Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Kentucky

Berea College stands apart in Kentucky's computer science market with a net cost of just $4,483, making it one of the nation's most affordable options despite its $49,326 sticker price. The gap between public and private costs narrows significantly when aid is considered, with several private institutions offering competitive net prices. Kentucky's technology sector benefits from major employers like UPS's Worldport facility in Louisville, which relies heavily on logistics software and data management systems. Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $59,071 within six years, while Kentucky State University graduates start at $26,353, creating a $32,718 earnings spread across the state. The University of Kentucky and University of Louisville anchor the state's research capabilities, both maintaining acceptance rates above 80% while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes. Computer science programs here serve industries from automotive manufacturing at Toyota's Georgetown plant to healthcare technology at Humana's Louisville headquarters.

Programs

$4,483 – $36,431

Net Price Range

$47,926

Avg. Program Earnings

50.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Berea College Berea, Kentucky	$4,483	$49,326	62.0%	24.6%
2	Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, Kentucky	$7,168	$10,896	48.3%	86.0%
3	Kentucky State University Frankfort, Kentucky	$8,900	$9,214	27.1%	91.5%
4	Murray State University Murray, Kentucky	$9,121	$9,708	59.5%	84.0%
5	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky	$9,962	$10,130	49.7%	64.3%
6	Morehead State University Morehead, Kentucky	$10,089	$9,838	47.7%	84.0%
7	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky	$10,916	$11,436	53.7%	97.0%
8	University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, Kentucky	$11,286	$9,875	46.2%	83.0%
9	Georgetown College Georgetown, Kentucky	$13,485	$42,010	47.5%	71.5%
10	University of Pikeville Pikeville, Kentucky	$13,591	$24,150	39.1%
11	Brescia University Owensboro, Kentucky	$14,626	$30,450	46.0%	50.4%
12	University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky	$17,218	$13,212	69.9%	94.9%
13	University of Louisville Louisville, Kentucky	$17,634	$12,828	60.7%	81.5%
14	Campbellsville University Campbellsville, Kentucky	$18,246	$26,990	47.1%
15	Thomas More University Crestview Hills, Kentucky	$20,701	$38,400	40.1%	94.2%
16	Transylvania University Lexington, Kentucky	$23,560	$44,980	69.8%	90.8%
17	Bellarmine University Louisville, Kentucky	$23,587	$47,180	67.7%	87.8%
18	Union College Barbourville, Kentucky	$23,906	$30,946	36.0%	53.4%
19	Sullivan University Louisville, Kentucky	$25,785	$14,220	30.2%
20	Kentucky Wesleyan College Owensboro, Kentucky	$36,431	$33,393	52.6%	68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College so affordable for computer science students?

Berea College operates on a work-study model where all students contribute labor to campus operations, dramatically reducing the net cost to $4,483 despite a published tuition of $49,326. The college accepts only 24.58% of applicants and maintains a 62% graduation rate. This selective admission process ensures students can handle both academic coursework and work responsibilities while pursuing their computer science degree.

How do earnings compare between Kentucky's public and private computer science programs?

University of Kentucky graduates lead with $59,350 in median earnings six years after graduation, closely followed by Northern Kentucky University at $59,071. Private school graduates show more variation, with Berea College producing $50,856 earners while Kentucky State University graduates start at $26,353. The $32,997 gap between top and bottom earners reflects different program focuses and regional job markets across the state.

Is Northern Kentucky University a good value for computer science?

Northern Kentucky University delivers strong return on investment with a net cost of $7,168 and graduates earning $59,071 within six years. The school maintains an 86% acceptance rate while producing graduates who rival University of Kentucky earnings. Students graduate with $22,925 in average debt, which represents a manageable burden given the strong earning potential in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky metro area.

Does the University of Kentucky justify its higher costs for computer science?

University of Kentucky charges $17,218 net cost but produces the highest-earning graduates at $59,350 six years post-graduation. The school maintains a 69.9% graduation rate, significantly higher than most state institutions, and accepts 94.89% of applicants. Students graduate with $21,453 in average debt while gaining access to research opportunities and connections to major Kentucky employers like Toyota and Humana.

Where do Kentucky computer science graduates find employment opportunities?

Kentucky's technology job market centers around Louisville's healthcare sector with Humana, UPS Worldport's logistics technology needs, and Toyota's manufacturing systems in Georgetown. The state's bourbon industry also creates demand for supply chain and quality control software specialists. Northern Kentucky University graduates benefit from proximity to Cincinnati's financial technology sector, while University of Louisville graduates often join local healthcare technology companies and startups.

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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.