Top Universities in Kentucky

Kentucky's higher education system is anchored by the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, with a nationally distinctive private institution in Berea College.

University of Kentucky (Lexington)
The flagship land-grant research university — UK has approximately 31,000 students and is particularly strong in pharmacy (the College of Pharmacy is consistently top 10 nationally), agriculture, medicine (UK HealthCare is the state's most comprehensive academic medical center), and law. UK's basketball program (the Wildcats — "Big Blue Nation") is the most statistically successful college basketball program in NCAA history. The UK campus in Lexington's blue ribbon horse country is beautiful.

University of Louisville
Kentucky's second research university — UofL has approximately 22,000 students with strong programs in health sciences (the UofL School of Medicine and the UofL Hospital are major institutions), engineering (the Speed School), business (the Belknap campus), and the performing arts. UofL's basketball program (the Cardinals) rivals UK in championship history.

Berea College (Berea)
The most unusual college in the US — Berea charges no tuition to any student (all students work 10+ hours per week in campus departments to offset the cost of their education). Founded in 1855 as the South's first interracial and coeducational college, Berea specifically serves Appalachian students of limited means. The college's crafts program (weaving, woodworking, ceramics) and the Appalachian collection at Hutchins Library make Berea a significant cultural institution.

Transylvania University (Lexington)
Kentucky's oldest university (1780 — the 16th oldest in the US) and one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the South. Transylvania's alumni include Jefferson Davis, Albert Sidney Johnston, Stephen Austin, and two US vice presidents.

Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green)
Known for journalism and broadcasting — WKU's journalism school is among the top regional journalism programs. The WKU meteorology program is nationally significant (the department serves the tornado-prone region's forecasting needs).