Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Degrees in Kentucky by ROI
Colleges in Kentucky ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Kentucky
8
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$311,262
Across Kentucky programs
Average Annual Cost
$26,662
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sullivan University
Grad rate: 28.8% |
+$29,600 | $49,700 | $31,100 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Northern Kentucky University
Grad rate: 49.2% |
-$131,376 | $41,266 | $19,471 | $28,750 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Murray State University
Grad rate: 59.0% |
-$314,178 | $32,487 | $21,475 | $28,162 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Brescia University
Grad rate: 44.5% |
-$370,040 | $31,871 | $41,865 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Western Kentucky University
Grad rate: 52.5% |
-$381,024 | $29,603 | $23,520 | $28,892 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Morehead State University
Grad rate: 47.5% |
-$394,129 | $28,796 | $22,758 | $28,902 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Eastern Kentucky University
Grad rate: 49.5% |
-$437,410 | $26,675 | $22,265 | $31,000 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
University of Louisville
Grad rate: 61.4% |
-$491,543 | $25,414 | $30,843 | $27,001 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Degrees by State
Browse Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.