2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Union College	90.2	43.74	1,320 – 1,480	19223	36529	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Union College Barbourville, KY Found in Barbourville, Union College’s acceptance rate is 44%. They require $60 for undergraduate applications. About 98% of students attending Union College currently receive grant aid from the school. At Union College, there is a 90% first year retention rate and 28% of students will earn their degree in four years or less....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % Acceptance Rate 43.7% SAT Score 1,320 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $19,223 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $36,529
2	Centre College	88	55.53	1,240 – 1,430	23780	50073	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Centre College Danville, KY Centre College’s motto is “Doctrina Lux Mentis,” or “Learning is the Light of the Mind.” Offering up to Bachelor's degrees, the school has 26 degree programs, with Economics, Other being the most sought after. Centre also has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1. First Year Retention Rate 88 % Acceptance Rate 55.5% SAT Score 1,240 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $23,780 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,073
3	Clear Creek Baptist Bible College	88	54.34	--	13182	49979	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Clear Creek Baptist Bible College Pineville, KY Based in Pineville, Clear Creek Baptist Bible College accepts 54% of applicants and requires $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 100% of students at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % Acceptance Rate 54.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $13,182 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,979
4	University of Kentucky	87	92.94	1,080 – 1,310	19838	47266	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky University of Kentucky Lexington, KY Based in Lexington, the University of Kentucky’s acceptance rate is 93% and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 89% of students attending the University of Kentucky will receive institutional grant aid. The school’s first year retention rate is 87% and around 51% of students will graduate in four years or......Read more First Year Retention Rate 87 % Acceptance Rate 92.9% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $19,838 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,266
5	Transylvania University	86.1	86.55	1,180 – 1,380	25634	40447	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Transylvania University Lexington, KY It may come as no surprise, but Transylvania University’s mascot is a bat – and their school color is crimson. Halloween is a big deal at the school, featuring a week-long celebration. It ends with Pumpkinmania, where the steps of a campus building are lined with carved pumpkins....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 3.7% Acceptance Rate 86.6% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $25,634 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,447
6	Asbury University	83.05	95.4	1,030 – 1,290	21375	35563	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Asbury University Wilmore, KY Asbury University is a private Christian university located 20 minutes southwest of Lexington. The school's motto is "Academic Excellence & Spiritual Vitality. Of attending students, 100% receive grant aid — $24,903 on average. Popular majors among students include andGeneral Studies. First Year Retention Rate 83 % 0.6% Acceptance Rate 95.4% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $21,375 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,563
7	University of Louisville	81.5	79.41	1,020 – 1,280	18808	46571	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky University of Louisville Louisville, KY Found in Louisville, the University of Louisville accepted 79% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $30 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 82% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At the University of Louisville, there is a 81% first year retention......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 79.4% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $18,808 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,571
8	Eastern Kentucky University	79.62	96.95	930 – 1,180	10852	38611	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY Based in Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University’s acceptance rate is 97% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 86% of students at Eastern Kentucky University currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 79%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % Acceptance Rate 97.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $10,852 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,611
9	Berea College	79	19.34	1,150 – 1,320	4379	35676	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Berea College Berea, KY Berea College, founded in 1892, was the first integrated, co-educational college in the South. 100% of students who attend receive grant aid, $51,923 on average. The most popular degree programs are Business Administration and Management, General, Computer and Information Sciences, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 10.0% Acceptance Rate 19.3% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $4,379 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,676
10	Western Kentucky University	78.3	93.87	970 – 1,210	12054	38156	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY Located in Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University accepts 94% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay $50 to apply. Approximately 93% of students attending Western Kentucky University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The institution’s first year retention rate is 78%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 0.4% Acceptance Rate 93.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $12,054 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,156
11	The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary	78	96.89	1,000 – 1,180	19873	63721	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, KY Located in Louisville, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary accepted 97% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $35 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 40% of students attending The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 96.9% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $19,873 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
12	Northern Kentucky University	75.42	83.07	970 – 1,210	8151	42105	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KY Located in Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University’s acceptance rate is 83%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 94% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 3.1% Acceptance Rate 83.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $8,151 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,105
13	Murray State University	75.23	85.68	1,010 – 1,240	9738	38473	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Murray State University Murray, KY Based in Murray, Murray State University’s acceptance rate is 86% and requests $40 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 95% of students at Murray State University currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 75%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % 1.0% Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $9,738 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,473
14	Bellarmine University	75.1	86.11	1,020 – 1,240	24432	49819	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Bellarmine University Louisville, KY Bellarmine University is a private Catholic university providing a liberal arts education. The school has a 12 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 75% first year retention rate, and 65% six year graduation rate. BU is located in the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville right near the Bardstown Road corridor. First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 86.1% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $24,432 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,819
15	Kentucky Christian University	73	62.38	950 – 1,090	22209	39921	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Kentucky Christian University Grayson, KY Based in Grayson, Kentucky Christian University accepted 62% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 73% and its four year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % Acceptance Rate 62.4% SAT Score 950 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $22,209 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,921
