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Small Colleges in Kentucky

47 schools in Kentucky. See our methodology.

Centre College stands apart among Kentucky's smaller institutions with an 85.3% graduation rate and graduates earning $66,240 annually, nearly double the state average for similar schools. This Danville liberal arts college accepts 62.9% of applicants, making it competitive yet accessible within Kentucky's market of 47 small colleges serving under 5,000 students each. The state's community and technical colleges dominate this sector, with net costs ranging from $3,376 at Hazard Community and Technical College to $22,209 at Galen College of Nursing. These institutions directly support Kentucky's major employers, preparing graduates for roles at Toyota's Georgetown plant, UPS Worldport in Louisville, and the state's growing healthcare sector anchored by companies like Humana. Students benefit from the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship program, which helps offset costs at participating institutions. The nursing programs at Galen College locations report particularly strong outcomes, with graduates earning $61,480 annually and completion rates reaching 63.2% in Louisville. Community colleges throughout the state maintain graduation rates between 36.7% and 59.2%, with Ashland Community and Technical College leading at nearly 60%. Geographic distribution spans from Cumberland in the southeast to Paducah in the west, ensuring access across Kentucky's varied regions. Many programs align directly with state economic priorities, from automotive manufacturing training to healthcare certification programs that address Kentucky's rural medical needs.
47
Schools
$14,898
Avg. Net Price
$41,326
Avg. Earnings
47.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Kentucky

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 424 $22,209 44.8%
2 1,566 $4,907 59.2%
3 1,346 $21,497 85.3% 62.9%
4 1,797 $5,782 55.0%
5 2,952 $3,794 52.1%
6 3,775 $5,594 49.6%
7 2,824 $5,897 49.0%
8 2,579 $4,627 49.2%
9 2,810 $5,023 48.7%
10 2,207 $5,577 51.3%
11 876 $5,063 44.4%
12 1,404 $3,376 47.3%
13 4,184 63.2%
14 1,680 $3,537 43.6%
15 1,498 $3,939 36.7%
16 1,472 $4,483 62.0% 24.6%
17 1,590 $4,530 38.4%
18 3,899 $3,913 40.3%
19 229 $16,238 50.0%
20 132 $10,255 33.3%
21 1,140 $13,591 39.1%
22 2,641 $18,246 47.1%
23 538 $14,626 46.0% 50.4%
24 73 $15,239 42.5%
25 4,689 $10,089 47.7% 84.0%
26 612 $27,539 30.3%
27 2,498 $25,785 30.2%
28 337 $26,914 33.3%
29 2,286 $23,587 67.7% 87.8%
30 438 $22,139 33.8% 44.4%
31 1,369 $20,428 65.0% 78.7%
32 794 $36,431 52.6% 68.6%
33 72 $9,904 35.7% 45.0%
34 1,649 $13,811 38.1%
35 1,014 $23,560 69.8% 90.8%
36 597 $24,264 57.3% 97.6%
37 122 $34,827
38 273 $18,813 98.4%
39 736 $23,906 36.0% 53.4%
40 1,180 $13,485 47.5% 71.5%
41 1,250 $23,863 46.4% 93.8%
42 1,305 $20,701 40.1% 94.2%
43 1,317 $8,900 27.1% 91.5%
44 65 $21,724 46.5%
45 528 $17,839 26.4% 98.3%
46 844 43.9% 87.2%
47 381 $19,960 34.0% 67.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Centre College different from other small Kentucky colleges?

Centre College achieves an 85.3% graduation rate while other small Kentucky colleges typically range from 33.3% to 59.2%. Graduates earn $66,240 annually, significantly above the $28,188 to $35,000 range common at community colleges. The college maintains selectivity with a 62.9% acceptance rate.

How affordable are Kentucky's small community colleges?

Net costs range from $3,376 at Hazard Community and Technical College to $5,897 at Gateway Community and Technical College. Most community colleges charge between $3,500 and $5,800 annually. The KEES scholarship program provides additional financial support for Kentucky residents attending in-state institutions.

Where do graduates from these small colleges typically work?

Kentucky's major employers actively recruit from these programs, including Toyota's Georgetown manufacturing plant, UPS Worldport logistics center in Louisville, and healthcare systems like Humana. Community colleges offer specialized training aligned with automotive, logistics, and healthcare sectors that drive Kentucky's economy.

What nursing programs are available at small Kentucky colleges?

Galen College operates campuses in Hazard and Louisville, with graduates earning $61,480 annually. The Louisville campus reports a 63.2% graduation rate among its 4,184 students, while Hazard serves 424 students with a 44.8% completion rate. Both locations focus exclusively on nursing education.

Is geographic access good for small colleges across Kentucky?

The 47 small colleges span from Cumberland in southeastern Kentucky to Paducah in the west, ensuring regional coverage. Major population centers like Bowling Green, Louisville, Owensboro, and Florence host community colleges serving between 2,200 and 3,800 students each, providing local access statewide.

How do graduation rates compare among Kentucky's small colleges?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 33.3% to 85.3% across the 47 institutions. Community colleges typically achieve 35% to 60% completion rates, with Ashland leading at 59.2%. Centre College's 85.3% rate substantially exceeds other small college performance in the state.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.