15 BEST VALUE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN KENTUCKY

This Kentucky college started with a mission to serve students in an Appalachian region that, at the time, was in desperate need of affordable education. It remains one of the best cheap Kentucky colleges to this day, earning national recognition for sending students out into the world with low levels of debt. Alice Lloyd's work-study program ensures that students aren't burdened by the cost of education and instills in them a strong work ethic. Just getting into Alice Lloyd College takes a good deal of hard work, as the school's 36% acceptance rate makes it one of the most selective colleges around.

This Kentucky university is a non-denominational Christian institution that builds community service and spiritual growth into its academic programs. Although it was founded by a Methodist preacher, the school doesn't espouse any one creed over another. Instead, it focuses on creating a community where students can develop themselves both mentally and spiritually. Aside from its academics, Asbury provides opportunities for internships, exchange programs, and missions off campus. More than 80% of freshmen return to Asbury for their sophomore year and 68% graduate within six years, indicating that the university's mission - which stands to build a challenging but welcoming environment - is definitely working.

Founded by social reformers in 1855, this Kentucky college's tradition of progressivism continues to this day. Berea was the first coeducational and racially integrated college in the South and its administration has always fought against discrimination. Another goal of the college was to serve the oft-neglected Appalachian region. From the beginning, the school sought to offer a free education to as many Appalachian students as possible through a work exchange. Today, every student at Berea participates in a work-study program that pays 100% of tuition. Enrolling in the most affordable college in Kentucky isn't easy, however, as the school has a selective 34% acceptance rate.

This Kentucky university was founded in 1925 by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph as a junior college for women. The original campus was located outside of Owensboro, but an extension campus inside the city soon began offering coeducational courses. In 1949, the campuses were combined in Owensboro to form the school as it's known today. In keeping with its formation as a Catholic institution, Brescia maintains a campus ministry to support students of faith and encourage service in the Owensboro community. The Ursuline tradition also emphasizes creative expression, which Brescia carries on through its engaging liberal arts curriculum.

At this Kentucky college, it's not just a top-notch education that defines the college experience - although students also get that. The Centre Commitment guarantees that all students get the opportunity to study abroad, participate in an internship or research project, and graduate in four years, as long as they live up to the school's academic and social standards. Thanks in part to the program, Centre College enjoys a high 82% graduation rate, and 85% of students choose to study abroad. The Commitment is one reason why Centre is the top university in Kentucky for alumni satisfaction.

This Kentucky college is an open-admission Christian school tucked away in the scenic mountains of Kentucky. The surrounding area is great for hiking, making the school ideal for students who want to enjoy a natural setting while pursuing their calling. Even families with children can live on campus, as the school has accommodations for both singles and married couples. The college provides education for students who are already active members of their church and want to put their faith into practice by entering Christian ministry. Students at Clear Creek must demonstrate their ongoing commitment to the church and to a religious lifestyle to be accepted.

This Kentucky university serves the region's students throughout the state with its four campuses, three regional education centers, and a variety of online courses. While its plethora of academic programs and the accessibility of its campuses make education convenient for all students, EKU goes above and beyond for military veterans. The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs provides a number of financial aid options and orientation programs to make veterans' transition to school as smooth as possible. EKU has also been ranked among the best colleges in Kentucky, and in some cases the country, for veteran enrollment and post-graduation success.

This Kentucky college offers higher education firmly rooted in Christian principles. Its academic programs prepare students to enter a variety of careers, from education to music, while practicing Christian values. Students who wish to live and study on KMBC's secluded rural campus must adhere strictly to a set of Biblical rules, but they'll find themselves in a supportive community that helps them explore both their education and their faith. The school's extremely low 6 to 1 student to faculty ratio ensures that no one at KMBC is left out.

Founded in 1886 as a university devoted to training black teachers for then-segregated schools, this Kentucky university has evolved into a prominent historically black institution. KSU is one of the best Kentucky colleges when it comes to student and faculty diversity. In addition, the school's location in Kentucky's capital city of Frankfort puts it within reach of a host of historical attractions as well as all the amenities of the city. Despite its central location, KSU still offers a large, spacious campus complete with a 204-acre agricultural research farm and a 306-acre environmental education facility.

Students at this Kentucky college enjoy a close-knit group of fewer than 1,000 students and a student to faculty ratio of just nine to one. The school's small size doesn't mean that the campus lacks excitement, though. KWC hosts more than 45 student organizations and a community that knows how to stand together. When a fire destroyed the college's main building in 1905, the school recovered a damaged statue of Minerva, goddess of wisdom, from the wreckage and turned it into a symbol that still adorns the campus. More recently, an F3 tornado damaged the campus, and KWC responded by not only repairing the damage but also taking it as an opportunity to improve their facilities.