Top 3 Information Systems Programs in Kentucky 2025
University of the Cumberlands
805 information systems graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
Eastern Kentucky University
21 information systems graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Kentucky
63 information systems graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 10+ accredited information systems 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)
Information Systems Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 10 accredited information systems programs, producing approximately 1,104 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 information systems programs in the state are led by University of the Cumberlands, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Information Systems Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | $9,875 | 75% | 75.6 |
| 2 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | Public | $9,830 | 97% | 46.8 |
| 3 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 44.7 |
| 4 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 41.5 |
| 5 | Murray State University | Murray, KY | Public | $8,436 | 87% | 40.9 |
| 6 | Sullivan University | Louisville, KY | For-Profit | $14,220 | 56% | 40.5 |
| 7 | Thomas More University | Crestview Hills, KY | Private | $37,650 | 88% | 39.1 |
| 8 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $11,436 | — | 36.4 |
| 9 | Morehead State University | Morehead, KY | Public | $9,518 | — | 31.6 |
| 10 | American National University-Pikeville | Pikeville, KY | For-Profit | $11,484 | 22% | 29.8 |
Top 5 Information Systems Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | U of the Cumberlands | Eastern Kentucky | U of Kentucky | Northern Kentucky | Murray State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,875 | $9,830 | $11,849 | $10,512 | $8,436 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% | 97% | 75% | N/A% | 87% |
| Annual Graduates | 805 | 21 | 63 | 123 | 9 |
| Acceptance Rate | 71% | 78% | 92% | 96% | 86% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 75.6/100 | 46.8/100 | 44.7/100 | 41.5/100 | 40.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Systems in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 8 bachelor's-level information systems programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Northern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky market.
A bachelor's in information systems typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Systems Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Systems Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | N/A% | 123 | 41.5 |
| #2 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 63 | 44.7 |
| #3 Eastern Kentucky | $9,830 | 97% | 21 | 46.8 |
Top Information Systems Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 4 master's-level information systems 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 information systems master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Information Systems Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of the Cumberlands | $9,875 | 75% | 805 | 75.6 |
| #2 Murray State | $8,436 | 87% | 36 | 44.6 |
| #3 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | N/A% | 23 | 31.7 |
Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems programs in Kentucky are at Murray State University ($8,436/year), Morehead State University ($9,518/year), Eastern Kentucky University ($9,830/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 Information Systems Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Systems 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 Morehead State | $9,518 | $38,072 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 Eastern Kentucky | $9,830 | $39,320 | 1.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Systems Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information systems 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)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 805 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 75.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 805 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (805 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,830 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 46.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 21 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (78% 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)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 63 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 44.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 63 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 44.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,512 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 123 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 41.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 123 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (123 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Murray State University
Murray, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 40.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 9 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 40.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Information Systems 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 10)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Systems in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 10 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Systems 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.