Once you have made the decision to pursue an affordable bachelor’s degree in Kentucky, your next task is to condense the list of schools you are considering. Although Kentucky might not be the first state you would think of for renowned, prestigious degrees, upon closer inspection, we have found that the state is home to several diamonds in the rough in higher education such as the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky as well as small religious, private colleges that offer faith-based academics to students seeking a Christian academic experience.
With so many private and public colleges and universities located throughout the state, researching your options can be an overwhelming, time-consuming process. As you evaluate schools, it is important to consider a number of factors ranging from tuition to class size to student satisfaction. Although in most cases, some of the top-ranked schools in the U.S. are also the most costly, such is not the case in Kentucky. In fact, several of the very best colleges and universities are also among the most affordable, meaning that students should have no difficulty finding an institution of higher learning that balances quality and cost. Below, we have applied a rigorous methodology to identify and rank the top 20 most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Kentucky.
Methodology
To help prospective students narrow down their options as they research affordable bachelor’s degrees in Kentucky, we developed a specific ranking methodology by which to evaluate schools. In order to capture the balance between quality and affordability, we scored colleges and universities across the state based on three core factors: the average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates. To get our initial list of schools, we conducted a search for the term “colleges in Kentucky” using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We then awarded points for each school based on affordability, the size of its classes, and student success based on our methodology, and we cross-referenced our data with each school’s website to provide accurate, updated information for 2019.
Average Cost of Attendance
As you continue your search for inexpensive bachelor’s degrees in Kentucky, the first factor you will probably consider is the average cost of attendance. After all, why waste time pouring over concentrations and extracurriculars if the program is ultimately out of your budget? Although tuition rates can make or break your decision, try to avoid selecting a program based only on cost and instead consider what the school has to offer as well as the areas in which it might fall short. Since we wanted to provide the cheapest bachelor’s degrees in the state, we awarded the most points to schools with the lowest tuition. We ranked the cost of attendance based on one year of study for in-state students completing 15 hours of coursework per semester.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
When we think about the size of a school, it is important to keep your own personal priorities and academic experience in mind. After all, the learning environment in which you excel might not be the same as the next student, and preferences regarding class size will vary from person to person. While you can always look at each school’s enrollment numbers, student-to-faculty ratios are much more specific and give prospective students an idea of just how many students they can expect to have in their classes. Although there are benefits and drawbacks to both large state universities and small private colleges, we determined that small institutions would earn the most points as they are more likely to offer opportunities for individualized studies, create-your-own-majors, academic advising, tutoring, and mentoring.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Whereas many students immediately look at a school’s admissions rate to determine their chances of being admitted into a program, few students think of graduation rates, or the percentage of students that completed their coursework and earned their degree. Before you commit your money and time to a school, you want to ensure that students are satisfied with their academic experience. In other words, if a school reports a low graduation rate, it might mean that students are leaving before completing their studies, which usually indicates a lack of academic support, unhelpful or inexperienced faculty members, or tuition rates that are simply unrealistic for the quality of education they are receiving. For this reason, we awarded the most points to schools with the highest graduation rates and, ultimately, the highest level of student satisfaction and success.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Bachelor’s Degree Colleges in Kentucky
20. Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Points: 4
School Website
Located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, Campbellsville University is a private university that enrolls more than 4,300 students annually. Founded in 1906 as Russell Creek Academy, a Baptist institution, CU confers affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificates in more than 80 majors through its six academic divisions: theology, ministry, nursing, music, arts and sciences, education, and business. Online degrees and professional options are also offered through its Campbellsville campus or at one of CU’s education centers/instructional sites. CU integrates fundamental Christian principles and values into each of its programs, and it is home to one of the most vibrant campus ministries in Kentucky, providing a fellowship for Christian athletes, movie nights, Christian concerts, and chapel services.
In-State Tuition: $25,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
19. Lindsey Wilson College
Columbia, Kentucky
Points: 4
School Website
Located in Columbia, Kentucky, Lindsey Wilson College is a United Methodist Church that was established as Lindsey Wilson Training School in 1903. Today, LWC confers inexpensive associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees to nearly 2,600 students, more than 1,100 of whom reside on campus. The academic programs at LWC are organized into two schools and five divisions in business, education, humanities and fine arts, science, social science and interdisciplinary studies, professional counseling, and nursing. Approximately 95 percent of LWC undergraduate students receive financial aid, and LWC awarded more than $56.2 million in financial aid packages during the 2017 to 2018 academic year.
