Top Rated Kentucky Public Colleges

The Best Public Colleges in Kentucky for 2025

These are the top ranked public four-year colleges in Kentucky as ranked by CollegeSimply. Leading the rankings for 2025 as the best public college in Kentucky is University of Louisville. Learn how the Best Colleges rankings are calculated on our ranking methodology page.
Kentucky Public 4 year

7 results

University of Louisville
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L
Louisville, KY

University of Louisville

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

#1 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

  • 22,139enrollment
  • $18,808net price
  • 81%acceptance rate
  • 1020-1250SAT range
  • 19-27ACT range
  • 3.64Avg GPA

Applications Due Feb 15

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University of Kentucky
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K
Lexington, KY

University of Kentucky

Public 4 Year

2 reviews

#2 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

  • 32,703enrollment
  • $19,838net price
  • 92%acceptance rate
  • 1080-1290SAT range
  • 21-28ACT range
  • 3.59Avg GPA

Applications Due Feb 15

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Murray State University
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M
Murray, KY

Murray State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#3 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

  • 9,841enrollment
  • $9,738net price
  • 86%acceptance rate
  • 950-1190SAT range
  • 19-26ACT range
  • 3.57Avg GPA

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Eastern Kentucky University
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E
Richmond, KY

Eastern Kentucky University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#4 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

  • 15,008enrollment
  • $10,852net price
  • 78%acceptance rate
  • 930-1190SAT range
  • 17-24ACT range
  • 3.39Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 1

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Northern Kentucky University
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N
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#5 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

  • 14,961enrollment
  • $8,151net price
  • 96%acceptance rate
  • 916-1133SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
  • 3.42Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 15

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Western Kentucky University
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W
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#6 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

  • 16,759enrollment
  • $12,054net price
  • 97%acceptance rate
  • 820-1010SAT range
  • 16-20ACT range
  • 3.42Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 1

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Kentucky State University
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K
HBCU
Frankfort, KY

Kentucky State University

Public 4 Year

0 reviews

#7 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

  • 1,689enrollment
  • $9,672net price
  • 93%acceptance rate
  • 820-1010SAT range
  • 14-20ACT range
  • 2.72Avg GPA

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