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Easy Admission Colleges in Kentucky

17 schools in Kentucky. See our methodology.

Western Kentucky University accepts nearly 97% of applicants while maintaining a 53.7% graduation rate, illustrating how Kentucky's accessible higher education system serves students across ability levels. The state's 15 colleges with acceptance rates above 70% span costs from Northern Kentucky University's $7,168 net price to Spalding University's $24,264, creating pathways for different financial situations. These schools connect directly to Kentucky's major employers, with University of Kentucky and University of Louisville graduates often joining companies like Humana, Toyota's Georgetown plant, and UPS Worldport in Louisville. The earnings potential varies significantly, from Kentucky State University graduates averaging $36,382 to Bellarmine University alumni earning $62,069 annually. Murray State University demonstrates the value proposition many students seek, combining an 84% acceptance rate with reasonable $9,121 costs and $44,737 graduate earnings. Kentucky's KEES scholarship program helps residents afford these options, while the state's automotive and healthcare industries provide clear career paths for graduates across engineering, business, and health sciences programs.
17
Schools
$16,254
Avg. Net Price
$48,828
Avg. Earnings
51.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges in Kentucky

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 98.3% 528 $17,839 26.4%
2 97.6% 597 $24,264 57.3%
3 97.0% 12,267 $10,916 53.7%
4 94.9% 23,189 $17,218 69.9%
5 94.2% 1,305 $20,701 40.1%
6 93.8% 1,250 $23,863 46.4%
7 91.5% 1,317 $8,900 27.1%
8 90.8% 1,014 $23,560 69.8%
9 87.8% 2,286 $23,587 67.7%
10 87.2% 844 43.9%
11 86.0% 8,065 $7,168 48.3%
12 84.0% 6,646 $9,121 59.5%
13 84.0% 4,689 $10,089 47.7%
14 83.0% 5,468 $11,286 46.2%
15 81.5% 14,187 $17,634 60.7%
16 78.7% 1,369 $20,428 65.0%
17 71.5% 1,180 $13,485 47.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What acceptance rates can students expect at Kentucky colleges?

Most Kentucky colleges maintain high acceptance rates, with 15 schools accepting over 70% of applicants. Western Kentucky University leads at 97% acceptance, while Georgetown College has the most selective admissions at 72%. The University of Kentucky, despite being the state's flagship, accepts 95% of applicants with 23,189 enrolled students.

How much do these accessible Kentucky colleges cost?

Net prices range from $7,168 at Northern Kentucky University to $24,264 at Spalding University. Public universities typically cost less, with Murray State at $9,121 and Morehead State at $10,089. Private colleges like Bellarmine ($23,587) and Transylvania ($23,560) command higher prices but often provide stronger alumni networks.

Do graduates from high-acceptance Kentucky schools earn good salaries?

Graduate earnings span $36,382 to $62,069 annually across these schools. Bellarmine University leads in alumni income at $62,069, while Thomas More graduates average $59,384. Even more accessible options like Murray State produce graduates earning $44,737, reflecting Kentucky's strong job market in automotive, healthcare, and logistics.

Which Kentucky colleges offer the best graduation rates?

University of Kentucky tops graduation rates at 69.9%, followed closely by Transylvania University at 69.8%. Bellarmine University achieves 67.7% despite higher acceptance rates. Murray State University balances accessibility with a solid 59.5% graduation rate, while maintaining 84% acceptance for incoming students.

Where do these colleges connect students to Kentucky's job market?

Kentucky's accessible colleges link directly to major state employers. University of Louisville graduates often join Humana's healthcare operations, while engineering students from UK and NKU find roles at Toyota's Georgetown facility. UPS Worldport in Louisville recruits from multiple state schools for logistics and business positions.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.