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Cheapest Mathematics Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands alone in Kentucky's mathematics market, offering a net cost of just $4,483 despite its $49,326 sticker price through its unique work-study program. This creates a massive $2,685 gap between the state's cheapest and second-cheapest option, Northern Kentucky University. The earnings spread tells an equally striking story, with NKU mathematics graduates earning $46,478 annually compared to Berea's $17,846. Kentucky's automotive and logistics sectors, anchored by Toyota's Georgetown plant and UPS Worldport in Louisville, create strong demand for mathematical modeling and operations research skills. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with six schools under $11,000 in net costs, while private institutions like Georgetown College jump to $13,485. The state's flagship University of Kentucky commands $17,218 net cost but delivers solid outcomes with a 69.90% graduation rate and $41,007 average earnings.
22
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$34,464
Avg. Program Earnings
52.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Mathematics 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 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
8 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
9 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
10 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
11 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
12 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
13 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
14 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
15 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
16 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
17 $21,497 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
18 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
19 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
20 $23,863 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%
21 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
22 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's mathematics program so affordable?

Berea College charges no tuition and provides every student with a campus job, resulting in a net cost of just $4,483 for mathematics students. The college's unique mission serves students from low-income backgrounds, with 24.58% acceptance rate ensuring selectivity. However, graduates earn an average of $17,846 annually, significantly below other Kentucky mathematics programs. The 62% graduation rate reflects the demanding work-study model.

How do public universities compare for mathematics affordability in Kentucky?

Six Kentucky public universities offer mathematics programs under $11,000 net cost, led by Northern Kentucky University at $7,168. Murray State provides the best value combination at $9,121 net cost with 59.50% graduation rate and $35,060 earnings. Kentucky State University offers the lowest published in-state tuition at $9,214 but shows a concerning 27.10% graduation rate. Eastern Kentucky University rounds out the affordable public options at $9,962 net cost.

Where do Kentucky mathematics graduates find the highest-paying opportunities?

Northern Kentucky University mathematics graduates lead earnings at $46,478 annually, likely benefiting from proximity to Cincinnati's financial and corporate sectors. University of Kentucky graduates earn $41,007 with relatively low debt at $18,102. Murray State graduates earn $35,060, while Western Kentucky graduates average $33,325. The state's automotive manufacturing and logistics industries, including Toyota and UPS operations, provide strong mathematical career paths.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private mathematics programs?

Private colleges average significantly higher net costs, with Georgetown College at $13,485 representing the most affordable private option. University of the Cumberlands charges $11,286 net cost despite a published price of $9,875. Most public universities cluster between $7,168 and $10,916 in net costs. However, Berea College's work-study model creates an exception at $4,483, making it cheaper than any public option.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost for Kentucky mathematics students?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with University of Kentucky leading at 69.90% despite its $17,218 net cost. Asbury University achieves 65% graduation rate at $20,428 net cost, while Berea College maintains 62% despite its low $4,483 cost. Kentucky State University shows the lowest graduation rate at 27.10% with $8,900 net cost. The pattern suggests that institutional resources and student support services impact completion rates beyond just affordability.

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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.