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2019 Top Public Universities in KentuckyAbout this List

The Top Public Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along for millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares over 500 public colleges and state universities. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. University of Kentucky

    • 4 Year
    • Lexington, KY
    • 3,489
    1 Top Public Universities in Kentucky

    Sophomore: The University of Kentucky is one of the best universities I've ever been to! The campus is beautiful and everyone is so welcoming. I felt at home the first time I visited and automatically I knew UK was the school I wanted to attend. There's a whole week of activities in August before classes start specifically for incoming freshman to get them acclimated to the university and show them everything UK has to offer. There are numerous tutoring services and most professors are flexible with their office hours to find a time that works for the student. Almost everyday there's a different activity happening on campus, from goat yoga and Pinterest parties for stress relief, to live music and food to spend time with friends, to tailgates before sports games to support our Wildcats with the most spirit. It's clear that the university strives to create the best environment for students' success and well-being. I'm so glad I picked the University of Kentucky!
    Read 3,489 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 96% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,361 Net Price
    • 1080-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. University of Louisville

    • 4 Year
    • Louisville, KY
    • 2,030
    2 Top Public Universities in Kentucky

    Freshman: University of Louisville has a wide range of students that are very accepting. I went down for my official visit and automatically felt right at home. As a D1 school, you would expect the school to be huge and very overwhelming- however, UofL is just the opposite. It is still a big campus but all very close together. You get the big and small college all wrapped into one!
    Read 2,030 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,008 Net Price
    • 1070-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Murray State University

    • 4 Year
    • Murray, KY
    • 1,146
    3 Top Public Universities in Kentucky

    Junior: From my experience with Murray State, I would like to see the change of how admissions is done. I had issues with admissions due to the fact that my ACT score was low. I would like for the admissions to focus less on test scores because that doesn’t prove what a student is capable of and once I got accepted after an interview, i told myself that I wouldn’t want any one else to get in that situation. I want everyone to have the opportunity to learn and grow as an individual at Murray State! Overall though, the community is amazing and the feel of campus makes you feel home away from home. If someone is thinking about Murray State, I would definitely reccomend it for them.
    Read 1,146 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,562 Net Price
    • 980-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Transylvania University

    • 4 Year
    • Lexington, KY
    • 274

    Senior: Transylvania is a fantastic school! Transy combines the best features of a college; a small, inclusive campus surrounded by a thriving city full of opportunities. You'll never be short on people who will care about you and your academic and professional success.
    Read 274 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 95% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,454 Net Price
    • 1040-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Eastern Kentucky University

    • 4 Year
    • Richmond, KY
    • 1,438
    4 Top Public Universities in Kentucky

    Freshman: I have only been here one full semester, but I already love this college. It's affordability is amazing, the college has its own police department, as well as a state police building on campus, the local area is nice, however rather small, but that's great for people who aren't a fan of large cities! There are parties going on somewhere every weekend for people looking to have fun. The food is pretty good at the kitchen, and there's plenty of restaurants scattered about campus.
    Read 1,438 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,659 Net Price
    • 960-1130 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Northern Kentucky University

    • 4 Year
    • Highland Heights, KY
    • 1,703
    5 Top Public Universities in Kentucky

    Freshman: Northern Kentucky University has been such an amazing experience for me, even though I’m only a freshman!
    First thing’s first, the school has been great besides some complications my roommate and I have experienced within housing. We’ve had to stay in two temporary dorms for ours being unfinished and having repairs (which has been very disorganized).
    Anyways, the price is pretty well and the campus is gorgeous, modern, and sleek. The area gives you a feeling of safety and the people are usually extremely nice. I felt at home right away upon moving in. All of my professors are really helpful and you never feel burdened approaching them when class is over. And speaking of the classes, they haven’t been difficult thus far or overwhelming but of course that differs person to person.
    Ultimately, NKU is a wonderful university and I have recommended it to so many upcoming freshmen already!
    Read 1,703 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,338 Net Price
    • 990-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Western Kentucky University

    • 4 Year
    • Bowling Green, KY
    • 1,979

    Junior: This is my third at Western Kentucky University and I recommend this university to future college students and even present; if your interested to transfer? Athletic events and games where students engage in sports fun and support their fellow Hilltopper athletes. A campus of international acceptance and a diverse student body, a thriving campus with a constant growth each new school year. WKU, where Spirit makes the Master!
    Read 1,979 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 95% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,817 Net Price
    • 970-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Morehead State University

    • 4 Year
    • Morehead, KY
    • 978

    Niche User: I liked the community especially the people. It is a well rounded school and they are very friendly. They make you feel like home. There may not be a lot of diversity, but the professors and food is spectacular and the sports are great too! I definitely recommend this college to someone that wants to get away from your home town to a different town that is very nature friendly. I also recommend going to the football games and really any sport because you will have a great time! Also, the hiking trips are eye opening and very adventurous if you plan on taking one. I personally loved Morehead and I hope you will too!
    Read 978 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,136 Net Price
    • 860-1040 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Kentucky State University

    • 4 Year
    • Frankfort, KY
    • 296

    Freshman: Kentucky State University is a great college! The school is a great HBCU. They have great and overly certified teachers. Great activities for the students to engage in. The campus is safe for staff and students. Graduation rates are high and job acceptance is also! Kentucky State is a great school for anyone who wants to go out of state and have a home feeling.
    Read 296 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 45% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,561 Net Price
    • 870-1020 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?