Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Kentucky 2025
University of Kentucky
156 computer science graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
University of Louisville
103 computer science graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
Campbellsville University
128 computer science graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 32+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Kentucky 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)
Computer Science Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 32 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 1,018 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 computer science programs in the state are led by University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Campbellsville University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 71.2 |
| 2 | University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | Public | $12,632 | 91% | 70.8 |
| 3 | Campbellsville University | Campbellsville, KY | Private | $26,490 | 80% | 68 |
| 4 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | $9,875 | 75% | 62.2 |
| 5 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | Public | $9,830 | 97% | 54.3 |
| 6 | Brescia University | Owensboro, KY | Private | $29,500 | 85% | 54.2 |
| 7 | Berea College | Berea, KY | Private | $48,600 | — | 54 |
| 8 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 50.3 |
| 9 | University of Pikeville | Pikeville, KY | Private | $24,000 | 89% | 48.6 |
| 10 | Murray State University | Murray, KY | Public | $8,436 | 87% | 48.4 |
| 11 | Kentucky State University | Frankfort, KY | Public | $8,088 | 89% | 44.1 |
| 12 | Centre College | Danville, KY | Private | $50,250 | — | 43.9 |
| 13 | Jefferson Community and Technical College | Louisville, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 41.5 |
| 14 | Morehead State University | Morehead, KY | Public | $9,518 | — | 40.5 |
| 15 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $11,436 | — | 38.8 |
| 16 | Elizabethtown Community and Technical College | Elizabethtown, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 37.7 |
| 17 | Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 36.9 |
| 18 | Gateway Community and Technical College | Florence, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 36.3 |
| 19 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Lexington, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 35.9 |
| 20 | Bellarmine University | Louisville, KY | Private | $45,190 | — | 34.1 |
| 21 | Transylvania University | Lexington, KY | Private | $43,160 | — | 33.6 |
| 22 | Ashland Community and Technical College | Ashland, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 32.8 |
| 23 | Somerset Community College | Somerset, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 32.6 |
| 24 | Hazard Community and Technical College | Hazard, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 32.4 |
| 25 | West Kentucky Community and Technical College | Paducah, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 32.4 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Kentucky | U of Louisville | Campbellsville | U of the Cumberlands | Eastern Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,849 | $12,632 | $26,490 | $9,875 | $9,830 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% | 91% | 80% | 75% | 97% |
| Annual Graduates | 156 | 103 | 128 | 63 | 22 |
| Acceptance Rate | 92% | 81% | 98% | 71% | 78% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 71.2/100 | 70.8/100 | 68.0/100 | 62.2/100 | 54.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 16 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of the Cumberlands. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 156 | 71.2 |
| #2 U of Louisville | $12,632 | 91% | 103 | 70.8 |
| #3 U of the Cumberlands | $9,875 | 75% | 63 | 62.2 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 6 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Campbellsville University, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky. 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 computer science master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Campbellsville | $26,490 | 80% | 128 | 68.0 |
| #2 Eastern Kentucky | $9,830 | 97% | 14 | 52.7 |
| #3 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 13 | 44.0 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Kentucky are at Jefferson Community and Technical College ($4,464/year), Elizabethtown Community and Technical College ($4,464/year), Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College ($4,464/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kentucky's competitive tech salaries.
At Jefferson Community and Technical College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $17,856 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $63,861, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Kentucky (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Jefferson Community and... | $4,464 | $17,856 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 Elizabethtown Community... | $4,464 | $17,856 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 Southcentral Kentucky... | $4,464 | $17,856 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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 Kentucky
Lexington, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,849 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 156 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 71.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 156 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (156 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 combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, taught by recognized leaders in the field, with the department ranking 30th nationally among Ph.D.-granting universities and offering research opportunities from day one.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •calculus
- •two courses on programming
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 128
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Department ranked 30th among U.S. Ph.D.-granting universities and 16th among public universities by Academic Analytics
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,632 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 103 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 70.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 103 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (103 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science provides students with a solid foundation and skills in computer science while allowing students to choose other areas of studies that are not necessarily tied to sciences or engineering applications of computer science.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Calculus or Pre-calculus
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 121
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $26,490 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 128 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 68.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 128 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 68.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (128 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,875 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 63 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 62.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 63 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (63 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
University of the Cumberlands offers Computer Science as Associate, Bachelor, and Minor programs with both on-campus and online options. The program covers core computer science concepts including programming languages, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, and networks with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 52
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $102,240
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,830 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 22 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 54.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 22 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (22 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Computer Science 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 32)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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.