Kentucky State earns seven top-50 rankings in 2027 U.S. News guide
No. 2 for in-state value and No. 7 for veterans lead the University’s results
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University earned seven top-50 rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges guide, including two top-10 placements and two more in the top 20. Six rankings compare Kentucky State with other regional colleges in the South; the seventh places it among historically Black colleges and universities nationwide.
Kentucky State’s highest placement came in the new Best Value for In-State Students category, where it tied for No. 2. The ranking weighs academic quality alongside in-state tuition, the cost students typically pay after need-based aid, and the extent to which grants and scholarships reduce that cost.
“Families deserve to know that a high-quality education can also be within reach,” said Kentucky State President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo. “These rankings recognize the work our faculty and staff do to open doors for students. Building on 140 years of service, we are creating opportunities for our graduates to make a difference in Kentucky and beyond.”
The University’s second top-10 placement was No. 7 among Best Colleges for Veterans. Kentucky State’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs helps military-connected students navigate education benefits, tuition assistance, and credit for military service.
The students themselves tell a fuller story. Army veteran Emmanuel Mwela earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration this summer and began an MBA while balancing a logistics career, business ownership, and family life. Active-duty Army soldier Mikaila Bell completed three Kentucky State degrees before age 25, finishing her master’s degree while stationed in Japan.
Two additional top-20 placements underscore Kentucky State’s standing as a public college and the value it offers students. The University ranked No. 13 among Top Public Schools and No. 15 in Best Value Schools, both within the Regional Colleges South category. Alongside its No. 2 ranking for in-state value, those results give Kentucky families—and students considering Kentucky State from farther away—more reasons to take a closer look.
Kentucky State offers 28 active bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, along with 38 additional credentials. Four more programs are scheduled to begin during the 2026-27 academic year, bringing the University’s planned offerings to 70.
“That breadth gives students choices and creates opportunities to learn across disciplines,” said Dr. Michael Dailey, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “We are expanding hands-on learning through research, internships, co-ops, industry projects, and Extension work so students can apply their knowledge to real challenges before they graduate.”
The University also tied for No. 48 among Regional Colleges South and No. 50 among Top Performers on Social Mobility, a ranking that considers graduation outcomes for students who receive Pell Grants.
Kentucky State tied for No. 45 among historically Black colleges and universities nationwide, the only national ranking among its seven top-50 placements. As the Commonwealth’s only public HBCU and an 1890 land-grant institution, the University holds a distinctive place in higher education. It continues to expand opportunity for students and put its research and expertise to work for communities across Kentucky.
Explore Kentucky State University’s full 2027 rankings.
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