2023 Best Test Optional Colleges in Kentucky

• Louisville, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  2,333 reviews

Sophomore: The university of louisville has a plethora of resources that help students find what they need. Campus life is well diverse and fun! There are many events that take place in support of groups that help individuals feel like they belong. The academic environment is constantly changing in efforts of making progress in helping students. Professors and Staff members have encouraged me to be open minded and to have hope that success will be continuously be in my future. The university allows individuals, like myself, to gain a better understanding of who we are and what it is we want to pursue in life. In essence, I have gained an experience that can only be understood, firsthand.... Read 2,333 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $18,582

• SAT range 1050-1270

• Lexington, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,914 reviews

Junior: It is an amazing school with a gorgeous campus and absolutely endless ways to be involved in activities of your liking. Such a large number of students and faculty makes it a great school for broadening your worldview and learning new perspectives, as well as making friends! It is truly a place to find yourself, and your place in the world. The food is great, classes are great, and dorms are great. Although it is expensive, you do get what you pay for. I just hope it doesn't get to political and woke for its own good.... Read 3,914 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $20,043

• SAT range 1080-1330

• Danville, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  346 reviews

Junior: I love Centre College! The atmosphere is great and I have found many of my lifelong friends. Although challenging, the professors aim to make every student successful and prepared for the real world.... Read 346 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $22,470

• SAT range 1190-1430

• Berea, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.26 out of 5  472 reviews

Freshman: The pros of going to Berea: the financial aid, the diverse and open-minded community, the close-knit campus, the professors really care about their students, and students have access to a lot of resources like internships and study abroad. The cons of going to Berea: the dining hall and the stress that comes with the rigorous academic expectations... Read 472 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 33%

• Net price $3,354

• SAT range 1080-1280

• Louisville, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  696 reviews

Sophomore: Bellarmine is overall a wonderful university! It is a somewhat challenging school, but I feel that can be any college. It really helps you out of your comfort zone. Going into my freshman year I was extremely nervous to do anything or even socialize, but I am now a team member in the freshman week of welcome! It’s a very accepting school and has so many resources to get you comfortable and help you with anything you need. Everyone makes you feel apart of the Bellarmine community which is why I think it’s such a great school.... Read 696 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $23,784

• SAT range 1110-1280

• Murray, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,317 reviews

Freshman: Murray State University is something of an enigma. Even though the campus itself is very large and of great quality, the town it is inhabiting is rather small. It is not very often that you find a college of this caliber in a small country town like Murray. Perhaps one of the best parts of MSU is the quality of the faculty and staff. I have yet to meet a professor that wasn't more than pleased to sit down and talk with me about my academics or life in general. Canvas--the software MSU uses for its homework, tests, quizzes, announcements, etc.--is very easy to use and navigate. The campus is spotless, and the recreational center and other facilities are in excellent condition. Even though I am just a freshman this year, I can hardly wait to see what the next three years have in store!... Read 1,317 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $11,237

• SAT range 960-1200

• Lexington, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  300 reviews

Alum: This was one of the best experiences of my young life, I would do it over again if I could. I was skeptical about going to a small school only an hour from home, but I love the campus, professors, peers, and the community. 10/10 would recommend if you are interested even in the slightest you need to tour thew school and seriously consider it! Also, you are very employable, I got a job immediately after graduating! And most of my friends got into the graduate or professional school of their choice or got a job in their field.... Read 300 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $26,271

• SAT range 1050-1330

• Louisville, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  332 reviews

Freshman: Spalding is a small college in downtown Louisville, KY. I love the location and the options the city gives. Class scheduling is one of the reasons that I chose Spalding. They do block scheduling...you only have 2 classes at one time and you have those classes for 6 weeks. Then, you have a week break. Then, pick up two new classes for 6 weeks and so on. No cramming for finals...finals are the 2 classes at the end of the 6 weeks! Class size is small because it's a small school. Oh, and you have Fridays off! It's been a really good fit for me.... Read 332 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $24,822

• SAT range 930-1100

• Williamsburg, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  440 reviews

