Top 3 Cloud Computing Programs in Kentucky 2025
University of the Cumberlands
758 cloud computing graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
University of Kentucky
63 cloud computing graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
Murray State University
9 cloud computing graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 8+ accredited cloud computing programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of the Cumberlands leads with 75% graduation rate
- 3.Kentucky software developers earn median $91,230 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- 5.Cost of living index: 92.2% of US average (below average)
Cloud Computing Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 8 accredited cloud computing programs, producing approximately 1,002 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Louisville, Lexington, Covington, with major employers including Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare.
With a median software developer salary of $91,230 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 92.2% compared to the US average, Kentucky offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top cloud computing programs in the state are led by University of the Cumberlands, University of Kentucky, Murray State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Cloud Computing Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | $9,875 | 75% | 75.6 |
| 2 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 45 |
| 3 | Murray State University | Murray, KY | Public | $8,436 | 87% | 41 |
| 4 | Sullivan University | Louisville, KY | For-Profit | $14,220 | 56% | 40.7 |
| 5 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 40.5 |
| 6 | Thomas More University | Crestview Hills, KY | Private | $37,650 | 88% | 38.2 |
| 7 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $11,436 | — | 36.6 |
| 8 | American National University-Pikeville | Pikeville, KY | For-Profit | $11,484 | 22% | 29.9 |
Top 5 Cloud Computing Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | U of the Cumberlands | U of Kentucky | Murray State | Sullivan | Northern Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,875 | $11,849 | $8,436 | $14,220 | $10,512 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% | 75% | 87% | 56% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 758 | 63 | 9 | 10 | 101 |
| Acceptance Rate | 71% | 92% | 86% | N/A | 96% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | For-Profit | Public |
| Score | 75.6/100 | 45.0/100 | 41.0/100 | 40.7/100 | 40.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cloud Computing in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 6 bachelor's-level cloud computing programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Northern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky market.
A bachelor's in cloud computing typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | N/A% | 101 | 40.5 |
| #2 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 63 | 45.0 |
| #3 Western Kentucky | $11,436 | N/A% | 53 | 36.6 |
Top Cloud Computing Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 4 master's-level cloud computing programs. Leading institutions include University of the Cumberlands, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kentucky reaching $118,599 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best cloud computing master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of the Cumberlands | $9,875 | 75% | 758 | 75.6 |
| #2 Murray State | $8,436 | 87% | 36 | 44.8 |
| #3 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | N/A% | 23 | 31.9 |
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cloud computing programs in Kentucky are at Murray State University ($8,436/year), University of the Cumberlands ($9,875/year), Northern Kentucky University ($10,512/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kentucky's competitive tech salaries.
At Murray State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,744 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $63,861, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.2 years. See our Most Affordable Cloud Computing Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Programs in Kentucky (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Murray State | $8,436 | $33,744 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #2 U of the Cumberlands | $9,875 | $39,500 | 1.4 years | Private |
| #3 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | $42,048 | 1.5 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cloud Computing Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cloud computing programs in Kentucky, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,875 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 758 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 75.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 758 cloud computing graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (758 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,849 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 63 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 45.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 63 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 45.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (63 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Kentucky's Computer Science program is taught by recognized field leaders and is ranked 30th among U.S. Ph.D.-granting universities. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications and research opportunities, preparing students for diverse careers in software engineering, data science, AI, and cybersecurity.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 128
Rankings & Recognition
- Department of Computer Science ranked 30th among U.S. Ph.D.-granting universities and 16th among public universities by Academic Analytics
Murray State University
Murray, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 41.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 9 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Murray State's Cybersecurity and Network Management program is recognized as a Kentucky 'Program of Distinction' with curriculum guided by a distinguished national advisory board. The program offers multiple specialization tracks including Cloud and Systems Administration, and provides AWS Academy certification preparation to meet industry demands.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Kentucky's premier academic programs
- Program of Distinction
- Programs of the Year by the International Telecommunications Education and Research Association
- #1 Best Value in the South by U.S. News and World Report
Sullivan University
Louisville, KY • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,220 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 56% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 40.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 56% graduation rate
- 10 cloud computing graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 40.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (56%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Sullivan University's Cybersecurity program offers hands-on learning with industry-standard technology and personalized attention through small classes. The program includes cloud security courses and multiple specialization tracks including Digital Forensics and Penetration Testing.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,512 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 101 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 40.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 101 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 40.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (101 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Cloud Engineer
SOC 15-1252Cloud Engineer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Cloud Architect
SOC 15-1299Cloud Architect opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1244Site Reliability Engineer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Cloud Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Cloud Security Engineer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Cloud Computing Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- You're seeking lower cost of living (92.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Humana or Yum! Brands
- You prefer Kentucky's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kentucky's 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Cloud Computing in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cloud Computing degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Kentucky-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Kentucky salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.