/ Pre-Vet Medicine
- Business Administration
- Elementary Education
- Nursing
- Psychology
Racers have distinguished themselves in fields like engineering, government, technology, art, and athletics.
Learn more about Murray State University and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Morehead State University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $10,024/$14,980
Location: Morehead, KY
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,058
With 65 undergraduate, 34 graduate, and 20 pre-professional programs, Morehead State University (MSU) has a robust curriculum and engages students while prioritizing student success.
The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, MSU’s early college high school, was established in 2014. Students take MSU classes as high school juniors and seniors and graduate with at least 60 hours of college credit.
Learn more about Morehead State University and what it takes to get accepted.
5. Eastern Kentucky University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $10,320/21,230
Location: Richmond, KY
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 12,726
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a comprehensive university offering more than 100 programs through six colleges, which are:
- College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- College of Education and Applied Human Sciences
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science
The university offers robust online programs, as well as an Honors program. Students have been distinguished as Fulbright scholars and received many additional recognitions.
Learn more about Eastern Kentucky University and what it takes to get accepted.
6. Northern Kentucky University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $11,088/$21,912
Location: Highland Heights, KY
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,927
With more than 90 majors, 22 master’s programs, and one law school, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) has a number of claims to fame. For example, the university is ranked among the most innovative in the world, and its Graphic Design program is widely regarded as the best in Kentucky.
Programs are offered across seven colleges and schools, as well as an Honors College:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Chase College of Law
- College of Education
- Haile College of Business
- College of Health and Human Services
- College of Informatics
- School of the Arts
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University and what it takes to get accepted.
7. Western Kentucky University
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $11,652/$27,000
Location: Bowling Green, KY
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,590
Sitting atop a beautiful hill overlooking the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University (WKU) is known for far more than its stunning campus. Across five colleges, the university offers 95 majors and 75 minors. 84% of freshmen receive scholarship aid, helping keep WKU affordable.
WKU attracts students from across the globe—students come from nearly every Kentucky county and U.S. state, as well as from 67 countries worldwide.
Learn more about Western Kentucky University and what it takes to get accepted.
9. University of Louisville
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $13,136/$29,482
Location: Louisville, KY
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,194
Across Louisville’s three campuses, the research university instructs diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The university prides itself on being a “premier anti-racist metropolitan research university,” championing diversity and inclusion across its academic programs.
Founded in 1798, it was the nation’s first city-owned public university. The school is also well known for the Cardinals, who have won multiple championships and produced numerous professional athletes, including:
- Lamar Jackson—multiple NFL MVP winner
- Deion Branch—Super Bowl MVP winner
- Wes Unseld—NBA Hall of Famer
- Donovan Mitchell—multi-time NBA All-Star
- Angel McCoughtry—two-time Olympic gold medalist
Learn more about the University of Louisville and what it takes to get accepted.
8. University of Kentucky
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $13,502/$34,140
Location: Lexington, KY
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 23,930
One of just eight institutions in the U.S. with a “full complement” of liberal arts, engineering, professional, agricultural, and medical colleges and disciplines on one contiguous campus, the University of Kentucky (UK) consists of 16 degree-granting colleges, the Lewis Honors College, and the Graduate School. The campus offers numerous resources designed to support students and fosters a deep sense of community.
Learn more about the University of Kentucky and what it takes to get accepted.
10. Alice Lloyd College
Tuition In-state/Out-of-state: $13,960/$13,960
Location: Pippa Passes, KY
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Undergraduate Enrollment: 553
According to Alice Lloyd College, a degree from the liberal arts school is a testament to your leadership capabilities. Founded as a work college by Alice Spencer Geddes Lloyd and June Buchanan, ALC began awarding bachelor’s degrees in the 1980s. Today, it’s one of only seven work colleges in the U.S., where students are required to work a minimum of ten hours per week at either an on- or off-campus job.
Alice Lloyd is well known for its Voices of Appalachia choir. Although the college is non-denominational, its mission underscores Christian values.
Learn more about Alice Lloyd College and what it takes to get accepted.
Tips for Saving Money on College
1. Look into whether the school meets 100% of your need.
Many top-tier institutions commit to meeting 100% of the financial need of accepted students. This is great news for talented applicants, many of whom may not otherwise be able to afford their education. Be sure to investigate whether the schools on your list meet full need.
2. Apply for scholarships.
Scholarships are an excellent resource for helping offset the cost of your college education. Look into niche awards, which often attract a smaller pool of candidates than broader scholarships, increasing your odds of winning. Don’t forget about institutional scholarships, either.
3. Attend an in-state school.
For residents, in-state public colleges and universities are generally highly affordable. If you’re looking to cut costs, make sure you consider schools in your home state. Usually, you’ll also have the option of commuting to public, in-state schools, which will cut back on room and board costs, too.
4. Don’t limit your search to public institutions.
Sometimes, private colleges and universities can be even more affordable than public institutions if they offer generous financial aid. Be sure to look into schools’ financial aid policies and typical awards before you dismiss private options outright.
How Much Will You Pay for College?
Students rarely pay the full sticker price for college. Use CollegeVine’s free financial aid calculator to estimate your tuition and expenses at hundreds of colleges and universities, and compare expected family contributions across schools.
