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Kentucky State University

Frankfort, KY · Public

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92.5%
Acceptance (Fall 2023)
910
SAT
$20,830
Sticker (Out-of-State)
$16,980 in-state
$10,371
Net Price*
$34,717
Earnings 10 yrs after enrolling
2,001
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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Should I apply to Kentucky State University?

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What is Kentucky State University's acceptance rate?

Up 20.4 percentage points since 2018

With a 92.5% acceptance rate, Kentucky State University is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Kentucky State University?

Kentucky State University received 2,001 applications in 2023, up 21% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 19% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Kentucky State University?

Business Administration, Management and Operations leads as the most popular major at Kentucky State University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015–2024

How has tuition changed at Kentucky State University?

Out-of-state tuition has decreased by 10% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 4% from $19,996 to $20,830.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Kentucky State University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $58,402 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Median two years after graduating, for graduates of each program — not the same measure as the headline earnings figure above, which covers everyone who enrolled, ten years after starting. Source: College Scorecard field-of-study file, June 2026.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $58,402 27 grads · small sample
$8,500 $117,766
Criminal Justice and Correctio... $29,064 31 grads
$8,500 $117,766
Business/Commerce, General $37,856 36 grads
$8,500 $117,766
Journalism $22,578 25 grads · small sample
$8,500 $117,766
Teacher Education and Professi... $20,687
$8,500 $117,766
Teacher Education and Professi... $32,925
$8,500 $117,766
Human Development, Family Stud... $31,133
$8,500 $117,766
Liberal Arts and Sciences, Gen... $28,019
$8,500 $117,766
This school National avg

What do Kentucky State University graduates actually earn?

The median tells one story, but outcomes vary widely. Here's the full range of earnings 10 years after enrollment for graduates of Kentucky State University.

25th: $20,116 Median: $34,717 75th: $48,346
10th: $4,100 90th: $55,200

Earnings range for graduates 10 years after enrollment. The green bar shows the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile). Source: College Scorecard, June 2026 release.

How do Kentucky State University earnings grow over time?

Median earnings from 1 year after completion through 11 years after enrollment. Early-career earnings show what graduates earn soon after graduating, while later years reflect career growth and advancement.

Do Kentucky State University earnings vary by family income?

Median earnings of graduates grouped by their family income when they enrolled. Research shows family income can influence post-graduation outcomes through networking, unpaid internship access, and career choice flexibility.

Gender earnings gap at Kentucky State University

Median earnings comparison between male and female graduates. The gap reflects differences in major choice, industry, and broader labor market patterns — not necessarily pay discrimination for the same role.

Kentucky State University Admissions Statistics (2015–2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 2,001 1,852 92.5% 18.6%
2022 2,870 2,626 91.5% 14.1%
2021 3,974 2,591 65.2% 18.7%
2020 3,377 2,836 84.0% 20.0%
2019 2,186 1,763 80.7% 29.8%
2018 1,660 1,198 72.2% 22.9%
2017 2,078 941 45.3% 33.7%
2016 3,384 1,658 49.0% 12.2%
2015 4,768 1,808 37.9% 11.6%

Is Kentucky State University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

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Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
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Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Kentucky State University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,717
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$4,100 $34,717 median $55,200

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $4,100 while the top 10% earn $55,200. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$28,586
Median Debt
$25,875
6-Year Graduation Rate
30.0%

How much does Kentucky State University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Kentucky State University is approximately $20,830 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$7,700
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,550
Fees
$1,490
Room & Board
$7,790
Total Cost of Attendance
$20,830

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price is what aided families paid after grants and scholarships, averaged within each income band. Your own cost depends on income, assets and the school's aid policies, so treat these as a floor rather than a quote. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families because of generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $6,240
$30-48k income $5,910
$48-75k income $10,371
$75-110k income $12,559
$110k+ income $12,740
No aid, out-of-state $20,830

These averages cover only students who received federal financial aid — a Pell Grant, a federal loan or work-study. Families who pay their own way are not included, so the higher brackets understate what a full-paying family is billed. The "no aid" row is the published cost of attendance.

Which majors pay the most?

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $58,402
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections $29,064
  • Psychology, General N/A
  • Business/Commerce, General $37,856
  • Journalism $22,578

Who attends Kentucky State University?

Kentucky State University enrolls 1,689 students, with 3% from outside the United States. Women make up 58% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 1,689
Retention Rate 61%
International 3%
Women 58%
Race/Ethnicity
Black 67%
White 9%
Hispanic 1%
Asian 0%

How much financial aid is available?

76% of students receive some form of financial aid at Kentucky State University. About 57% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 76%
Avg: $11,132 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 57%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 55%
Avg: $6,763
School's Own Grants 91%
Avg: $2,320 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Kentucky State University are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

Page updated 2026. Admissions and cost figures are the latest IPEDS release (2023); earnings are College Scorecard median 10-year post-enrollment, June 2026 release. Sources: IPEDS, College Scorecard.