In-State Tuition: $24,850
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,850
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
18. University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Points: 4
School Website
Established in 1888 as Cumberland College, the University of the Cumberlands is a religious, private college located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. UC enrolls more than 2,200 undergraduates and more than 9,000 graduate students, 26 percent of whom are first-generation college students, and provides them with an affordable, faith-based education. With more than 40 academic majors, minors, and pre-professional programs, students have the opportunity to tailor their college experience to their own passions and interests. Students may also take advantage of internships, study-abroad programs, and field experiences to help gain hands-on, real-world training in their majors. The school is home to 17 coeducational, women’s, and men’s athletic teams and varsity sports, and it is known as a top producer of service and military leaders among Kentucky institutions of higher learning; alumni include five military generals, one Congressman, and two generals.
In-State Tuition: $23,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
17. Union College
Barbourville, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Established in 1879, Union College is a four-year, private college located in Barbourville, Kentucky that enrolls more than 900 undergraduates and more than 200 graduate students from 35 states and 17 countries. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, UC is comprised of 10 undergraduate departments that offer 35 majors of study, including low-cost bachelor’s degrees in popular fields such as psychology, biology, law enforcement administration and criminal justice, athletic training, and business administration and accounting. Students complete a broad liberal arts curriculum before focusing on their major, and online degrees and nine pre-professional programs are also available. The school prides itself on service learning, reporting more than 15,000 hours of annual community service, and 100 percent of students receive some type of financial aid.
In-State Tuition: $27,140
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,140
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
16. Midway University
Midway, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Located on a 200-acre campus in Midway, Kentucky, Midway University was established in 1849 as the Kentucky Female Orphan School and remained the only women’s college in the state until 2016. Today, Midway offers inexpensive associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as online degrees and pre-professional programs to both men and women through its three academic schools: the School of Business, Equine, and Sports Studies, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Arts and Sciences. At the undergraduate level, students may pursue bachelor’s degrees in business administration, education, psychology, nursing, marketing communications, and equine studies, among others. Outside of the classroom, students may consider cheering on a number of River States Conference and NAIA Division II athletic teams as well as several champion western equestrian and hunt seat riding teams overseen by the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association.
In-State Tuition: $24,750
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,750
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
15. Brescia University
Owensboro, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Brescia University, located in Owensboro, Kentucky, is a coeducational Catholic University that was established in 1925 as a junior college for women. Today, the school offers inexpensive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 1,200 men and women through its academic divisions of fine arts, humanities, mathematics and natural sciences, social work, business, education, and the social and behavioral sciences. On-campus students may choose from more than 50 academic majors that lead to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Social Work degree. Six online bachelor’s degrees and 11 pre-professional programs are also available. Student life activities include counseling services, student-led media, and a campus ministry as well as more than 15 competitive athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $22,100
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,100
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent
14. University of Pikeville
Pikeville, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Located in Pikeville, Kentucky, the University of Pikeville is an affordable, private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Established as the Pikeville Collegiate Institute in 1889, the school enrolls more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students through its divisions of business, education, humanities, mathematical and natural sciences, nursing, and the social sciences. Popular cheap majors include business, nursing, biology, psychology, criminal justice and safety studies, communications, and social work and youth services. UPIKE is also home to the Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), the only college of optometry in the state, as well as the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), ranked second among all doctoral-granting medical schools in the country for graduates looking to enter primary care residencies.
In-State Tuition: $20,950
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,950
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 30 percent
13. Kentucky Christian University
Grayson, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Located in the beautiful foothills of Grayson, Kentucky, Kentucky Christian University is a private, nonprofit Christian University that enrolls 500 students each year. Established as Christian Normal Institute in 1919, the school offers affordable undergraduate and graduate academic programs through its schools of nursing, social work and behavioral health, education, business, biological sciences, Bible and ministry, and distance and general education. With an average class size of 14 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, the school offers many opportunities for mentoring, tutoring, and advising. On-campus students may participate in a number of clubs and groups based on interests ranging from social life to academics, including those designed for history buffs, future nursing professionals, and self-proclaimed math nerds. KCU is also known for its Outdoor Adventure Fellowship in which students have the option of exploring nearby lakes, parks, and at least 40 miles of biking and hiking trails.
