Kentucky State University (KSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Kentucky State University
Set in the state capital, Kentucky State University is a historically Black, land-grant institution known for hands-on learning across agriculture and environmental studies, business and public service, health and education, the arts, and STEM. Classrooms and labs sit alongside a well-used library, green study spots, residence halls, and a busy wellness center. Students find advising, tutoring, and career guidance that feel personal, which gives the academics a steady, supportive rhythm.
Campus life leans close-knit and spirited, with a lively band, step shows, service projects, Greek-letter groups, and plenty of intramurals. Trails along the river, local arts, and nearby public agencies set the stage for internships that connect coursework to real work. The Thorobreds name anchors proud traditions, especially at homecoming. And the alumni network is known for public service leadership, with Whitney M. Young Jr. often cited as a touchstone for purpose and impact.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Kentucky State University (KSU) offers 31 degree programs across 18 major academic fields, graduating approximately 340 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (1 programs, 51 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 43 graduates), Liberal Arts (1 programs, 32 graduates), Health (1 programs, 27 graduates) and Computer & IT (1 programs, 23 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (1 programs, 51 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 51 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
Psychology (2 programs, 43 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 42 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Forensic Psychology | 1 |
|
Master's
|
42.2812 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 32 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 32 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Health (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 27 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11.0101 |
Public Services (2 programs, 23 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
44.0701 |
| Public Administration | 6 |
|
Master's
|
44.0401 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 22 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Management | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0504 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 20 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0104 |
Communication (3 programs, 18 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0499 |
| Digital Media and Multimedia | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
09.0702 |
| Public Relations and Advertising | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
09.0900 |
Agriculture (4 programs, 13 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaculture | 9 |
|
Master's
Other Award
|
01.0303 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
01.0101 |
| Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
01.0308 |
| Food Science and Technology | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
01.1099 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Kentucky State University (KSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Kentucky State University (KSU)
How much does it cost to attend Kentucky State University (KSU)?
The annual tuition at Kentucky State University (KSU) is $9,214 for in-state students and $13,260 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $21,727 for in-state students and $25,773 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $8,186 (on) / $7,034 (off) and books and supplies $1,332.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Kentucky State University offer?
Kentucky State University (KSU) offers 31 academic programs across 18 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (1 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Kentucky State University?
Kentucky State University (KSU) has an 92.6% acceptance rate and a 18.6% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 2,001
- Students admitted: 1,852
- Students enrolled: 345
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Kentucky State University?
Kentucky State University (KSU) provides financial aid to 20% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,850 and average loans of $5,903.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $6,137
- State/Local grants: $4,615
- Institutional grants: $2,320
- Federal loans: $5,861
The university supports 318 students with grants and 251 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Kentucky State University graduates?
Kentucky State University (KSU) graduates earn a median salary of $29,640 after 6 years and $36,382 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,939 (25th percentile) to $51,649 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $55,200 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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