These are the top colleges in KY this year, according to U.S. News and World Report
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- University of Kentucky and Louisville led state rankings for national universities.
- U.S. News evaluated nearly 1,700 schools using 17 key performance indicators.
- Several Kentucky institutions placed in top 100 in the Southern region.
Several colleges and universities in Kentucky have been recognized by the 2026 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings, released Tuesday.
The University of Kentucky and University of Louisville received the highest rankings in the state for national universities. Several Kentucky schools also ranked in the top 100 among regional universities and regional colleges in the South.
Nearly 1,700 colleges and universities were ranked by U.S. News and World Report this year, using 17 factors for national universities and 13 factors for other categories, including graduation rates, peer assessment, financial resources per student and faculty salaries.
“For over four decades, Best Colleges has served as a trusted and data-backed resource for students and families navigating the complex college search process,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News. “Over the years, Best Colleges has evolved into a comprehensive tool that reflects the changing landscape of higher education, providing prospective students with a crucial starting point to identify schools that align with their academic and personal goals.”
Nationally, Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University received top ranks again this year.
Here’s how Kentucky schools ranked in several major categories, compared to rankings from last year when available.
National Universities (public and private)
143. University of Kentucky (152 last year)
158. University of Louisville (179)
301. Bellarmine University (273)
329. Eastern Kentucky University (315)
363. Western Kentucky University (377)
384. Northern Kentucky University
Top Public Schools (National Universities)
74. University of Kentucky (81 last year)
84. University of Louisville (97)
178. Eastern Kentucky University (170)
196. Western Kentucky University (200)
209. Northern Kentucky University
Regional Universities — South
14. Murray State University (20 last year)
23. Asbury University (31)
27. Morehead State University (33)
54. Spalding University (41)
71. Midway University (65)
82. Campbellsville University (104)
85. Thomas More University (82)
90. Lindsey Wilson University (97)
96. Union Commonwealth University — formerly Union College (104)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
32. Kentucky State University (32 last year)
National Liberal Arts Colleges
45. Berea College (40 last year)
55. Centre College (59)
109. Transylvania University (108)
180. Georgetown College (178)
Regional Colleges — South
21. Kentucky Wesleyan College (22 last year)
30. Brescia University (36)
33. Alice Lloyd College (47)
36. Kentucky State University (41)
63. Kentucky Christian University (62)