In-State Tuition: $19,256
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,256
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 33 percent
12. Beckfield College
Florence, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Established as the Educational Services Center in 1984, Beckfield College offers diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degrees to around 1,000 undergraduate students at its Florence, Kentucky campus. Students looking to earn an affordable bachelor’s degree can choose from either a bachelor’s in business administration or two bachelor’s degrees in nursing: an online RN to BSN program or a three-year BSN program. On-campus and online delivery options are available as well as part- and full-time scheduling opportunities. With an average student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, students benefit from the feel of a small campus with the academic programs of a large university. Beckfield prides itself on knowing each of its students by face, name, and professional aspirations.
In-State Tuition: $13,295
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,295
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 20 percent
11. Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Western Kentucky University is a public university that was founded in 1906 by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the Barren River Valley, thus the school’s nickname of “The Hill,” WKU enrolls more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its main campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky as well as at regional campuses in Owensboro, Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, and Glasgow. At the undergraduate level, students can choose from inexpensive certificates, majors, and minors offered both on-campus and online in four primary areas of study: business, health sciences, the liberal arts and sciences, and education. Popular majors include elementary education and teaching, psychology, business administration and management, and nursing. From modern sustainable buildings and gardens to historic sculptures and structures, WKU is recognized as home to one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.
In-State Tuition: $10,512
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,280
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
10. Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Founded in 1968, Northern Kentucky University, located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, is primarily a liberal arts institution for undergraduates, although it does provide several graduate programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. Enrolling more than 15,700 students, NKU offers more than 100 low-cost academic programs through six colleges and one school in areas such as the arts, business, arts and sciences, education and human services, health professions, informatics, and law. Popular bachelor’s degrees include communications, elementary education, and organizational leadership. With a unique location within the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area, the school’s campus is home to a number of state-of-the-art facilities such as the most advanced and largest technology center in the region and a 120-seat digitorium. Diverse on-campus activities and student organizations include 15 NCAA Division I athletic teams, a radio station, and a student-led, award-winning newspaper.
In-State Tuition: $10,032
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,680
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
9. Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Eastern Kentucky University is a regional university located in Richmond, Kentucky that enrolls more than 16,800 undergraduate and graduate students annually. Established as the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College in 1922, EKU has continued its commitment to offering affordable, high-quality teacher education programs as well as hundreds of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through its five academic schools in justice and safety, health sciences, education, business and technology, and arts and sciences. EKU is home to more than 225 student organizations and groups for various activities and interests, including community and religious service projects, Greek life, and club sports.
In-State Tuition: $9,666
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,444
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
8. Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Established as Morehead Normal School in 1887, Morehead State University is a public institution of higher learning located in Morehead, Kentucky. MSU provides 165 low-cost degree programs, including 23 pre-professional degrees, at the undergraduate level and 69 graduate programs, several of which are offered online. The school is comprised of colleges in education, science, business and technology, and the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The most popular undergraduate majors include nursing, social work, business, biological science, and education. Students may take advantage of more than 100 on-campus organizations and clubs, including NCAA Division I athletic teams as well as fraternities and sororities.
In-State Tuition: $9,070
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,546
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
7. Kentucky State University
Frankfort, Kentucky
Points: 5
School Website
Founded as the State Normal School for Colored Persons in 1886, Kentucky State University is a public HBCU located in Frankfort, Kentucky. KSU enrolls more than 2,100 students each year, offering low-cost academic programs divided into five colleges: the College of Public Service and Leadership Studies, the College of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, the College of Business and Computational Sciences, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Agriculture, Communities, and the Environment. Despite its central location in Kentucky’s capital city, KSU sits on a spacious, large campus that is home to a 306-acre environmental education facility and a 204-acre agricultural research farm.
