For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Kentucky is $10,908 for Kentucky residents and $22,412 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Kentucky, the average tuition & fees are $26,152 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Kentucky is $12,527 for Kentucky residents and $18,221 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Kentucky, the average graduate tuition is $11,511.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $14,422 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $14,806. 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.
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 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Kentucky is $27,251 for residents and $38,756 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $41,482. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $5,890 for Kentucky residents and $7,426 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 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 Years Colleges | $27,251 | $38,756 |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $5,890 | $7,426 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $41,482 | |
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 $10,908 for Kentucky residents and $22,412 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $26,152
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $4,662 for residents and $6,198 for out-of-state students.
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $10,908 | $22,412 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $26,152 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $4,662 | $6,198 |
| Less than 2 Years Schools (Trade/Technical Colleges) | $17,017 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Kentucky, 30 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Kentucky is $11,966 for Kentucky residents and $17,651 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $11,047
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $11,966 | $17,651 |
| Private Schools | $11,047 | |
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 $435 for Kentucky residents and $915 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $793
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $651 for Kentucky residents and $978 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $534
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4 Years Colleges | $435 | $915 |
| Private 4 Years Colleges | $793 | |
| Public 2 Years Colleges (Community Colleges) | $186 | $255 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $651 | $978 |
| Private Schools | $534 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Kentucky
At colleges in Kentucky, the average living cost is $14,422 when a student lives on campus facility and $14,806 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $15,346 | $13,820 |
| Private Schools | $14,087 | $15,622 |
