Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.1%
- Retention Rate
- 60.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $36,382
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,938
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 23.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $275/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,402 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,045 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $37,856 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $31,133 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,064 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,019 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $24,421 | |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $22,578 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $20,687 | $18,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Kentucky State graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $25,938, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 71% when compared to their $36,382 median earnings after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $275 consume about 9% of typical graduate income, which is manageable but significant. The employment rate reaches 94.6%, showing strong job placement despite the university's focus on agriculture and liberal arts fields that traditionally offer modest starting salaries. Many graduates pursue careers in education, social services, and agricultural sciences. With relatively affordable tuition and strong employment outcomes, Kentucky State offers an average return on investment, particularly valuable for first-generation college students seeking accessible higher education.