Kentucky State University
Kentucky State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Kentucky State University at a Glance
Kentucky State University is a public historically black land-grant university in Frankfort, Kentucky, United States. Founded in 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, and becoming a land-grant college in 1890, KSU is the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky.
1886
140 years old
2,020
915 acres
Identity
Is Kentucky State University Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Kentucky State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $36,382 — 32% below average — while paying $8,040/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 30% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 96% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $25,938 representing 71% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Kentucky State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Kentucky State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #37 of 65 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #37 | Kentucky State University | 33 | $8,040 | $36,382 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Kentucky State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Kentucky State University
The highest-earning program at Kentucky State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $21,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Kentucky State University earns $54,800, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $21,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,063 in median debt vs. $32,358 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,040/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,800 | $54,800 | $27,063 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $33,200 | $33,200 | $30,125 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $24,100 | $24,100 | $42,000 |
| Psychology, General | $21,800 | $21,800 | $32,358 |
Similar Colleges in KY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Frankfort, KY
- Student Body
- 1,309 students
- Admission Rate
- 96%
- Graduation Rate
- 30%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,040
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $36,382
- Median Student Debt
- $25,938