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Most Popular Master's Degree Schools in Kentucky

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2023 Most Popular Master's Degree Schools in Kentucky

29 Schools Ranked

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

The Most Popular Master's Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 29 schools in Kentucky to see which ones were the most popular master's degree programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, Kentucky
3,053 Total Awards
$4,582 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named University of the Cumberlands the most popular school in Kentucky for students working on their master’s degree. Cumberlands is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It awarded 3,053 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Cumberlands. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#2

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, Kentucky
2,839 Total Awards
$8,773 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Campbellsville University is a great place for students working on their master’s degree. Located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 2,839 master’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Around 33% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online graduate classes at Campbellsville University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 97% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Campbellsville University

#3

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
1,458 Total Awards
$13,725 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent master’s degree programs at University of Louisville helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Kentucky. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the large public school awarded 1,458 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at UofL. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Louisville

#4

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
1,289 Total Awards
$13,674 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means University of Kentucky is a great place for students working on their master’s degree. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the large public school awarded 1,289 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UK does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 57% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on University of Kentucky

#5

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky
1,015 Total Awards
$10,284 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you attend Northern Kentucky University. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list. NKU is a fairly large public school situated in Highland Heights, Kentucky. It awarded 1,015 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

NKU does offer online graduate classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 96% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Northern Kentucky University Report

#6

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky
745 Total Awards
$10,200 Average Tuition & Fees

Eastern Kentucky University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a master’s degree. It came in at #6 on the list. Located in Richmond, Kentucky, the fairly large public school awarded 745 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Eastern does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In fact, around 79% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Eastern Kentucky University

#7

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky
728 Total Awards

Western Kentucky University ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list. This fairly large public school is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and it awarded 728 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online graduate classes at WKU. In 2019-2020 about 81% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Western Kentucky University Report

#8

Frontier Nursing University

Hyden, Kentucky
607 Total Awards
$20,780 Average Tuition & Fees

Frontier Nursing University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Hyden, Kentucky, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 607 master’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Around 95% of those degree recipients were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Frontier Nursing University. Every graduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on Frontier Nursing University

#9

Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky
544 Total Awards
$9,882 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #9, Murray State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their master’s degree. Murray State is a medium-sized public school situated in Murray, Kentucky. It awarded 544 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Murray State does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Murray State University

373 Total Awards
$9,132 Average Tuition & Fees

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a master’s degree. It came in at #10 on the list. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 373 master’s degree awards in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 16% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since SBTS does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 58% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Full The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Report

#11

Spalding University

Louisville, Kentucky
292 Total Awards
$12,106 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, Spalding University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their master’s degree. Spalding is located in Louisville, Kentucky and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 292 master’s degrees to qualified students.

Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Spalding does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 65% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Spalding University

#12

Asbury Theological Seminary

Wilmore, Kentucky
260 Total Awards
$17,275 Average Tuition & Fees

Asbury Theological Seminary came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. Asbury Theological Seminary is a small private not-for-profit school located in Wilmore, Kentucky that handed out 260 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 43% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Asbury Seminary does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 61% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

Lindsey Wilson College

Columbia, Kentucky
225 Total Awards
$9,719 Average Tuition & Fees

Lindsey Wilson College ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Columbia, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out master’s degrees to 225 students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Lindsey Wilson College does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In fact, around 64% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Lindsey Wilson College

#14

Morehead State University

Morehead, Kentucky
204 Total Awards
$10,557 Average Tuition & Fees

Morehead State University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Morehead, Kentucky, and it awarded 204 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Morehead State University does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 96% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Morehead State University Report

#15

Bellarmine University

Louisville, Kentucky
175 Total Awards

Bellarmine University ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Louisville, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out master’s degrees to 175 students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Bellarmine U does offer online graduate classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 38% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#16

Georgetown College

Georgetown, Kentucky
168 Total Awards
$11,745 Average Tuition & Fees

Georgetown College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular master’s degree programs. Georgetown College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Georgetown, Kentucky. It awarded 168 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 79% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, Georgetown College is an excellent choice, since graduate classes are offered online.

Read More…

#17

Sullivan University

Louisville, Kentucky
157 Total Awards

Sullivan University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get a master’s degree. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the small private for-profit school awarded 157 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Sullivan University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 54% of graduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Sullivan University

#18

Thomas More University

Crestview Hills, Kentucky
98 Total Awards
$11,820 Average Tuition & Fees

Thomas More University ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Thomas More is a private not-for-profit institution located in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. The school has a small population, and it awarded 98 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online graduate classes at Thomas More. Of all the graduate students enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#19

Midway University

Midway, Kentucky
94 Total Awards
$7,464 Average Tuition & Fees

Midway University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular master’s degree programs. Midway, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out master’s degrees to 94 students in 2020-2021.

Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Since the graduate programs at Midway are primarily online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read full report on Midway University

#20

Union College Kentucky

Barbourville, Kentucky
78 Total Awards
$8,210 Average Tuition & Fees

Union College Kentucky came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. Barbourville, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out master’s degrees to 78 students in 2020-2021.

Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Union College does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 98% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Union College Kentucky Report

#21

Asbury University

Wilmore, Kentucky
66 Total Awards

Asbury University ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Wilmore, Kentucky, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 66 diplomas to qualifed master’s degree students in 2020-2021.

Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Asbury does offer online graduate classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the graduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#22

Brescia University

Owensboro, Kentucky
52 Total Awards
$16,200 Average Tuition & Fees

Brescia University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular master’s degree programs. Brescia University is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Owensboro, Kentucky that handed out 52 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Brescia University. Every graduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Brescia University Report

#23

Kentucky Christian University

Grayson, Kentucky
37 Total Awards
$5,200 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #23, Kentucky Christian University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their master’s degree. Kentucky Christian University is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Grayson, Kentucky that handed out 37 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, Kentucky Christian University is an excellent choice, since graduate classes are offered online.

Read full report on Kentucky Christian University

#24

University of Pikeville

Pikeville, Kentucky
28 Total Awards

With a ranking of #24, University of Pikeville did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their master’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Pikeville, Kentucky, and it awarded 28 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 39% were women.

UPIKE does have options available for those who want to take online graduate classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 12% of the graduate students at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#24

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, Kentucky
28 Total Awards
$8,880 Average Tuition & Fees

Kentucky State University ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list. KY State is a public institution located in Frankfort, Kentucky. The school has a small population, and it awarded 28 master’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.

Online graduate courses are available at KY State, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 59% of the graduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Kentucky State University Report

View Most Popular Master’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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