Best Online and Campus Psychology Schools in Kentucky
This guide to psychology schools in Kentucky provides you with important information on the undergraduate and graduate psychology programs in the state so that you can choose a program that best fits your needs.
Table of Contents
- Kentucky Psychology School Facts
- Top-Ranked Psychology Programs
- Top 10 Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs
- Graduate Psychology Program Comparison
- Related Articles
- Student Reviews
Kentucky Psychology School Facts
- There are 27 not-for-profit colleges and universities with psychology degree programs in Kentucky.1
- 3 schools offer an associate degree in psychology.1
- 26 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in psychology.1
- 9 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in psychology.1
- 2 schools ranked in College Factual’s Best General Psychology Schools 2024.2
- 5 schools ranked in Psychology Degree 411’s Top Schools With Online Psychology Programs.3
- No schools ranked in The Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Psychology Majors 2024.4
- No schools ranked in Times Higher Education’s Best Universities for Psychology 2023.5
- 10 schools ranked in Most Affordable Schools With a Bachelor’s in Psychology.1
Nationally Ranked Top Psychology Programs in Kentucky
Our curated list of third-party and proprietary rankings can be useful in measuring the overall value and reputation of a program. Lists include College Factual, Psychology Degree 411, The Princeton Review, and Times Higher Education. Note if one of these lists is not present below, no schools in the state were named on it. Generally, schools and programs ranked on multiple lists tend to be stronger in academic quality.
Schools Ranked on Multiple Lists
- Berea College
- Murray State University
- Northern Kentucky University
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
College Factual’s Best Psychology Schools 2024
- University of Kentucky (#141)
- University of Louisville (#186)2
Psychology Degree 411’s Top Schools With Online Psychology Programs
- University of Louisville (#16)
- Eastern Kentucky University (#21)
- Northern Kentucky University (#37)
- Brescia University (#38)
- Kentucky State University (#39)3
Most Affordable Schools With a Bachelor’s in Psychology
The following Kentucky schools with bachelor’s degrees in psychology have the lowest average net prices. We have included each school’s graduation rate, a key quality metric.
- Berea College ($2,020 / Grad rate: 62%)
- Northern Kentucky University ($7,259 / Grad rate: 50%)
- Eastern Kentucky University ($10,806 / Grad rate: 49%)
- Morehead State University ($10,991 / Grad rate: 47%)
- Murray State University ($11,042 / Grad rate: 58%)
- Kentucky State University ($11,473 / Grad rate: 32%)
- Western Kentucky University ($12,625 / Grad rate: 51%)
- Lindsey Wilson College ($13,056 / Grad rate: 37%)
- University of the Cumberlands ($14,337 / Grad rate: 44%)
- Georgetown College ($15,152 / Grad rate: 46%)1
Top 10 Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs in Kentucky
This table compares the top 10 bachelor’s in psychology programs from not-for-profit schools in Kentucky based on a graduation rate of 50% or above and an annual net price of $26,000 or below. A high graduation rate is a top indicator of student success, and affordability is a key consideration for prospective undergrad students. Programs in bold text offer hybrid or online options.
| School | Grad Rate*1 | Accept Rate1 | Median Debt*6 | Median Earnings*6 | Full Price In State1 | Full Price Out of State1 | Net Price*1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berea College | 62% | 25% | $3,591 | $40,738 | $52,768 | $52,768 | $2,020 |
| Northern Kentucky University | 50% | 86% | $23,000 | $46,832 | $21,840 | $32,096 | $7,259 |
| Murray State University | 58% | 84% | $20,500 | $43,077 | $19,592 | $29,048 | $11,042 |
| Western Kentucky University | 51% | 97% | $22,095 | $41,091 | $22,184 | $38,072 | $12,625 |
| University of Kentucky | 69% | 95% | $22,500 | $55,890 | $27,535 | $46,952 | $18,693 |
| University of Louisville | 62% | 82% | $20,500 | $51,380 | $23,188 | $39,534 | $19,327 |
| Asbury University | 70% | 79% | $24,028 | $42,628 | $41,782 | $41,782 | $21,506 |
| Bellarmine University | 60% | 88% | $25,000 | $56,346 | $55,744 | $55,744 | $22,813 |
| Centre College | 87% | 63% | $27,000 | $60,447 | $60,370 | $60,370 | $23,584 |
| Transylvania University | 69% | 91% | $27,000 | $54,373 | $56,420 | $56,420 | $25,767 |
*See Table Notes at bottom of page.
