1. University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky (UK), located in Lexington, is a major public research university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and significant contributions to research and innovation. Established in 1865, UK offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in health sciences, business, and engineering. UK’s commitment to research and innovation is reflected in its numerous research centers and partnerships with industry leaders.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of Kentucky is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States.
Number of Students
UK serves approximately 30,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Degrees Offered
UK offers more than 200 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at UK is around 96%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1190.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at UK include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Ashley Judd – Actress and activist.
- Wendell Berry – Author and poet.
- Mitch McConnell – U.S. Senator.
- Pat Riley – NBA coach and executive.
- Steve Beshear – Former Governor of Kentucky.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky
- Lexmark International
- University of Kentucky HealthCare
- Fidelity Investments
- General Electric
2. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville (UofL), located in Louisville, is a major public research university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. Established in 1798, UofL offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in business, engineering, and health sciences. UofL’s commitment to research and community engagement is reflected in its numerous research centers and partnerships with industry leaders.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of Louisville is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States.
Number of Students
UofL serves approximately 22,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Degrees Offered
UofL offers more than 200 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at UofL is around 72%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1180.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at UofL include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Muhammad Ali – Legendary boxer and activist.
- Johnny Unitas – NFL Hall of Famer.
- Tom Jackson – ESPN analyst and former NFL player.
- Sue Grafton – Author.
- Nicole Scherzinger – Singer and actress.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Norton Healthcare
- Humana
- UPS
- GE Appliances
- University of Louisville Health
3. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University (WKU), located in Bowling Green, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1906, WKU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in journalism, education, and business. WKU’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and outreach programs.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Western Kentucky University is ranked among the top regional universities in the South.
Number of Students
WKU serves approximately 18,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
WKU offers more than 170 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at WKU is around 97%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1090.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at WKU include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- John Carpenter – Film director and screenwriter.
- Duncan Hines – Food critic and businessman.
- Michael Rosenbaum – Actor.
- Claire Donahue – Olympic swimmer.
- Romeo Crennel – NFL coach.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Fruit of the Loom
- General Motors
- Nashville Metro Government
- Commonwealth Health Corporation
- Western Kentucky University
4. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), located in Richmond, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, commitment to student success, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1906, EKU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in criminal justice, education, and nursing. EKU’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and outreach programs.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Eastern Kentucky University is ranked among the top regional universities in the South.
Number of Students
EKU serves approximately 16,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
EKU offers more than 100 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at EKU is around 94%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1060.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at EKU include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Rex Ryan – NFL coach.
- Lee Majors – Actor.
- George Floyd – Educator and civil rights activist.
- Kermit Staggers – Politician and educator.
- Bobby Owens – Professional golfer.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Lexmark International
- Baptist Health
- Kentucky State Police
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky
- Eastern Kentucky University
5. Bellarmine University
Bellarmine University, located in Louisville, is a private Catholic university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1950, Bellarmine offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in nursing, business, and education. Bellarmine’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Bellarmine University is ranked among the top regional universities in the South.
Number of Students
Bellarmine serves approximately 3,500 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
Bellarmine offers more than 60 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Bellarmine is around 66%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1150.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Bellarmine include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, cultural organizations, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- Michael N. Castle – Former Governor of Delaware and U.S. Congressman.
- Carly Pearce – Country music singer.
- Michael D. Higgins – President of Ireland.
- James E. Rogers Jr. – Business executive and philanthropist.
- Phil Simms – Former NFL quarterback.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Norton Healthcare
- Humana
- University of Louisville Health
- UPS
- Bellarmine University
6. Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University (NKU), located in Highland Heights, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1968, NKU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in business, law, and health sciences. NKU’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and outreach programs.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Northern Kentucky University is ranked among the top regional universities in the South.
Number of Students
NKU serves approximately 15,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
NKU offers more than 100 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at NKU is around 90%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1090.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at NKU include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- George Clooney – Actor and filmmaker.
- Billie Jean King – Tennis legend and activist.
- Josh Hutcherson – Actor.
- Rebecca Gayheart – Actress and model.
- Cameron Esposito – Comedian and actress.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Procter & Gamble
- Kroger
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare
- Fidelity Investments
- Northern Kentucky University
7. Murray State University
Murray State University, located in Murray, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1922, Murray State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in business, education, and nursing. Murray State’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and outreach programs.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Murray State University is ranked among the top regional universities in the South.
Number of Students
Murray State serves approximately 9,500 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
Murray State offers more than 140 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Murray State is around 77%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1110.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Murray State include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Chris Thile – Musician and radio host.
- W. Earl Brown – Actor.
- Steve Prohm – College basketball coach.
- Joe Fulks – Basketball Hall of Famer.
- Robert Kirkman – Creator of “The Walking Dead.”
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky
- Community Health Systems
- Murray State University
- Baptist Health
- FNB Bank
8. Transylvania University
Transylvania University, located in Lexington, is a private liberal arts university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1780, Transylvania offers a wide range of undergraduate programs through its various schools. The university is particularly noted for its programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Transylvania’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Transylvania University is ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the South.
Number of Students
Transylvania serves approximately 1,000 students, all of whom are undergraduates.
Degrees Offered
Transylvania offers more than 40 degree programs across its various schools.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Transylvania is around 90%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1260.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Transylvania include student government, academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports teams, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- Jefferson Davis – President of the Confederate States of America.
- John Marshall Harlan – U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
- Ned Beatty – Actor.
- Stephen Breyer – U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
- Cassius Marcellus Clay – Abolitionist and diplomat.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Lexmark International
- University of Kentucky HealthCare
- Fidelity Investments
- Transylvania University
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky
9. Morehead State University
Morehead State University, located in Morehead, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1887, Morehead State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in education, business, and health sciences. Morehead State’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and outreach programs.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Morehead State University is ranked among the top regional universities in the South.
Number of Students
Morehead State serves approximately 10,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
Morehead State offers more than 130 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Morehead State is around 78%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1060.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Morehead State include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Phil Simms – Former NFL quarterback.
- Chuck Woolery – Television game show host.
- Steve Kazee – Tony Award-winning actor.
- Rocky Adkins – Kentucky State Representative.
- Paul Patton – Former Governor of Kentucky.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- St. Claire HealthCare
- Morehead State University
- Lexmark International
- Commonwealth of Kentucky
- AppHarvest
10. Asbury University
Asbury University, located in Wilmore, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1890, Asbury offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in media communications, education, and ministry. Asbury’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Asbury University is ranked among the top regional universities in the South.
Number of Students
Asbury serves approximately 1,800 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
Asbury offers more than 50 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Asbury is around 75%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1180.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Asbury include student government, academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports teams, and service groups.
5 Famous Alumni
- Jim Daly – President of Focus on the Family.
- Andrew Brunson – Pastor and missionary.
- Gary Gulbranson – Pastor and author.
- Paul Rader – Former General of The Salvation Army.
- Mitch McConnell – U.S. Senator (attended, did not graduate).
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Lexmark International
- University of Kentucky HealthCare
- Fidelity Investments
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky
- Asbury University