The Best Kentucky Big Colleges

These are the top ranked large, public and private, four-year colleges in Kentucky as ranked by CollegeSimply. These schools all have total enrollment of 20,000 or more. Leading the list for 2027 is University of Louisville. Learn how the Best Large Colleges rankings are calculated on our ranking methodology page.

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Kentucky Large Public Private 4 Year
University of Louisville Campus

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  • Public 4 Year
  • Louisville, KY
  • 5.0 | 2 reviews
  • 23,065 total enrollment

UofL is a large public university known for undergraduate engineering and business. Most undergraduates study on the urban Belknap Campus in Louisville.

#1 Best Public Universities in Kentucky 6/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 1040-1270
  • Avg GPA 3.64
  • Acceptance Rate 79%
  • Net Price $19,785
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University of Kentucky Campus

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  • Public 4 Year
  • Lexington, KY
  • 4.5 | 2 reviews
  • 34,709 total enrollment

Kentucky is a large public university known for undergraduate agriculture, engineering, and business. Lexington is a midsize city in the state's Bluegrass horse country.

#2 Best Public Universities in Kentucky 6/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 1070-1290
  • Avg GPA 3.59
  • Acceptance Rate 93%
  • Net Price $21,958
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University of the Cumberlands Campus

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  • Private 4 Year
  • Williamsburg, KY
  • | 0 reviews
  • 22,120 total enrollment

University of the Cumberlands is a private Christian university known for undergraduate teacher education and business. Students live on a residential campus in the small Appalachian town of Williamsburg.

#10 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 3/10 Overall Rating
  • SAT Range 960-1160
  • Avg GPA 3.47
  • Acceptance Rate 99%
  • Net Price $14,743
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