Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Kentucky 2025
University of the Cumberlands
758 information technology graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
University of Louisville
103 information technology graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
University of Kentucky
219 information technology graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 34+ accredited information technology 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 Technology Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 34 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 1,801 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 technology programs in the state are led by University of the Cumberlands, University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY | Private | $9,875 | 75% | 75.6 |
| 2 | University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | Public | $12,632 | 91% | 54.4 |
| 3 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 54.2 |
| 4 | Brescia University | Owensboro, KY | Private | $29,500 | 85% | 50.1 |
| 5 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | Public | $9,830 | 97% | 47.1 |
| 6 | University of Pikeville | Pikeville, KY | Private | $24,000 | 89% | 46.5 |
| 7 | Berea College | Berea, KY | Private | $48,600 | — | 45.5 |
| 8 | Murray State University | Murray, KY | Public | $8,436 | 87% | 44.8 |
| 9 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 43.8 |
| 10 | Sullivan University | Louisville, KY | For-Profit | $14,220 | 56% | 40.7 |
| 11 | Kentucky State University | Frankfort, KY | Public | $8,088 | 89% | 39.8 |
| 12 | Thomas More University | Crestview Hills, KY | Private | $37,650 | 88% | 38.2 |
| 13 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $11,436 | — | 36.6 |
| 14 | Campbellsville University | Campbellsville, KY | Private | $26,490 | 80% | 34.8 |
| 15 | Morehead State University | Morehead, KY | Public | $9,518 | — | 34 |
| 16 | Jefferson Community and Technical College | Louisville, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 32.2 |
| 17 | Transylvania University | Lexington, KY | Private | $43,160 | — | 30.6 |
| 18 | Elizabethtown Community and Technical College | Elizabethtown, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 30.5 |
| 19 | Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 30.1 |
| 20 | Gateway Community and Technical College | Florence, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 29.9 |
| 21 | American National University-Pikeville | Pikeville, KY | For-Profit | $11,484 | 22% | 29.9 |
| 22 | Bellarmine University | Louisville, KY | Private | $45,190 | — | 29.8 |
| 23 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Lexington, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 29.7 |
| 24 | Ashland Community and Technical College | Ashland, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 28.3 |
| 25 | Somerset Community College | Somerset, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 28.2 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | U of the Cumberlands | U of Louisville | U of Kentucky | Brescia | Eastern Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,875 | $12,632 | $11,849 | $29,500 | $9,830 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% | 91% | 75% | 85% | 97% |
| Annual Graduates | 758 | 103 | 219 | 7 | 22 |
| Acceptance Rate | 71% | 81% | 92% | 35% | 78% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 75.6/100 | 54.4/100 | 54.2/100 | 50.1/100 | 47.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 17 bachelor's-level information technology 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 information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 219 | 54.2 |
| #2 U of Louisville | $12,632 | 91% | 103 | 54.4 |
| #3 U of the Cumberlands | $9,875 | 75% | 63 | 58.5 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 8 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include University of the Cumberlands, Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State 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 technology master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of the Cumberlands | $9,875 | 75% | 758 | 75.6 |
| #2 Eastern Kentucky | $9,830 | 97% | 14 | 45.9 |
| #3 Murray State | $8,436 | 87% | 36 | 44.8 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology 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 Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology 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 Information Technology Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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 Technology Graduates: 758 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 75.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 758 information technology 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 Louisville
Louisville, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,632 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 103 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 54.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 103 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.4 / 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.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,849 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 219 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 54.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 219 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (219 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Brescia University
Owensboro, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $29,500 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 85% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 35%
- • Ranking Score: 50.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 7 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (35% 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 Technology Graduates: 22 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 47.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 22 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.1 / 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.
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 Technology 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 34)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Technology in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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.