Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Kentucky
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Kentucky3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Kentucky.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Berea College
Berea, KY · Private nonprofitHonor Roll#1 in Kentucky
- Net price $6,106 a year
- 58% graduate
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Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berea College | About $6,000 | $3,591 | $43,150 | 58% |
| University of Kentucky | About $19,000 | $22,500 | $59,025 | 71% |
| University of Louisville | About $18,000 | $20,500 | $53,899 | 61% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.