Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in Kentucky (2025)

A college degree gives students the knowledge and skills they need to shape their careers and futures.

Unfortunately, the cost of tuition has often limited access to higher education for many students.

Students from any background can benefit from identifying the cheapest colleges in Kentucky and selecting a program that fits their needs.

Top Cheap Colleges in Kentucky

Here are some of the cheapest colleges in Kentucky that offer well-respected accredited degrees.

1. Murray State University

Murray State University (MSU) allows students to earn a valuable foundational education economically and efficiently.

The in-state tuition rate is $404 per credit hour. The out-of-state rate is $614, however, students from 15 nearby states will pay only $427 per credit.

MSU offers a range of generous institutional scholarships for incoming, transfer, and international students.

Students can access MSU programs from anywhere in the world and choose from 12 online undergraduate degrees.

2. Morehead State University

Morehead State University is another respected public university that offers affordable college degrees.

Full-time undergraduate students residing in Kentucky and parts of Ohio will pay $4,759 per semester.

Tuition for international students is $12,060 per semester. The part-time in-state rate is $397 per credit hour.

Students who are not Kentucky residents will be charged $7,193 per semester.

3. Eastern Kentucky University

Students looking for the cheapest colleges in Kentucky should consider Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).

The in-state tuition rate at EKU is only $4,915 per semester or $9,830 per academic year.

The university is an affordable option for students in any state. The non-resident rate is $10,900 per academic year.

The EKU BookSmart program eliminates the cost of required textbooks and saves students money.

4. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is increasing the accessibility of college degrees through its economical tuition rates.

The Cumberlands' OnePrice guarantee means that students will not have to pay unexpected or hidden fees.

The per-year tuition cost is only $9,875 no matter where students live. Online degrees cost only $220 per credit hour.

5. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University's degrees are affordable, flexible, and can be customized to suit each student's learning goals.

In-state students will pay $5,256 per semester in tuition costs. The non-resident rate is $10,548 per semester but students from surrounding states may be eligible for a lower rate.

The EDGE program enables incoming freshmen from other states to pay a highly reduced rate if they have a 2.5 GPA.

6. University of Louisville

The University of Louisville offers high-quality degrees that are both comprehensive and cost-effective.

Kentucky residents can earn a bachelor's degree for $12,632 per year. Out-of-state and international students will pay $28,978 per year.

The university offers institutional scholarships to incoming freshmen, out-of-state students, transfer students, and adult students who are completing degrees.

Students can also explore competitive academic merit scholarships to lower the cost of tuition.

7. Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University is an affordable public university located in Bowling Green.

In-state students enrolled in undergraduate degrees will be charged $11,436 per year. The non-resident rate is $27,000 per year.

Scholarships for incoming students, veterans, and students from border states are available.

Students can find many additional sources of financial aid in a helpful scholarship portal.

8. American National University - Pikeville

The American National University - Pikeville is an excellent option for a cost-effective college degree.

Tuition rates at the university's Kentucky campus vary depending on the program of study but typically cost around $10,000 per academic year.

An innovative E-Learning program enables students to complete degrees from their own homes.

Work development and veterans grants are available to help students pay for the degree.

9. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is a well-respected state school that offers many different degrees at a reasonable rate.

The cost of tuition is $6,606 for Kentucky residents and $16,703 for non-residents. Students earning degrees online will pay $611 per credit regardless of where they live.

Institution and department scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and other criteria.

10. Asbury University

Asbury University is a private university that can be an affordable option for many students.

100% of incoming students receive scholarships so the out-of-pocket costs are typically lower than the advertised rate.

Online degrees cost $399 per credit hour and graduate programs cost $475-$595 per credit hour.

Traditional undergraduate tuition costs $16,536 per semester no matter where students reside.

How Much Will a College Degree Cost?

The main factors impacting the average cost of a college degree in Kentucky are the public or private status of the institution and the state residency of the student.

Public universities in Kentucky charge an average of $9,088 per year for state residents and $23,745 for non-residents.

Private universities charge an average of $24,179 per academic year. Private programs can still provide affordable degrees.

Some universities list their tuition prices per academic year and others list the per-credit cost. A tuition cost of $400 per credit equates to $12,000 per year at a typical credit load.

How To Make College Affordable

Students should explore every possible option to make a college degree affordable.

Financial aid programs usually subtract from the full tuition rate so finding an affordable degree is important.

Grants

Grants are a great source of financial assistance. Students should fill out the FAFSA form to determine their eligibility for need-based grants like the federal Pell Grant program.

Grants typically do not need to be repaid and will lower the cost of tuition.

Scholarships

Scholarships are another way to reduce the cost of a college degree. Scholarships can be awarded by the state, the university, or a private organization.

Merit scholarships reward students for academic achievements like high GPAs or standardized test scores. Other common institutional scholarships include freshman or transfer student scholarships.

Do Cheap Colleges in Kentucky Offer High-Quality Education?

Yes, all accredited colleges must undergo a rigorous procedure that ensures all programs meet quality standards.

The cost of a college degree is not necessarily related to the quality of the education.

The cheapest colleges in Kentucky are often respected academic institutions and provide exceptional instruction.

In-State Vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates

Students exploring public universities should be aware of the different tuition rates charged based on residency.

Students who have established residency in the state typically pay a significantly lower tuition rate than out-of-state students.

Out-of-state rates are typically comparable to the average cost of a degree at a private university. Private universities usually charge the same rate no matter where students live.

Find an Affordable College in Kentucky Today

Learning about the cheapest colleges in Kentucky empowers students to take their future into their own hands.

There are also affordable online colleges around the U.S.

Find a high-quality degree at an affordable rate and start learning today.