Comparison of All Graduate Psychology Programs in Kentucky
This table compares all of Kentucky’s graduate-level psychology programs from not-for-profit schools on multiple factors.
We’ve included accreditation status by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). We also highlight the levels offered, 2020-2022 pass rates for the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP), and tuition information. Note EPPP scores are reported by degree type (clinical, counseling, or school psychology) and level (PhD or PsyD), so some schools may be listed more than once to include all pass rates. Schools in bold text offer hybrid or online options. Tuition per credit hour is more relevant for master’s and PsyD programs due to the fact that PhD students typically receive more program-awarded funding.
| School | Accreditation7-10 | Levels Offered | EPPP Pass Rate 2020-2211 | EPPP # Taking 2020-2211 | Grad Tuition Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University | APA | MS, PsyD | 73% | 22 | $572 |
| Morehead State University | MPCAC | MS | — | — | $570 |
| Murray State University | MPCAC, NASP | MA, MS, EdS | — | — | $576 |
| Northern Kentucky University | — | MS | — | — | $567 |
| Spalding University | APA | PsyD | 82% | 57 | $1,045 |
| Union College | — | MA | — | — | $370 |
| University of Kentucky (Clinical PhD) | APA, NASP | MS, EdS, PhD | 100% | 13 | $784 |
| University of Kentucky (Counseling PhD) | APA, NASP | MS, EdS, PhD | 79% | 14 | $784 |
| University of Louisville (Clinical PhD) | APA | PhD | 100% | 14 | $752 |
| University of Louisville (Counseling PhD) | APA | PhD | 88% | 8 | $752 |
| Western Kentucky University | NASP | MA, MS, EdS, PsyD | — | — | $607 |
Related Articles
- Degree Levels Overview: Associate to PhD
- Kentucky Licensure Guide
- Top Online Bachelor’s Programs Ranking
- Psychology Careers by Degree Level
Kentucky Schools With Psychology Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and not everyone has the same results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews, and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Berea College
101 Chestnut St
Berea, KY 40403
(859) 985-3000
https://www.berea.edu/
Student Review: “The Berea College experience, was pretty much that, an experience. Although the coursework was sometimes challenging it never felt like any assignment was insurmountable. The professors in the psychology program varied wildly in personality and background and allowed for a well-rounded view of the field. The professor that I ended up going to most often for help with classwork refused to behave like a man his age, always wore sandals, and was never without a cup or two of coffee. My peers and I began to suspect that Wayne Messer never slept. Opposite him was a very stern professor specializing in the statistical analysis portion of the field, whose name I cannot seem to remember, but whose no-nonsense take on statistics was beneficial to the coursework. I loved how approachable nearly all the professors at Berea seemed, due to small class size and generally friendly demeanor. If Berea could improve any one aspect, it honestly wouldn’t have anything to do with my field in particular, but with better support for student-led fundraisers like HvZ.” – Student at Berea College
Morehead State University
150 University Blvd
Morehead, KY 40351
(606) 783-2221
https://www.moreheadstate.edu/
Student Review: “When I initially joined the psychology department as an incoming freshman at Morehead, I was rather anxious about my career choice. I had only taken child psychology courses in high school as an education major, so I wasn’t sure if I’d like the onslaught of psychological material I’d received; however, I was welcomed warmly from the moment I created my schedule. I was very quickly introduced to research methods and a plethora of courses I could take (quite liberally). The thorough introduction to research quickly made up my mind – this was the career for me. My faculty mentor was welcoming and open-minded to my unconventional research interests and I have excelled in the program since. Each course offers a new perspective on psychological principles and even those unrelated to my field of interest have offered meaningful career, research, AND personal knowledge. The psychology program at Morehead State has truly fulfilled me. Unlike many schools, experimental programs are the focus as much as clinical. Graduate options are also available, as well as a wide array of publishing opportunities, conferences, fellowships, and professional organizations (all of which I am proud to take part in!)” – Student at Morehead State University
Northern Kentucky University
100 Louie B Nunn Dr
Highland Heights, KY 41099
