2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Kentucky
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Kentucky? Our ranking highlights 88 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 38 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Kentucky
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Bluegrass Community And Technical College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Science & Tech degree schools in Kentucky. Located in Lexington, KY, Bluegrass Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,808 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,512. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,366. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,343. Set against $13,366 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Bluegrass Community And Technical College
Out of the 38 schools in Kentucky in this year's value ranking, Elizabethtown Community And Technical College landed the #2 spot. Located in Elizabethtown, KY, Elizabethtown Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,245. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,143 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Elizabethtown Community And Technical College profile
Jefferson Community And Technical College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Kentucky. Set in Louisville, KY, Jefferson Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,808 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,512 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,917. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,171 ten years after entry. Set against $13,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Jefferson Community And Technical College
Gateway Community And Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Kentucky. Set in Florence, KY, Gateway Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,611. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,147 ten years after entry. Set against $11,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gateway Community And Technical College report
A rank of #5 makes Madisonville Community College one of the best values in Kentucky. Located in Madisonville, KY, Madisonville Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,985 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,733. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Madisonville Community College report
West Kentucky Community And Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Paducah, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. West Kentucky Community And Technical College Science & Tech students take on a median of $10,778 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,891 ten years after entry. Set against $10,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on West Kentucky Community And Technical College
Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,068 in student loans. Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,242 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College report
Somerset Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Somerset, KY, Somerset Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Somerset Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $13,722 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,787 ten years after entry. Set against $13,722 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Somerset Community College profile
Hopkinsville Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Hopkinsville, KY, Hopkinsville Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Students borrow a median of $13,269 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,323. Set against $13,269 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Hopkinsville Community College
Owensboro Community And Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Owensboro Community And Technical College is a public school based in Owensboro, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,098. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,798 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,098 median debt. More on Owensboro Community And Technical College
Ashland Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Ashland Community And Technical College is a public school based in Ashland, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,485. Median earnings reach $34,504 ten years out. Set against $13,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ashland Community And Technical College report
University Of The Cumberlands landed the #12 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. University Of The Cumberlands Science & Tech students take on a median of $22,868 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,036. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about University Of The Cumberlands
Maysville Community And Technical College placed #13 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. Located in Maysville, KY, Maysville Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,031. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,194. Set against $13,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Maysville Community And Technical College profile
Big Sandy Community And Technical College landed the #14 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Based in Prestonsburg, KY, Big Sandy Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Students borrow a median of $11,588 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,954. That is a strong return on a $11,588 median debt. Read the full report on Big Sandy Community And Technical College
Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cumberland, KY, Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College Science & Tech students take on a median of $9,687 in debt. Median earnings reach $29,482 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College
Hazard Community And Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Hazard Community And Technical College is a public school based in Hazard, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Graduates carry a median of $12,212 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,868. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Hazard Community And Technical College profile
Murray State University placed #17 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. Based in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,420 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,737. That is a strong return on a $23,420 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Murray State University
Northern Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Northern Kentucky University is a public school based in Highland Heights, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Northern Kentucky University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,572 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,220. That is a strong return on a $25,572 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Northern Kentucky University report
Georgetown College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Georgetown, KY, Georgetown College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,840. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,938. Georgetown College alumni report median earnings of $52,074 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,938 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Georgetown College
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Richmond, KY. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Eastern Kentucky University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,122 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Eastern Kentucky University
University Of Louisville landed the #21 spot for value in Kentucky this year. University Of Louisville is a public school based in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. University Of Louisville Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,910 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,899. That is a strong return on a $21,910 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Louisville
University Of Kentucky came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Western Kentucky University placed #23 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. This public school is set in Bowling Green, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,889. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Kentucky University report
Kentucky State University placed #24 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. Based in Frankfort, KY, Kentucky State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,387, while out-of-state students pay about $13,578. Kentucky State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $29,774 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,382 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,774 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kentucky State University
Morehead State University placed #25 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. This public school is set in Morehead, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,896. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,197. That is a strong return on a $25,896 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Morehead State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Kentucky
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Sullivan University placed #26 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. Set in Louisville, KY, Sullivan University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Sullivan University Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,394 in debt. Sullivan University alumni report median earnings of $38,008 a decade after entry. Set against $28,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sullivan University
Beckfield College Florence offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Beckfield College Florence is a private for-profit school based in Florence, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,295. The median Science & Tech program debt is $32,450. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,114 ten years after entry. Set against $32,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Beckfield College Florence
Spalding University placed #28 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. This private not-for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $29,000. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $29,862. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,438 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,862 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Spalding University profile
Lindsey Wilson College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Columbia, KY, Lindsey Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,808. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,119. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,129. That is a strong return on a $24,119 median debt. More on Lindsey Wilson College
Campbellsville University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Campbellsville, KY, Campbellsville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,998. Students borrow a median of $24,148 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,583. That is a strong return on a $24,148 median debt. Campbellsville University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Campbellsville University
Midway College landed the #31 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Based in Midway, KY, Midway College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,110. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,723. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,246. Set against $26,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Midway College
Thomas More College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Crestview Hills, KY, Thomas More College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,025. Students borrow a median of $31,608 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $59,384 ten years out. Set against $31,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Thomas More College
Union College Kentucky landed the #33 spot for value in Kentucky this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Barbourville, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,946. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Union College Kentucky admits about 63% of applicants. More on Union College Kentucky
Pikeville College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Pikeville College is a private not-for-profit school based in Pikeville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $24,850. Graduates carry a median of $22,966 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,231 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pikeville College
Asbury University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Wilmore, KY, Asbury University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,640. Students borrow a median of $28,104 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,368 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,104 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read the full report on Asbury University
Bellarmine University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,770 in tuition and fees. Bellarmine University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,766 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,069 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bellarmine University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Bellarmine University
Centre College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Centre College is a private not-for-profit school based in Danville, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,820. Students borrow a median of $26,560 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,240. That is a strong return on a $26,560 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted. More on Centre College
Berea College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Berea, KY, Berea College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,658. Students borrow a median of $5,801 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Berea College alumni report median earnings of $43,150 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,801 median debt. Roughly 19% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Berea College
Ata College
Ata College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. More on Ata College
South Eastern Beauty Academy came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on South Eastern Beauty Academy
Brown Mackie College Hopkinsville placed #41 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. Get the full Brown Mackie College Hopkinsville report
Simmons College Of Kentucky landed the #42 spot for value in Kentucky this year. See the full Simmons College Of Kentucky profile
Berea Beauty Academy offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on Berea Beauty Academy
Summit Salon Academy Lexington ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. See the full Summit Salon Academy Lexington profile
American College Of Barbering came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. More on American College Of Barbering
Lindsey Institute Of Cosmetology placed #46 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. Get the full Lindsey Institute Of Cosmetology report
Galen Health Institutes Pikeville landed the #47 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Read more about Galen Health Institutes Pikeville
Ideal Beauty Academy Louisville placed #48 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kentucky. See the full Ideal Beauty Academy Louisville profile
Empire Beauty School Chenoweth came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Empire Beauty School Chenoweth
Brescia University landed the #50 spot for value in Kentucky this year. More on Brescia University
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 38 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 88 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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