Best Colleges in Kentucky of 2023

The University of Louisville is one of Kentucky's premier metropolitan R1 research institutes. More than 20,000 students enroll each fall to attend this top university at one of its three campuses across the city. Founded in 1798 as the Jefferson Seminary in Louisville, UofL is one of the first ever city-owned universities. With over 220 years of educational experience, this school has the history and academic excellence to earn our title of Intelligent Pick. Students have the opportunity to earn a degree through a program supported by one of this university's 12 schools and colleges in disciplines such as medicine, art, engineering, medicine, and more. The school's focus on research has recently earned the institution a record-breaking budget of over $200 million.

Students looking for a chance to earn a degree without paying for tuition would be smart to consider Berea College. It is one of only nine work colleges in the country that provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience and reduce the cost of their education. The school's unique Labor Program requires each student to work at least 10 hours per week within a role that assists in school operations, which enables the school to provide free tuition. Berea College receives 74% of its tuition funding from endowment return, 17% from government and miscellaneous income, and 9% from the donations of alumni and other donors. Although this no-tuition school lifts a large financial burden from students, the students are still responsible for housing, food, books, and other college-related expenses.

Not only is the University of Kentucky the largest college in the state but it is one of Kentucky's two Carnegie Classified R1 research institutes. This public university receives the majority of its funding from the government and was awarded a $468 million budget for research in 2021. The school operates more than 70 centers and institutes across a variety of disciplines that all participate and work together to conduct the university's innovative research. Students of all levels within the community - from elementary to post doctorate - can participate in the research constantly taking place at UK. Alongside a robust research mission, the school offers its students 200+ academic programs through its 16 schools and colleges. When students aren't in class, they can choose to get involved socially in one of the 450 student clubs and organizations.

Named after the Jesuit Cardinal Roberto Bellarmino, Bellarmine University was founded in 1950 as an Archdiocesan men's college. In the 1960s, the school merged with Ursuline College and became Bellarmine College, eventually changing its name to the current designation in 2000. Bellarmine is one of five Catholic universities in Kentucky that provides students with a faith-based learning experience through a "whole person" education of body, mind, and spirit. Although Bellarmine is a school with a Catholic identity, the university expresses its welcome to people from a variety of faith backgrounds. Students can attend class both on campus and abroad through programs available in 60 countries. Bellarmine also offers international admissions and exchange programs for students from around the world.

Centre College is a 200-year-old institution that offers a unique pledge to its students called the Centre Commitment. Students who study abroad, participate in an internship or research opportunity, and graduate in four years will be eligible to receive up to one additional tuition-free year of study. Centre's focus on providing its students the opportunity to study abroad has enabled 85% of its students to experience higher education on a global scale. Each year, 16 faculty members are sent out internationally to teach Centre students during their time abroad, offering guidance along the way and planning trips or activities for their class. The school is so committed to enabling students to travel during their time at Centre that every enrolled student is eligible to get their passport for free.

Founded in 1890 by Methodist evangelist Reverend John Wesley Hughes, Asbury University is a private nondenominational Christian liberal arts school. It is a relatively small school with about 1,700 students enrolled each year. We named Asbury Best for International Students because of its commitment to global-mindedness through its efforts to make the school a safe and welcoming place for individuals from around the world. The school's intercultural orientation was specifically designed to introduce international students to the area, give them an opportunity to meet fellow international students, and make them feel welcomed by the Asbury community. The Global Engagement Office works to not only enable American students to study abroad but also share the culture of its international students on campus through special global initiatives and programs.

Located in downtown Lexington, Transylvania University is a nearly 250-year-old liberal arts school dedicated to providing their students with a highly relational and community-driven education. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Transy professors are able to work closely with their students in the classroom and cultivate a sense of connectedness among classmates. Students can choose from over 40 majors and minors to follow a specific learning path or create one to suit their career goals. One unique opportunity Transy provides is the 100 Doors to Success program. Alumni are systematically matched with students in a mentor-mentee relationship after graduation to provide career guidance, build professional networks, and take trips to alumni workplaces.

The smallest school on our list is Alice Lloyd College, which is located in the rural city of Pippa Passes. Qualifying students residing in one of the 108 county service areas may receive the Appalachian Leaders Scholarship. This scholarship covers up to 10 semesters of tuition, an impressive amount of financial support for ALC students. Because ALC is considered a work-study college, students are required to work at least 10 hours per week to learn responsibility, earn a wage, and contribute to school operations. Students can complete either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree and choose from 10 different minors. There are also pre-professional medicine, engineering, law, and veterinary programs available.

The Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private Methodist liberal arts school located in Owensboro. The school works to provide its students a well-rounded education that "nourishes and prepares students intellectually, spiritually, and physically to achieve success in life." Named after English theologian and Methodist movement founder John Wesley, KWC operates through the lens of the Christian tradition with its school mission and campus ministries. KWC provides medical, pharmacy, and nursing pre-professional programs to prepare students for their future professional schooling experiences. Students are offered 47 liberal arts majors and minors both on campus and online. KWC's unique four-year graduation guarantee sets students up for timely success. The school will pay tuition for up to one additional year for any extra time it takes to finish outside of the first four years.

Recently celebrating 100 years of dedication to higher education, Murray State University is a public institution that operates five colleges and two schools that range in discipline from agriculture to technology. MSU shows its appreciation for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces through its new tuition discount initiative for active-duty military students. Discount services include a variety of waived fees, free textbooks, free admission application, and the waiving of any remaining tuition not covered by the DOD Tuition Assistance Program. Service men and women are charged in-state tuition rates regardless of residency, have access to the Military Student Lounge, and can join the Veteran Student Organization.