10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Lexington, KY

Lexington, the second-most populated city in Kentucky, is known as the horse capital of the world and an excellent place to live.

Numerous universities in the city and colleges near Lexington, Kentucky, offer programs for undergraduates and graduates, helping them meet their academic goals and achieve career success, as noted below.

Featured Colleges In and Near Lexington, KY

The following list features accredited colleges located in Lexington, Kentucky that prospective students can select from to advance their education.

1. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky in Lexington boasts more than 200 academic programs that provide quality education for undergraduate and graduate students through in-person and online learning.

Examples of areas of study that it offers include:

• Finance
• Computer Science
• Nursing
• Law
• Social Work
• Public Health
• Dentistry

Known for its advances in multidisciplinary research and excellence in promoting economic development, it is a public land grant institution currently with over 30,000 students.

2. Transylvania University

Transylvania University is a top-rated private liberal arts institution located in the downtown area of Lexington, with just over 1,000 students enrolled.

The University allows individuals to create their major by designing a curriculum that matches their interests. It also prepares students for law, medicine, engineering, and accounting careers.

Examples of self-designed majors include:

• Child Development
• Business Information Systems
• Multicultural Studies
• International Relations
• Sports Management
• Criminal Behavior Studies
• Public Relations

3. Sullivan University

Sullivan University is a private institution in Lexington that offers students a career-focused education.

It delivers classes both on campus and through flexible distance learning, concentrating on academic excellence.

Many graduate and undergraduate degrees are offered in subjects such as:

• Business Administration
• Cybersecurity
• Information Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Nursing
• Accounting
• Culinary Arts

Professional certifications in areas of study like medical coding, software development, and hospitality, in addition to research-oriented doctoral programs, are also available.

4. Lexington Theological Seminary

The Lexington Theological Seminary delivers comprehensive instruction in theology and modern ministry practices. It is located in Lexington and is an ecumenical seminary of the Christian church.

It offers the following degree programs:

• Master in Pastoral Studies
• Master of Divinity
• Master of Theological Studies
• Doctor of Ministry

Certificates for credit and non-degree-seeking students are also provided in areas of study such as pastoral ministry, African American ministry, and Hispanic ministry.

5. Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Bluegrass Community and Technical College has three campuses in Lexington and four regional locations.

A wide range of programs are available in liberal arts and sciences, multidisciplinary learning, and other fields of study.

Students can choose from several focus areas, including:

• Business Administration
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Biotechnology
• Administrative Studies
• Manufacturing Technology
• Computer Engineering
• Architectural Technology

It is an excellent choice for those seeking undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates to reach their academic and career goals.

6. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University is in Richmond, located about 28 miles or 30 minutes from Lexington.

It ranks highly among the best schools in the nation by US News and World Report.

Through online and face-to-face instruction, it delivers more than 100 college degrees, from associate to doctorate programs to professional certifications.

Students can choose from areas of study, such as:

• Liberal Arts and Humanities
• Nursing
• Business
• Social Work
• Elementary Education
• Criminal Justice
• Psychology

7. Midway University

Situated around 15 miles from the Lexington area, Midway University in Midway provides career-focused traditional on-campus programs and several choices of online degrees for undergraduate and graduate students.

Available areas of study include the following:

• Healthcare Administration
• Marketing Communications
• Business Administration
• Nursing
• Education
• Equine Studies
• Criminal Justice

Generous merit and need-based scholarships are accessible to help pay for tuition, and 99% of underclassmen receive assistance through financial aid.

8. Asbury University

Another on the list of colleges near Lexington, Kentucky, is Asbury University. It is a nationally recognized private Christian institution in Wilmore, about 16 miles away.

It offers academic excellence for graduates and undergraduates focused on liberal arts in a context of spiritual vibrancy, with enrollment currently at almost 2,000 students.

There are more than 125 areas of study, such as:

• Finance
• Human and Social Services
• Equine Studies
• Bible Theology
• Pre-ministry
• Psychology
• Education

9. Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University is in Frankfort, which is around 25 miles away from Lexington, and enrolls approximately 1,600 students.

Individuals select from various areas of study, including:

• Business
• Social Work
• Public Administration
• Nursing
• Criminal Justice
• Computer Science
• Agriculture

It is the oldest historically black college and university (HBCU) in the state, and it prides itself on offering a family-oriented community for students to excel in, preparing them for career and academic success.

10. Georgetown College

Georgetown College is a private institution in Georgetown situated around 16 miles from Lexington. It provides a Christian liberal arts education for undergraduates and graduates, promoting academic excellence.

Several areas of study are available, such as:

• Business Administration
• Communication and Media
• Computer Science
• Psychology
• Exercise Science
• Ministry Studies
• Healthcare Administration

Its enrollment totals around 1,500 and 100% of its students are granted some form of financial assistance to help with tuition and other expenses.

What Is the Biggest School Near Lexington, Kentucky?

One of the biggest colleges near Lexington, Kentucky, is the University of Kentucky, which currently enrolls over 30,000 students.

As highlighted on our list, it provides 200+ academic programs for undergraduates and graduates in popular majors, including nursing, business, and psychology.

How To Choose the Right College Near Lexington, Kentucky

When choosing from colleges near Lexington, Kentucky, students should take into account a variety of factors, such as the location of the school, academic and degree programs offered, and admission requirements.

The cost to attend and financial assistance to help pay for tuition and other college expenses should also be considered, along with online and in-person resources available to students.

Paying for Your Degree Near Lexington, Kentucky

There are several options available for financial aid that can assist in covering educational expenses to earn degrees from colleges near Lexington, Kentucky.

Individuals should research their program and school of choice for specifics.

Each has unique criteria and eligibility requirements to consider when applying for financial assistance.

Students should start the process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

These opportunities include scholarships, federal grants, student loans, and work-study programs.

Tuition reimbursement and payment installment plans are also typically available to help pay for a college degree.

Start Your Degree Near Lexington, Kentucky Today

Whether looking to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree, this list helps students explore a wide range of academic studies that are offered by accredited universities and colleges near Lexington, Kentucky.