2026 College Rankings

Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability in Kentucky

About

Quality education can be affordable and accessible. The Hidden Gem colleges on this Middle Class Affordability list offer both. College Raptor ranks the most affordable colleges based on the estimated net price at each institution for a "typical" middle class family.

"Typical" middle class family values used in the Net Price estimates on this page are:

Number of people in family: 4
Number of students in college: 1
Total income: $80,000
Total assets: $50,000

Students should explore in-state tuition, reciprocity programs, and financial aid to help make college more affordable.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school's selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We've outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Middle Class Affordability	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Berea College	2	19.34	1,150 – 1,320	4379	35676	#1 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability 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 Middle Class Affordability 2.00 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
2	Centre College	9	55.53	1,240 – 1,430	23780	50073	#2 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability 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. Middle Class Affordability 9.00 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	Bellarmine University	13	86.11	1,020 – 1,240	24432	49819	#3 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability 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. Middle Class Affordability 13.00 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
4	Asbury University	16	95.4	1,030 – 1,290	21375	35563	#4 Top Hidden Gem Colleges for Middle Class Affordability 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. Middle Class Affordability 16.00 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