2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Kentucky

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The selectivity index is a rating system that looks at overall acceptance rate divided by the percentage of accepted students who enroll (yield rate). It's a measurement of both the selectivity and desirability of the college or university.

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Rank	Institution	Selectivity Index	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Berea College	2.7792	19.34	1,150 – 1,320	4379	35676	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 2.8 49.3% 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	The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary	0.5824	96.89	1,000 – 1,180	19873	63721	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 1.3% 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
3	Simmons College of Kentucky	0.575	98.19	760 – 850	19083	22732	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 45.3% 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
4	Kentucky Christian University	0.5641	62.38	950 – 1,090	22209	39921	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 40.4% 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
5	Brescia University	0.5142	35.24	970 – 1,210	15087	39897	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.5 155.2% 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
6	Sullivan University	0.5049	88.06	1,080 – 1,180	22766	34516	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Kentucky Sullivan University Louisville, KY Selectivity Index 0.5 6.0% 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
7	Galen College of Nursing-Louisville	0.382	54.34	630 – 850	0	59213	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 Acceptance Rate 54.3% SAT Score 630 – 850 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $59,213
8	Centre College	0.3677	55.53	1,240 – 1,430	23780	50073	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.4 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
9	Asbury University	0.3269	95.4	1,030 – 1,290	21375	35563	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.3 15.7% 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
10	Union College	0.3171	43.74	1,320 – 1,480	19223	36529	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 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
11	Western Kentucky University	0.3118	93.87	880 – 1,040	12054	38156	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 17.9% Acceptance Rate 93.9% SAT Score 880 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $12,054 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,156
12	Eastern Kentucky University	0.3044	96.95	930 – 1,180	10852	38611	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 48.9% 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
13	University of Louisville	0.3	79.41	1,020 – 1,280	18808	46571	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 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
14	Georgetown College	0.2852	91.06	970 – 1,150	14878	40393	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.3 7.3% 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
15	Northern Kentucky University	0.2678	83.07	970 – 1,210	8151	42105	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 18.0% 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
16	University of the Cumberlands	0.2631	71.39	1,010 – 1,210	11555	39046	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 33.2% 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
17	Kentucky Wesleyan College	0.254	67.05	1,010 – 1,210	20867	35895	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 22.9% 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
18	Midway University	0.2404	95.14	1,050 – 1,210	24739	40738	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 6.5% 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
19	University of Kentucky	0.2365	92.94	1,080 – 1,310	19838	47266	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 10.8% 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
20	Morehead State University	0.2327	77.21	1,020 – 1,220	10017	37131	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 13.6% 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
21	Campbellsville University	0.2227	72.35	930 – 1,180	18777	34639	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 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
22	Murray State University	0.2014	85.68	1,010 – 1,240	9738	38473	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 0.4% 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
23	Transylvania University	0.1889	86.55	1,180 – 1,380	25634	40447	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 2.9% 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
24	University of Pikeville	0.1532	88.08	930 – 1,180	13819	34508	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 6.8% 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
25	Bellarmine University	0.1498	86.11	1,020 – 1,240	24432	49819	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.1 26.2% 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
26	Spalding University	0.1452	98.64	960 – 1,140	25539	42870	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Kentucky Spalding University Louisville, KY Selectivity Index 0.1 24.5% 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
27	Thomas More University	0.1395	97.03	1,040 – 1,190	21314	47148	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 5.4% 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
28	Alice Lloyd College	0.1277	85.57	970 – 1,140	18066	35174	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 43.6% 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
29	Kentucky State University	0.0846	92.51	810 – 1,040	9672	29640	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 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
30	Clear Creek Baptist Bible College	0.0105	54.34	--	13182	49979	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.0 94.7% Acceptance Rate 54.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $13,182 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,979