Top 3 UX Design Programs in Kentucky 2025
University of Kentucky
68 ux design graduates annually, 75% graduation rate
Sullivan University
2 ux design graduates annually, 56% graduation rate
Bellarmine University
15 ux design graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 7+ accredited ux design 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)
UX Design Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 7 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 123 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 ux design programs in the state are led by University of Kentucky, Sullivan University, Bellarmine University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky UX Design Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 64.7 |
| 2 | Sullivan University | Louisville, KY | For-Profit | $14,220 | 56% | 41.6 |
| 3 | Bellarmine University | Louisville, KY | Private | $45,190 | — | 39.8 |
| 4 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Lexington, KY | Public | $4,464 | — | 36.5 |
| 5 | Campbellsville University | Campbellsville, KY | Private | $26,490 | 80% | 36.5 |
| 6 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 36.3 |
| 7 | Transylvania University | Lexington, KY | Private | $43,160 | — | 35 |
Top 5 UX Design Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Kentucky | Sullivan | Bellarmine | Bluegrass Community and... | Campbellsville |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,849 | $14,220 | $45,190 | $4,464 | $26,490 |
| Graduation Rate | 75% | 56% | N/A% | N/A% | 80% |
| Annual Graduates | 68 | 2 | 15 | 24 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 92% | N/A | 94% | N/A | 98% |
| Type | Public | For-Profit | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 64.7/100 | 41.6/100 | 39.8/100 | 36.5/100 | 36.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 5 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Kentucky, Bellarmine University, Campbellsville University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky market.
A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 68 | 64.7 |
| #2 Bellarmine | $45,190 | N/A% | 15 | 39.8 |
| #3 Campbellsville | $26,490 | 80% | 1 | 36.5 |
Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
Master's-level ux design programs are limited in Kentucky. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best ux design master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in Kentucky are at Bluegrass Community and Technical College ($4,464/year), Northern Kentucky University ($10,512/year), University of Kentucky ($11,849/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kentucky's competitive tech salaries.
At Bluegrass 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 UX Design Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Kentucky (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bluegrass Community and... | $4,464 | $17,856 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | $42,048 | 1.5 years | Public |
| #3 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | $47,396 | 1.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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)
- • UX Design Graduates: 68 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 64.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 68 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (68 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Sullivan University
Louisville, KY • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,220 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 56% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 41.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 56% graduation rate
- 2 ux design graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 41.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (56%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Bellarmine University
Louisville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $45,190 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 15 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 94%
- • Ranking Score: 39.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 15 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 39.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (94% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,464 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 24 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 36.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 24 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 36.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (24 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $26,490 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 36.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 1 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 36.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (98% 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.
UX Design 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 7)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
UX Design in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 7 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
UX Design 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.