For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Kentucky is $11,126 for Kentucky residents and $22,780 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Kentucky, the average tuition & fees are $26,922 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Kentucky is $12,582 for Kentucky residents and $18,664 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Kentucky, the average graduate tuition is $11,811.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $15,070 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $15,625. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
You can compare all Kentucky colleges in various ways:
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in Kentucky is $28,512 for residents and $40,166 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $42,702. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $6,006 for Kentucky residents and $7,710 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $28,512 | $40,166 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $42,702 | |
| Community Colleges | $6,006 | $7,710 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Kentucky, 83 out of 87 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 24 public and 49 private colleges in Kentucky. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Kentucky is $11,126 for Kentucky residents and $22,780 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $26,922
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $4,738 for residents and $6,442 for out-of-state students.
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $11,126 | $22,780 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $26,922 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $4,738 | $6,442 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $17,246 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Kentucky, 31 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Kentucky is $12,020 for Kentucky residents and $18,087 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $11,198
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,020 | $18,087 |
| Private Schools | $11,198 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Kentucky is $445 for Kentucky residents and $927 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $796
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $657 for Kentucky residents and $992 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $536
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $445 | $927 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $796 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $189 | $260 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $657 | $992 |
| Private Schools | $536 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Kentucky
At colleges in Kentucky, the average living cost is $15,070 when a student lives on campus facility and $15,625 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $16,350 | $14,685 |
| Private Schools | $14,625 | $16,402 |