In-State Tuition: $8,090
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,390
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 20 percent
6. Spalding University
Louisville, Kentucky
Points: 6
School Website
Founded in 1814, Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. With 28 percent of students identifying as persons of color, KU is among the most racially diverse institutions of higher learning in the state. SU provides more than 60 cheap degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and specialist levels. Approximately 99 percent of full-time, first-time undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid to help make their college experience slightly more affordable. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, SU reports that the average class size is comprised of 15 students. Students may participate in more than 25 clubs and organizations to find their passion in campus life or cheer on 14 NCAA Division III men’s and women’s athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $24,500
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,500
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 45 percent
5. Sullivan University
Louisville, Kentucky
Points: 6
School Website
Sullivan University, located in Louisville, Kentucky, awards low-cost certificates as well as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to more than 3,165 (2,625 undergraduate) students each year, making it the largest private university in the state. Sullivan also operates physical campuses in Lexington and Fort Knox as well as an online campus. The school operates colleges and divisions in areas such as pharmacy, allied health, accounting and finance, nursing, legal studies, business, technology and design, and hospitality studies. Courses are designed for real-world experience and hands-on learning, and students benefit from flexible schedules as well as small class sizes, thanks to the school’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
In-State Tuition: $13,500
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,500
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 25 percent
4. University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Points: 6
School Website
Founded as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky in 1865, the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky is one of two land-grant universities in the state as well as Kentucky’s largest institution of higher learning, enrolling more than 30,400 students annually. With 16 degree-granting colleges, a Graduate School, and the Lewis Honors College, UK offers more than 200 affordable academic programs in popular majors such as communications and journalism, engineering, criminal justice, business and management, marketing, and the health professions. Students may also choose to design their own majors or develop a plan for independent studies. Beginning their freshman year, undergraduates have opportunities to collaborate with professors and classmates on research projects as well as compete for national scholarships or apply for on-campus assistantship positions.
In-State Tuition: $12,245
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,099
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 65 percent
3. Alice Lloyd College
Pippa Passes, Kentucky
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, Alice Lloyd College is a four-year, liberal arts work college that was established in 1923 as the Caney Junior College. ALC offers two inexpensive degrees at the undergraduate level, a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts, that emphasize professional programs in middle and elementary school education for both non-certified and certified teachers. Non-teaching degrees range from nursing to English to business administration. ALC also offers several options for students undecided in their major as well as for pre-professional students seeking careers in law, engineering, the health professions, and more. Students benefit from a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and the average class consists of 18 students. Outside of the classroom, campus activities involve opportunities for student ministry, student government, and community service.
In-State Tuition: $11,550
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,550
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
2. Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Murray, Kentucky, Murray State University is a public university that also operates campuses in Henderson, Madisonville, Hopkinsville, and Paducah. Established in 1922, MSU serves more than 9,400 students, and its campus is home to more than 60 buildings, including a rodeo barn, an agriculture exposition center, and a technology center for animal health as well as other facilities designed to provide agriculture training and experiential farming. Students may choose from more than 100 affordable academic programs ranging from criminal justice to telecommunications to animal science. MSU students may also choose to participate in internship and co-op experiences to supplement their degrees. With a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 19 students, MSU professors are able to offer individualized, personal attention to each on-campus and online student.
In-State Tuition: $9,084
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,540
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
1. University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Points: 7
School Website
Founded in 1798, the University of Louisville is a public university located in Louisville, Kentucky and a member-school of the Kentucky State University System. One of the first institutions of higher learning to be chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains, the school enrolls students from nearly every Kentucky county, all 50 states, and 116 countries. More than 22,600 students enroll at the UofL each year, pursuing more than 170 inexpensive majors and academic programs offered through 12 colleges and schools. The most popular majors for undergraduates include psychology, registered nursing, and rhetoric and speech communication as well as marketing, criminal justice and law enforcement administration, and physical education teaching and coaching. UofL students may participate in more than 400 organizations and student clubs, including intramural sports, Greek life, and LGBT groups.
In-State Tuition: $11,656
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,278
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most In-Demand Careers in Kentucky for Graduates With a Bachelor’s Degree?
Students who are searching for a positive job outlook and occupation stability may wish to consider careers in medicine and technology. Below, we have detailed some of the most in-demand careers in Kentucky based on high-, middle, and low-wage salary estimates, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Most of these positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, although low- and middle-wage jobs may require less formal education.
