2026 Best Value Higher Education/Higher Education Administration Schools in Kentucky

1

Murray State University
Murray, KY

Murray State University earned the #1 spot for value among higher education/higher education administration schools in Kentucky. Murray State University is a large public school located in the town of Murray. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Students borrow a median of $23,420 to complete the higher education/higher education administration program here. Early-career higher education/higher education administration graduates make about $53,881. That is a strong return on a $23,420 median debt. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants.

2

Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY

Eastern Kentucky University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value higher education/higher education administration schools. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates carry a median of $25,122 in student loans. Early-career higher education/higher education administration graduates make about $43,891. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky is a great value for students pursuing a degree in higher education/higher education administration, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Kentucky is a very large public school located in the city of Lexington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates of University Of Kentucky earn a median of $57,665 early in their careers. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Louisville
Louisville, KY

Students looking for strong value in higher education/higher education administration will find it at University Of Louisville, which ranked #4. University Of Louisville is a very large public school located in the city of Louisville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for higher education/higher education administration graduates is $21,910. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of $82,333 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

5

Bellarmine University
Louisville, KY

A rank of #5 makes Bellarmine University one of the best values for higher education/higher education administration. Set in the city of Louisville, Bellarmine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,770. Students borrow a median of $26,766 to complete the higher education/higher education administration program here. Higher Education/higher Education Administration graduates of Bellarmine University earn a median of $46,024 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.