Sophomore: The professors at Cumberlands are constantly challenging your skills to help prepare you for the real world. You can tell they care about you and your future. The Christian culture is also very evident and there are many ways to get involved on campus. Not to mention, the architecture of the school is beautiful and the new library has easily become one of my favorite spots to study!... Read 440 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,631

• SAT range 940-1200

• Highland Heights, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,924 reviews

Junior: The two years that I have already spent at Northern Kentucky University exceeded my expectations. The community, staff, students, and organizations have always been super welcoming. This helped tremendously in reducing the anxiety of entering college. There are so many ways to get involved on campus and feel included as a Norse. Specifically, I joined a sorority and was able to meet the most amazing people. This gave me better connections to the campus and area. I have always been able to find my way around campus and get answers to questions that I may have. Everyone there is friendly and the advisors are great. They have kept me on track with my major and ease my concerns when it comes to scheduling the next semesters!... Read 1,924 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $7,443

• SAT range 960-1210

• Wilmore, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  459 reviews

Junior: Asbury is a wonderful school that pays attention to its students AND their goals. Not only have I been encouraged in my field, but I have been looked after. The professors are amazing and push us. Also the town is downright idyllic, which has made my stay even more lovely. A few months ago I was in an accident. Asbury wasted no time figuring out what was wrong, what I needed, and how they could help me while I was healing. They truly cared, not because I was a student, but because I was a person. Asbury is a wonderful school, and I’m happy to be here!... Read 459 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $23,604

• SAT range 1080-1320

• Owensboro, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  161 reviews

Junior: I love BU! There is a great school of business, with fantastic professors. The business school is also in the newest building on campus. The Field center has plenty of technology, comfortable study spaces, and access to vending. What more can a commuter asked for? The small class size is great for a more personalized learning experience. You really get to build a relationship with your professors especially the one in your field. They get to know you and how you work best, make the learning process efficient. Brescia University is located in downtown Owensboro (KY), that makes it easy to be part of the community both personal land professionally! There is Fridays after Five down by the river. The only difficulty thing is getting those prime parking spots, but that’s true for any college. Brescia also has great connections with the local businesses community. Those connections provide countless opportunities for students to expand networking and gain internship and job opportunities.... Read 161 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $13,796

• SAT range 920-1190

• Midway, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  218 reviews

Junior: Small university that offers a get away from the city. However, if you want to have something to do on the weekends, Lexington is only 15 minutes away as well as Frankfort. The school thrives on its athletes, nursing and equine program. The professors and faculty are extremely genuine. The career development center is very helpful with helping you find an internship or job. There are always activities happening on campus such as corn hole, art projects, athletic games, etc. The cafeteria cares about what students want to eat and their desserts are amazing! Made fresh in their bakery. The weather is so beautiful that people lay out in the grass and socialize with one another. Everyone is supportive of each other’s athletics and other activities. Everyone on campus has a goal and is always pushing one another to be better in either their studies, sport, or life in general. Midway is amazing and has brought me so much happiness and support.... Read 218 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $22,825

• SAT range 940-1120

• Bowling Green, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  2,218 reviews

Freshman: I love Western Kentucky University. WKU is a perfect size for a student who does not prefer a large party school but still wants to socialize! They have an incredible Greek life and they have amazing classes as well! I enjoy my classes here, and I am also apart of the Honors College here on campus as well. As a D1 school, WKU also has great sports! We have good football teams, softball teams, and others. WKU is known especially for their Chinese Flagship Program, and their Dental Hygiene Program as well, which I will be attending this fall!... Read 2,218 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $12,395

• SAT range 980-1180

• Crestview Hills, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  235 reviews

Senior: This school is a truly transformative experience! It's affiliated with the Roman Catholic church, but the student body and amazing faculty are very diverse and stimulating. Everything about the culture of this school serves the spirit of the liberal arts tradition, and it shows. What makes it really great is how small and locally-grounded it is. TMU has a great reputation for quality education regionally, and the institutional ties to the community are very strong. The community on campus is thriving and intimate (2K-2.5K Student Pop.) with a lot of very different groups and involvements. I'm proud to be graduating from TMU and would recommend it to any student wanting a strong education. This goes doubly for the science majors, who will get hard-to-find relationships with faculty and copious opportunities for research opportunities (e.g. the fantastic Biological Field Station right on the Ohio River sponsors students in freshwater ecology research and education projects).... Read 235 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $19,819