According to statistics, the top job categories for high-wage, in-demand jobs over the next five years include marketing specialists, market research analysts, nurse practitioners, software developers, and physician assistants. The top five are followed by veterinarians, software developers, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, and management analysts.
In terms of middle-wage jobs, massage therapists are among the most in-demand occupations, followed by human and social service assistants, pharmacy technicians, opticians, phlebotomists, veterinary technicians and technologists, medical secretaries, medical assistants, and bill and account collectors.
The fastest-growing, in-demand jobs by percentage include food servers, personal care and service workers, nonfarm animal caretakers, telemarketers, personal care aides, and home health aides. Other low-wage jobs one might consider pursuing due to strong economic growth and stability include messengers and couriers, groundskeeping and landscaping workers, bakers, and lab animal caretakers and veterinary assistants.
What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Kentucky?
To determine the highest-paying jobs in Kentucky, we consulted data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS is responsible for calculating wage and occupational employment estimates using data compiled from every employer in all industries through nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas in Kentucky. According to the BLS, the annual mean wage across the state and all occupations was $43,210, the most recent data available. The five highest-paying occupations include anesthesiologists, with an annual mean wage of $278,590, surgeons, with an average annual salary of $268,550, and obstetricians and gynecologists, who brought home $264,820. All other physicians and surgeons, as well as family and general practitioners, rounded out the top five, earning $223,770 and $211,670, respectively.
For our purposes, however, we wanted to look at high-paying jobs one can earn with either a bachelor’s degree or an undergraduate degree and additional experience and training. Although a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for admission into law school or medical school, below we have provided salary earnings for 15 of the highest-paying occupations in Kentucky as of May 2018.
- Chief Executives: $152,670
- Sales Managers: $121,260
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: $119,470
- Architectural and Engineering Managers: $117,480
- Marketing Managers: $116,140
- Financial Managers: $114,420
- Purchasing Managers: $112,350
- Commercial Pilots: $106,470
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists: $106,450
- Air Traffic Controllers: $104,890
- Nurse Midwives: $101,990
- Chemical Engineers: $101,180
- Advertising and Promotions Managers: $99,080
- Aerospace Engineers: $98,650
- Mining and Geological Engineers: $94,810
What Are the Best Schools in Kentucky for Bachelor’s Recipients?
There are many four-year colleges throughout Kentucky that offer low-cost, high-quality bachelor’s degrees for undergraduate students seeking careers in nearly every industry. So, how do you know which one will offer the best value for your money? Below, we have identified five of the top 20 most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Kentucky that we outlined above in order to provide prospective students with information regarding early career pay, mid-career salary expectations, and each school’s 20-year net return on investment (ROI). Before you commit to a program, it is critical to ensure that your time and money will be well-spent. We ranked the following five schools in order from highest ROI to lowest ROI, and the figures provided are based on in-state students pursuing on-campus bachelor’s degrees paid for without financial aid.
- 1. University of Kentucky
– 20-Year Net ROI: $310,000
– Early Career Pay: $50,500
– Mid-Career Pay: $94,600 - 2. Northern Kentucky University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $275,000
– Early Career Pay: $48,000
– Mid-Career Pay: $85,000 - 3. University of Louisville
– 20-Year Net ROI: $249,000
– Early Career Pay: $48,800
– Mid-Career Pay: $84,100 - 4. Western Kentucky University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $222,000
– Early Career Pay: $44,700
– Mid-Career Pay: $81,600 - 5. Eastern Kentucky University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $196,000
– Early Career Pay: $44,800
– Mid-Career Pay: $79,300
The Bluegrass State is rich with many natural wonders and a unique history as well as a number of top-ranked, inexpensive colleges and universities. If you prefer a large university rather than a small liberal arts school, consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky. With an ROI of more than $300,000, not only will you benefit from an incredible return on your investment, but you can also enjoy studying in Lexington, the horse capital of the world and one of the cleanest cities in the country. Whether you know the exact career path you wish to follow or you are comparing careers in top industries such as transportation and logistics, sports and recreation, biotechnology, or auto manufacturing, we hope that our list of the top 20 most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Kentucky can help you choose the best program to meet your academic needs and professional goals.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 20 most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Kentucky.
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