For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Kentucky is $10,996 for Kentucky residents and $22,501 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Kentucky, the average tuition & fees are $26,928 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Kentucky is $11,820 for Kentucky residents and $18,221 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Kentucky, the average graduate tuition is $11,414.
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 $27,340 for residents and $38,844 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $42,299. 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-Year Colleges | $27,340 | $38,844 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $42,299 | |
| Community Colleges | $5,890 | $7,426 |
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 $10,288 for Kentucky residents and $21,792 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $26,035
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $4,464 for residents and $6,000 for out-of-state students.
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $10,288 | $21,792 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $26,035 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $4,464 | $6,000 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $17,017 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Kentucky, 31 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Kentucky is $11,250 for Kentucky residents and $17,651 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $10,960
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $11,250 | $17,651 |
| Private Schools | $10,960 | |
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 $436 for Kentucky residents and $912 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $773
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $617 for Kentucky residents and $968 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $525
| Kentucky Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $436 | $912 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $773 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $186 | $250 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $617 | $968 |
| Private Schools | $525 | |
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 |
