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2021 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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General Area of Study

Select an area of study to view top schools for students studying in those general fields.

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Student Body Size

Enrollment for full-time undergraduates. Small: Less than 5,000, Medium: 5-15,000, Large: More than 15,000.

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HBCU

Hispanic-Serving Institutions

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Admissions Process

Selectivity based on acceptance rate. Extremely Selective: < 15%, Very Selective: 15%-30%, Selective: 30%-60%, Average: 60%-90%, Not Selective: > 90%.

Extremely Selective

Very Selective

Selective

Average

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Religious Affiliation

A critical mass of the student body falls within the specified group, low and middle income students pay a reasonable net price, the school participates in tuition relief programs for veterans, and the school's overall Niche Grade is above a B-.

Veterans

International Students

Adult Learners

Low-Income Students

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Starting Salary after Graduation

Median salary of all students at the school employed 2 years after graduation.

1 – 10 of 10

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University of Louisville
4 Year
Louisville, KY
2,189 reviews
#1 Top Public Universities in Kentucky
Sophomore: Having currently attended Uofl for a full school year, here is my synopsis of my experience so far. I feel pretty comfortable on campus as far as safety is concerned. They have a well-lit path that students can use after dark if they have late classes and those of us who commute can use the school's Tarc buses to get around campus. Although you get used to it, parking at the stadium off campus is a bit of a con. There is lots of places to eat lunch on campus. Some of the buildings could use some work, as well as the roads near the stadium, but we make do. The Professors I've had so far have been decent, no issues past communication. Homework can be a bit heavy at times, but that's just college. My worst complaint at the present is the expense and lack of communication. If you intend to apply, make sure to stay informed and ask lots of questions. Meet with your advisor every semester, research payment and scholarship reapplications carefully, check your email, and get that degree!
Read 2,189 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
72% Acceptance Rate
$17,098 Net Price
1070-1290 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
University of Kentucky
4 Year
Lexington, KY
3,701 reviews
#2 Top Public Universities in Kentucky
Junior: I transferred to the University of Kentucky as a sophomore out-of-state student beginning in the Fall 2019 semester. I have had the best experience at this school so far. The classes and professors are knowledgeable and accommodating. The large campus has a ton of school spirit while still feeling like a small community, especially when cheering on the Wildcats! There are countless opportunities to get involved, whether that be in greek life, student government, volunteering, intramural sports, or any of the other hundreds of clubs and organizations on campus. Lexington is the perfect college town since it has both the opportunities of a big city while still being small enough to have a small town charm. I truly believe that there is a place for everyone at the University of Kentucky. (P.S. The residence halls on campus are EXTREMELY nice!)
Read 3,701 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
94% Acceptance Rate
$19,762 Net Price
1080-1300 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Murray State University
4 Year
Murray, KY
1,221 reviews
#3 Top Public Universities in Kentucky
Sophomore: I love the atmosphere and community at Murray State University! Everyone feels right at home there, and makes sure that the new incoming students do as well. I feel safe on campus, and there is always activities to do to make sure you're getting out of your dorm and having fun while making friends. They have great Greek Life opportunities. They even provide free therapy to any student struggling with absolutely anything.
Read 1,221 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
81% Acceptance Rate
$12,270 Net Price
1030-1210 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Northern Kentucky University
4 Year
Highland Heights, KY
1,815 reviews
Alum: I loved NKU! It was a wonderful place to earn my undergrad degree in nursing. the location is perfect and easy to navigate traffic. It is near a huge metropolis with many things to do. The parking is hassle-free. The professors are second to none in terms of accessibility and helpfulness. The availability of extra-circulars is too numerous to mention but includes intramural sports, Greek Life, and all the normal college activities that would be expected. A beautiful clean campus that always feels safe and welcoming!
Read 1,815 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
89% Acceptance Rate
$9,753 Net Price
990-1230 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Western Kentucky University
4 Year
Bowling Green, KY
2,091 reviews
Junior: As a student, I am a major fan of WKU so far. I have had amazing opportunities to branch out and discover what I am interested in studying. When not in the classroom, many of us are involved in organizations that we are passionate about and grow us as academically and personally. There is an outlet for everyone on "The Hill."
The schools is a beautiful, well-maintained, and safe campus. It is home to an amazing body of students and faculty that are constantly aiding your development and education. Amazing opportunities exist at Western. This is a quality education received regardless of your path. GO TOPS!
I have few complaints about the university itself and I find that most agree.
Read 2,091 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
97% Acceptance Rate
$12,486 Net Price
980-1190 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Eastern Kentucky University
4 Year
Richmond, KY
1,543 reviews
Freshman: Eastern Kentucky provides the perfect college experience. From academics, to sports, to social aspects, EKU is a place everyone can call home. The academics are challenging, but professors are always willing to help with students who struggle. Social aspects of Eastern are especially great. There are a ton of different sororities and fraternities on campus to join, as well as clubs and groups for those less interested in the greek life! Sports are extremely important to EKU. The football and basketball games create an environment that everyone wants to be a part of! Go Colonels!
Read 1,543 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
87% Acceptance Rate
$14,273 Net Price
1020-1190 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Morehead State University
4 Year
Morehead, KY
1,030 reviews
Niche User: great animal science program. I have not been to college yet, but from the information i have gathered from research i am fairly positive it is going to be a great college for me. There are a lot of hands on activities on campus and within each major or pathway that any student wants to accomplish. This is a great learning environment for all students especially beginners, like me. Not only is it a great learning environment, but a healthy, thus making it better for students mental state. furthermore, for everything a student gets when first joing here is very remembering. This leads me to my next point, they offer all of these advantages to the students, plus it is fairly affordable!
Read 1,030 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
79% Acceptance Rate
$12,528 Net Price
860-1040 SAT Range
Will You Get In?Compare
Virtual Tour
Kentucky State University
4 Year
Frankfort, KY
315 reviews
Junior: Transferring to KSU, I have found it very exciting to be in a humble and diverse environment. The caring support from student and faculty has made my first-semester experience remarkable. Being a Florida resident and then attending a predominantly white Institution in the state of Minnesota, I was fearful and lacked the will to achieve greatness due to the fact of me having the feeling of not being accepted or being inferior to my classmates because of the color of my skin. I played sports in Minnesota and I would go through tough times and I wouldn't receive the help that was necessary to withstand a peace in mind to succeed from my coaches so I gradually begin to fail academically. After attending KSU for just one semester I now have a GPA of a 3.64, have earned an athletic scholarship as a walk-on and has found the girl of my dreams. My overall experience has been nothing but excellent since I step foot on campus.
Read 315 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
72% Acceptance Rate
$10,298 Net Price
820-1000 SAT Range
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Eastern Kentucky University Online
4 Year
Richmond, KY
NG
Overall Niche Grade
— Acceptance Rate
— Net Price
— SAT Range
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Western Kentucky University Online
4 Year
Bowling Green, KY
NG
Overall Niche Grade
— Acceptance Rate
— Net Price
— SAT Range
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Sponsored
ECPI University - Innsbrook, VA
Glen Allen, VA
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About 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.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

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