• SAT range 1010-1140

• Morehead, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  1,081 reviews

Alum: Besides their beautiful campus, the social environment is warm and inviting. It doesn't take too long to find your group on campus; whether by going Greek, getting into the year-round intramural teams, or even joining our lightsaber club (yes, it's a thing). You can find your home anywhere on campus. As for the courses, they are unique and the professors genuinely care about your mental, physical, and educational self. They want you to do well and are always there to help you!... Read 1,081 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $10,471

• SAT range 950-1220

• Richmond, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,639 reviews

Freshman: I love the community of support on campus! There are countless areas for tutoring, advising, financial aid, technology, etc. You never feel like you are left to figure out college on your own! The OTD program is what drew me to the school and it’s no doubt one of the top programs for occupational therapy in the state. I’ve fallen in love with the #campusbeautiful and the Recreation gym! The gorgeous campus and the indoor facility for activities result in something exciting always going on around you. The only change I could think of is possibly revamping some of the older dorms to make living in them a more enjoyable experience!... Read 1,639 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $14,271

• SAT range 950-1180

• Frankfort, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.21 out of 5  336 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at kentucky state has been out of this world bro, It's an awesome HBCU university given the chance with amazing funny people I promise you'll like it here. My first year I was unsure what to do and where to start because i'm an first year college student in my family and kentucky state made me feel at home I even found an passion for Jesus here so I know it's valid. If your looking for a small communtiy with a family style of school come to kstate you won't regret it!.... Read 336 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $7,492

• SAT range 860-1050

• Pippa Passes, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.06 out of 5  123 reviews

Freshman: I am so excited to attend Alice Lloyd College this fall semester! During the tour, I felt this would be the perfect college for me, it's small and personable. Every single person we spoke with was able to answer questions or offer advice! I can tell they are really cheering on the students and want to see them suceed.... Read 123 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 36%

• Net price $16,391

• SAT range 760-1140

• Barbourville, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  139 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Union College is amazing. I am a freshman that just newly finished my first semester with all A’s. The campus life and teachers are phenomenal. Union college always has activities to get all students involved. And the teachers are amazing they make sure you attain your education while being persistent with the individual about their grades. Union college overall is a great place to further people’s education and makes college a great learning experience for every individual. There is nothing I would change about Union, it has definitely changed my life for the greater good I have met so many diversities of people I will never forget in a lifetime!... Read 139 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $15,690

• SAT range 940-1120

• Louisville, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  215 reviews

Junior: I love Southern's academics and mission. It is a relatively diverse school for its small size, and the campus is absolutely beautiful. The dorms are top of the line although food couldn't get much worse. The party scene exists but not if you're not actively looking for it. The professors are amazing people and the campus is really safe. I am overall really thankful God brought me to Southern to study!... Read 215 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $18,180

• SAT range 1040-1250

• Russell, KY•

• 2 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,851

• SAT range —

• Louisville, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  30 reviews

Junior: As a non-traditional student, I find Simmons to be one of the most diverse colleges that I have attended. Nestled in the heart of the city it affords students the opportunity to experience city life within the surrounding area. The campus is quaint and small which allows for intimacy in the learning experience. The faculty and staff are vested in their student's education and general well-being and ensure that they have all the necessary information and tools to be successful. I would recommend Simmons College of Kentucky who anyone who is thinking of continuing their education in a school that has a rich African American history and tradition and vibrant future.... Read 30 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $12,473

• SAT range —

• Hazard, KY•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Freshman: I have had a wonderful experience so far. great staff!! They have really made my transfer from my past college easier! Very open to answering any questions I might have, and are very understanding with the circumstances we are facing today! I would recommend... Read 5 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —

• Louisville, KY•

• 2 Year

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,991

• SAT range —