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Cheapest History Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands apart in Kentucky's history education market with an extraordinary net cost of just $4,483 despite a published price of $49,326. This work-study college accepts only 24.58% of applicants but delivers strong value through its labor program model. Meanwhile, state universities cluster between $7,168 and $17,634 for net costs, with Western Kentucky University graduates earning the highest median salary at $31,236. History majors entering Kentucky's job market find opportunities across the state's major industries, from documenting corporate heritage at companies like UPS Worldport to supporting cultural preservation efforts at bourbon distilleries where historical authenticity drives tourism revenue. The 20 programs span from small private colleges like Alice Lloyd in Appalachian Pippa Passes to major research institutions like the University of Kentucky, creating pathways for students regardless of their financial situation or academic background.
23
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$27,257
Avg. Program Earnings
51.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 History 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 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
4 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
5 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
6 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
7 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
8 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
9 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
10 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
11 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
12 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
13 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
14 $17,839 $14,080 26.4% 98.3%
15 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
16 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
17 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
18 $21,497 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
19 $22,139 $25,000 33.8% 44.4%
20 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
21 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
22 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
23 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's history program so affordable compared to other private schools?

Berea College operates on a unique work-study model where all students work campus jobs to offset tuition costs. While the published price is $49,326, students pay only $4,483 net cost on average. The college accepts just 24.58% of applicants and maintains a 62% graduation rate. This model makes it one of the most affordable private history programs in the United States.

How do public university costs compare for Kentucky history students?

Kentucky's public universities offer history programs with net costs ranging from $7,168 at Northern Kentucky University to $17,634 at University of Louisville. In-state tuition varies from $9,708 at Murray State to $13,212 at University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky combines moderate costs with the highest graduation rate among publics at 69.9%. Most public programs maintain acceptance rates above 80%.

Which Kentucky history programs lead to the highest graduate earnings?

Western Kentucky University graduates earn the highest median salary at $31,236, followed closely by University of Kentucky and University of Louisville graduates at $30,409 each. Murray State graduates earn $29,685 while Northern Kentucky graduates make $27,822. Eastern Kentucky University shows the lowest earnings at $22,874 despite reasonable program costs. These variations often reflect regional job markets and alumni networks.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Kentucky history programs?

Not necessarily. University of Kentucky has the highest graduation rate at 69.9% with a mid-range net cost of $17,218. Berea College achieves a solid 62% rate despite its low $4,483 net cost. Several expensive private colleges show concerning rates, with Alice Lloyd at just 26.4% and University of Pikeville at 39.1%. Public universities generally maintain rates between 47% and 60%.

Where can history graduates find career opportunities in Kentucky?

Kentucky's economy offers history graduates positions in corporate archives at major employers like UPS Worldport, Toyota, and Humana. The bourbon industry relies heavily on historical documentation for marketing and tourism, with companies like Brown-Forman and Maker's Mark. State government positions in Frankfort and museum work throughout the commonwealth provide additional career paths. Many graduates also pursue teaching with Kentucky's KEES scholarship program supporting education careers.

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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.