Kentucky State University
K-State
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-2355
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences — close-knit campus
Kentucky State University is a public institution in Frankfort with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 910, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.3K undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
27% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $36,382 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $8,900.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Kentucky State University was chartered in May 1887 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, only the second state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky.
- •During the euphoria of Frankfort's 1887 centennial celebration, the city donated $1,500 towards the purchase of land for a new college on a bluff overlooking Frankfort.
- •The new school formally opened on October 11, 1887, with three teachers, 55 students, and John H.
- •Recitation Hall (now Jackson Hall), the college's first permanent building, was erected in that year.
- •The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of that year.
Source: Wikipedia
Schools Like This
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Rootstown, OH · Suburban · Public
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Tulsa, OK · Urban · Public
University of California-San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Urban · Public
Glenville State University
Glenville, WV · Rural · Public
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 910
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
45.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
-4.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,250
Programs (41)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
61%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
9
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from KY state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Frankfort
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Frankfort, from real bookable tour times.
- Bellarmine University · Simmons College of KentuckyUnder $25k a year12 days
- Northern Kentucky University · Thomas More UniversityUnder $25k a year2 days