(859) 572-5220
http://www.nku.edu/
Student Review: “The best thing I can say about the psychology program at NKU is that the instructors are always very passionate about the subjects they are teaching. The course offerings sometimes felt a little limiting, both in terms of content and availability, but this degree covers all the basics. The program tries to ensure that you take classes from different sub-fields of psychology. for instance, I took a course in animal learning, a course in lifespan development, a course in human sexuality, a handful of courses in counseling, and a course in biopsychology, to name a few. The courses don’t get very specialized, which is frustrating if you already know what you’d like to do with your degree but the university doesn’t offer very many relevant courses. However, it provides you with a good sampling of subjects if you’re not really sure what you’d like to do after you finish your undergraduate degree. All in all, it’s a solid, basic psychology program.” – Student at Northern Kentucky University
Thomas More College
333 Thomas More Pkwy
Crestview Hills, KY 41017
(859) 341-5800
https://www.thomasmore.edu/
Student Review: “The Thomas More College psychology program is rigorous, stimulating, and enjoyable. It certainly prepares you for graduate study in any part of the field of psychology. The classes are small and taught by highly engaged and engaging professors. The department is a tight-knit community that takes a vested interest in the success of its students and provides each one with one-on-one support.” – Student at Thomas More College
Transylvania University
300 N Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 233-8300
https://www.transy.edu/
Student Review: “Transylvania University’s psychology program is a very solid foundation for the world of psychological research and clinical psychology, as well as an informative background for many other aspects of advanced study. The program track was very flexible – after taking General Psychology, many courses were open to students immediately, allowing for customization of the psychology degree based on interest and projected career path. For instance, my study focused largely on abnormal psychology and human development, while some of my peers’ studies focused on clinical methods or research methods. My professors were extremely qualified and knowledgeable. Many were legitimate experts in their fields, all held at least one terminal degree, and several of them were current practitioners, including one professor who regularly met with psychological patients out of his university office. Despite this loftiness, all the professors were approachable and flexible, working with me when I needed help, time, or guidance.” – Student at Transylvania University
*Table Notes:
-N.Av. indicates data is not available.
-Metrics are institution-wide unless otherwise noted.
-Graduation rate is completion percentage within six years of start.
-Median (average) debt is cumulative federal loan debt for undergraduate completers in 2020-2021.
-Median earnings are from the 2020-2021 cohort 10 years post school entry.
-Net price is the average yearly price paid by full-time, first-year undergraduate students receiving financial aid. See NCES for more in-depth information.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual, Best Colleges Offering Degrees in Psychology (Nationwide): https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/psychology/rankings/top-ranked/#
3. Psychology Degree 411 Top Schools With Online Psychology Programs: https://www.psychologydegree411.com/degrees/online/
4. The Princeton Review. The Best 388 Colleges, 2023 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2022.
5. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 – Psychology: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/subject-ranking/psychology
6. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
7. American Psychological Association Accredited Programs: https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs
8. Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, Directory: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
9. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council Accredited Programs: https://mpcacaccreditation.org/accredited-programs/
10. National Association for School Psychologists, Approved Programs: https://apps.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/graduate-program-approval-and-accreditation/approved-accredited.aspx
11. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, 2023 Psychology Licensing Exam Scores by Doctoral Program: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.asppb.net/resource/resmgr/eppp_/2023_dr_rpt_012024.pdf