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Centre College stands apart among Kentucky's Division III schools with an 85.3% graduation rate that outpaces many larger institutions. The state's five Division III colleges span a remarkable cost range from Berea's $4,483 net price to Spalding's $24,264, reflecting different educational models and student populations. Berea College maintains the most selective admissions at 24.6% acceptance while offering its work-study program that keeps costs minimal. These smaller institutions serve Kentucky's economy by producing graduates who earn between $42,368 and $66,240 annually, filling roles in the state's automotive sector anchored by Toyota, healthcare companies like Humana, and logistics operations at UPS Worldport. The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship helps students access these programs, with enrollment ranging from Spalding's focused 597 students to Berea's 1,472. Each school offers the close faculty relationships and research opportunities that define Division III athletics and academics.
5
Schools
$18,846
Avg. Net Price
$51,180
Avg. Earnings
67.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division III Colleges in Kentucky

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 1,346 $21,497 85.3% 62.9%
2 1,472 $4,483 62.0% 24.6%
3 1,369 $20,428 65.0% 78.7%
4 1,014 $23,560 69.8% 90.8%
5 597 $24,264 57.3% 97.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College unique among Kentucky Division III schools?

Berea College operates on a distinctive work-study model that results in a net price of just $4,483, making it the most affordable option. However, this comes with highly selective admissions at 24.6% acceptance rate. Students work 10-15 hours weekly in campus jobs while earning their degrees, with 1,472 students enrolled.

How do graduation rates compare across Kentucky's Division III colleges?

Centre College leads with an 85.3% graduation rate, significantly higher than the group average. Transylvania University follows at 69.8%, while Asbury University reaches 65%. Berea College achieves 62% despite serving many first-generation college students, and Spalding University graduates 57.3% of its students.

Is financial aid substantial at these Kentucky Division III schools?

Net prices vary dramatically, from Berea's work-study model at $4,483 to Spalding at $24,264. Centre and Asbury cluster around $20,000-21,000 annually, while Transylvania costs $23,560. Kentucky's KEES scholarship program helps residents reduce these costs based on high school GPA and test scores.

What career outcomes do graduates achieve after these programs?

Earnings range from $42,368 for Asbury graduates to $66,240 for Centre College alumni. Transylvania graduates earn $54,705 annually, while Spalding and Berea graduates earn around $49,000-43,000. These salaries align well with Kentucky's major employers like Toyota, Humana, and UPS Worldport operations.

Where do admission standards vary most among these colleges?

Admission selectivity spans from Berea's competitive 24.6% acceptance rate to Spalding's open 97.6% acceptance. Centre College accepts 62.8% of applicants, Asbury admits 78.7%, and Transylvania accepts 90.8%. Enrollment ranges from Spalding's intimate 597 students to Berea's 1,472.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.