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Cheapest Business/Commerce Colleges in Kentucky

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Berea College stands alone among Kentucky business programs with a net cost of just $4,483, making it nearly 60% cheaper than the next most affordable option. This extraordinary value stems from the college's work-study model where all students receive full tuition scholarships. While most Kentucky public universities charge business students between $7,000-$17,000 annually, private institutions range dramatically from Berea's minimal cost to over $20,000 at Asbury University. Kentucky's business graduates enter a state economy anchored by logistics powerhouses like UPS's Worldport facility in Louisville, automotive manufacturing including Toyota's Georgetown plant, and major healthcare systems. The earnings potential reflects this economic foundation, with University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University graduates averaging over $43,000 annually. State funding through the KEES scholarship program further reduces costs for high-achieving students, while the 48% to 70% graduation rates at top programs indicate solid completion prospects for those entering Kentucky's growing business sector.
21
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$38,857
Avg. Program Earnings
50.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
4 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
5 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
6 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
7 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
8 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
9 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
10 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
11 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
12 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
13 $17,839 $14,080 26.4% 98.3%
14 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
15 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
16 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
17 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
18 $23,863 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%
19 $24,264 $27,850 57.3% 97.6%
20 $25,785 $14,220 30.2%
21 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's business program so affordable at $4,483?

Berea College operates on a unique work-study model where every student receives a full tuition scholarship worth $49,326 annually. Students work 10-15 hours per week in campus jobs to cover remaining costs. This approach makes Berea's net price 38% lower than Kentucky State University at $8,900, the second most affordable option.

How do Kentucky business graduate earnings compare across price points?

Higher-cost programs often yield better earnings, with University of Kentucky graduates ($17,218 net cost) earning $43,319 annually compared to Murray State graduates ($9,121 net cost) earning $32,806. Northern Kentucky University breaks this pattern, offering strong earnings of $44,170 with a moderate net cost of $7,168. The $10,513 earnings gap between highest and lowest demonstrates significant variation in post-graduation outcomes.

Where do Kentucky business graduates find employment opportunities?

Kentucky's business graduates often join major employers like UPS's Worldport logistics center in Louisville, Toyota's manufacturing operations in Georgetown, and Humana's healthcare services. The state's bourbon industry, including companies like Brown-Forman and Beam Suntory, also creates marketing and operations roles. Financial services and regional banking provide additional career paths throughout the state.

Is the graduation rate gap between public and private schools significant?

Yes, graduation rates vary considerably from 26% at Alice Lloyd College to 70% at University of Kentucky. Public universities show mixed results, with UK achieving 69.90% compared to Kentucky State's 27.10%. Private institutions range from Georgetown College's solid 47.50% to Asbury University's strong 65.00%, suggesting institutional support varies more than sector type.

Does the KEES scholarship affect business program affordability?

The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship reduces costs for high-achieving students at all state universities. KEES awards up to $2,500 annually based on GPA and ACT scores, helping bridge cost gaps between institutions. At Northern Kentucky University's $7,168 net cost, maximum KEES funding could reduce expenses by 35%, making affordable programs even more accessible.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.