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Rural Colleges in Kentucky

9 schools in Kentucky. See our methodology.

Community colleges anchor Kentucky's rural education network, with nine institutions serving smaller communities from Cumberland to Maysville. Maysville Community and Technical College leads with a 51.3% graduation rate among the state's rural options, while Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College offers the lowest net price at $3,537. These schools prepare students for Kentucky's major industries, including Toyota's Georgetown plant and UPS Worldport in Louisville. Graduates earn between $21,256 and $44,246 annually, with Clear Creek Baptist Bible College alumni commanding the highest median wages at $41,623. The KEES scholarship program helps Kentucky residents afford these institutions, which maintain acceptance rates from 45% to over 98%. Rural colleges serve vital workforce development roles in Appalachian communities and agricultural regions, offering accessible pathways to healthcare careers with companies like Humana.
9
Schools
$10,083
Avg. Net Price
$35,111
Avg. Earnings
41.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Kentucky

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Fringe 2,579 $4,627 49.2%
2 Rural-Fringe 2,207 $5,577 51.3%
3 Rural-Fringe 876 $5,063 44.4%
4 Rural-Remote 1,680 $3,537 43.6%
5 Rural-Distant 132 $10,255 33.3%
6 Rural-Remote 72 $9,904 35.7%
7 Rural-Distant 1,250 $23,863 46.4%
8 Rural-Remote 528 $17,839 26.4%
9 Rural-Fringe

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Maysville Community and Technical College stand out among rural Kentucky schools?

Maysville achieves the highest graduation rate at 51.3% among rural Kentucky colleges while maintaining affordable costs at $5,577 net price. With 2,207 students enrolled, graduates earn a median of $32,194 annually, making it a solid choice for career preparation in northeastern Kentucky's job market.

How affordable are Kentucky's rural colleges compared to other options?

Rural Kentucky colleges range from $3,537 to $23,863 in net costs, with community colleges offering the most affordable options. Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College provides the lowest cost at $3,537, while private institutions like Midway University cost $23,863 but offer higher earning potential.

Where do graduates of Kentucky rural colleges typically find employment?

Graduates often work for major Kentucky employers including Toyota's automotive operations, UPS Worldport logistics, and healthcare systems like Humana. Rural college programs align with these industries, preparing students for manufacturing, transportation, nursing, and business roles throughout the commonwealth.

Does enrollment size affect graduation rates at rural Kentucky colleges?

Smaller schools show mixed results. Kentucky Mountain Bible College has just 72 students but achieves a 35.7% graduation rate, while larger Henderson Community College with 876 students reaches 44.4%. Enrollment ranges from 72 to 2,579 students across rural institutions.

What earning potential can students expect from rural Kentucky colleges?

Graduate earnings vary significantly, from $21,256 to $44,246 annually. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College leads at $41,623 median earnings despite serving only 132 students, while Midway University graduates average $44,246, the highest among all rural Kentucky institutions surveyed.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.