16	Galen College of Nursing-Louisville	70	54.34	630 – 850	0	58951	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Galen College of Nursing-Louisville Louisville, KY Located in Louisville, Galen College of Nursing-Louisville’s acceptance rate is 54% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 16% of students attending Galen College of Nursing-Louisville will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 70%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 54.3% SAT Score 630 – 850 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,951
17	Georgetown College	69.06	91.06	970 – 1,150	14878	40393	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Georgetown College Georgetown, KY Georgetown College dates back to 1829. During the last admissions cycle, it accepted 1,230 applicants, 26% of which enrolled. 100% of students receive grant aid, $41,435 each on average. Student athletes could also receive athletic scholarships. 551 Tigers compete in Football, Baseball, and Soccer, among other sports. First Year Retention Rate 69 % 2.0% Acceptance Rate 91.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $14,878 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,393
18	University of Pikeville	68	88.08	930 – 1,180	13819	34508	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky University of Pikeville Pikeville, KY Based in Pikeville, the University of Pikeville accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 88.1% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,819 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,508
19	Brescia University	67	35.24	970 – 1,210	15087	39897	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Brescia University Owensboro, KY Brescia University opened in 1925 as the Mount Saint Joseph Junior College for Women. It got its current moniker in 1998 when they added master’s degree programs on Management and Curriculum and Instruction. A very small school, Brescia accepts around 35% of applicants and students have a cozy student-to-faculty ratio – 8 to 1. First Year Retention Rate 67 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 35.2% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $15,087 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,897
20	Kentucky Wesleyan College	67	67.05	1,010 – 1,210	20867	35895	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Kentucky Wesleyan College Owensboro, KY Located in Owensboro, Kentucky Wesleyan College’s acceptance rate is 67%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 95% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At Kentucky Wesleyan College, there is a 67% first year retention rate and around 33% of undergraduates will earn a degree......Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % Acceptance Rate 67.1% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,867 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,895
21	Morehead State University	65.01	77.21	1,020 – 1,220	10017	37131	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Morehead State University Morehead, KY Located in Morehead, Morehead State University accepted 77% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 75% of students at Morehead State University currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 65%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 6.5% Acceptance Rate 77.2% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $10,017 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,131
22	Midway University	65	95.14	1,050 – 1,210	24739	40738	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Midway University Midway, KY Found in Midway, Midway University accepts 95% of applicants and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. Approximately 98% of students attending Midway University currently receive institutional grant aid. 65% of students continued their studies at Midway University after completing their......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 3.0% Acceptance Rate 95.1% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $24,739 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,738
23	University of the Cumberlands	65	71.39	1,010 – 1,210	11555	39046	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY Based in Williamsburg, the University of the Cumberlands’s acceptance rate is 71%. Undergraduates have to send in $30 to apply. About 69% of students at the University of the Cumberlands will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 71.4% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,555 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,046
24	Lindsey Wilson College	63	0	930 – 1,140	14422	34861	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Lindsey Wilson College Columbia, KY First Year Retention Rate 63 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $14,422 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,861
25	Thomas More University	63	97.03	1,040 – 1,190	21314	47148	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Thomas More University Crestview Hills, KY Located in Crestview Hills, Thomas More University accepts 97% of applicants. They charge $30 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 100% of students at Thomas More University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % Acceptance Rate 97.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $21,314 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,148
26	Kentucky State University	61	92.51	810 – 1,040	9672	29640	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Kentucky State University Frankfort, KY Based in Frankfort, Kentucky State University accepts 93% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 91% of students attending Kentucky State University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 92.5% SAT Score 810 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $9,672 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,640
27	Alice Lloyd College	60.38	85.57	970 – 1,140	18066	35174	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Alice Lloyd College Pippa Passes, KY Based in Pippa Passes, Alice Lloyd College’s acceptance rate is 86%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 82% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % Acceptance Rate 85.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $18,066 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,174
28	Simmons College of Kentucky	46	98.19	760 – 850	19083	22732	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Simmons College of Kentucky Louisville, KY Located in Louisville, Simmons College of Kentucky accepted 98% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 29% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 46 % Acceptance Rate 98.2% SAT Score 760 – 850 Avg. Net Price $19,083 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $22,732
29	American National University-Pikeville	0	0	--	14100	26172	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky American National University-Pikeville Pikeville, KY First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,100 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,172
30	Beckfield College-Florence	0	79.57	970 – 1,110	26994	34873	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Beckfield College-Florence Florence, KY First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 79.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $26,994 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,873
31	Campbellsville University	0	72.35	930 – 1,180	18777	34639	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Campbellsville University Campbellsville, KY Based in Campbellsville, Campbellsville University’s acceptance rate is 72% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 73% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The first year retention rate is 61%....Read more First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 72.4% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $18,777 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,639
32	Spalding University	0	98.64	960 – 1,140	25539	42870	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Spalding University Louisville, KY First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 98.6% SAT Score 960 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $25,539 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,870
33	Sullivan University	0	88.06	1,080 – 1,180	22766	34516	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kentucky Sullivan University Louisville, KY First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 88.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $22,766 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,516