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NCAA Division I Colleges in Kentucky

8 schools in Kentucky. See our methodology.

Kentucky's eight Division I colleges show remarkable affordability, with Northern Kentucky University leading at just $7,168 net cost while still producing graduates earning $50,220 annually. The University of Kentucky dominates enrollment with 23,189 students and maintains the state's highest graduation rate at 69.9%, reflecting its connection to Kentucky's major industries including Toyota manufacturing and UPS Worldport logistics. Bellarmine University commands the highest net price at $23,587 but delivers the strongest earning potential at $62,069, nearly $20,000 above the state average. Most schools accept over 80% of applicants, making Kentucky particularly accessible for college-bound students. The KEES scholarship program further supports affordability across these institutions. Graduation rates span from 47.7% at Morehead State to nearly 70% at UK, while acceptance rates remain generous throughout the state, with Western Kentucky University accepting 96.95% of applicants.
8
Schools
$13,212
Avg. Net Price
$50,354
Avg. Earnings
57.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Kentucky

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 23,189 $17,218 69.9% 94.9%
2 14,187 $17,634 60.7% 81.5%
3 11,674 $9,962 49.7% 64.3%
4 6,646 $9,121 59.5% 84.0%
5 8,065 $7,168 48.3% 86.0%
6 4,689 $10,089 47.7% 84.0%
7 12,267 $10,916 53.7% 97.0%
8 2,286 $23,587 67.7% 87.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Kentucky stand out among state schools?

UK enrolls 23,189 students with Kentucky's highest graduation rate at 69.9% and accepts 94.89% of applicants. Graduates earn $59,025 annually, second only to private Bellarmine University, while maintaining reasonable costs at $17,218 net price for such a large research institution.

How affordable are Kentucky's Division I colleges?

Net costs range from $7,168 at Northern Kentucky University to $23,587 at private Bellarmine. Six of eight schools cost under $18,000 annually. The KEES scholarship program provides additional financial support, making Kentucky particularly accessible compared to national averages.

Is Bellarmine University worth the higher cost?

Bellarmine graduates earn $62,069 annually, nearly $9,000 more than UK graduates and $18,000 above the state average. With a 67.7% graduation rate and 2,286 students, it offers small class sizes and strong career outcomes despite costing $23,587 annually.

Does Kentucky favor in-state students for admissions?

Kentucky colleges maintain generous acceptance rates, with seven schools accepting over 80% of applicants. Western Kentucky accepts 96.95% while Eastern Kentucky has the most selective rate at 64.31%. This accessibility benefits both in-state and out-of-state students seeking quality education.

Where do Kentucky college graduates find employment?

Kentucky's economy centers on automotive manufacturing with Toyota, healthcare through companies like Humana, and logistics via UPS Worldport. Graduate earnings range from $43,197 to $62,069, reflecting opportunities in these major industries plus government and education sectors throughout the state.

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NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Kentucky Cheapest Programs in Kentucky

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.