Kentucky is home to a variety of private colleges and universities that offer unique educational experiences across different academic fields. These institutions often emphasize liberal arts, religious affiliations, leadership, and personalized education. Students at these private schools benefit from small class sizes, close-knit communities, and opportunities for personal and academic growth. Whether you’re looking for a faith-based education or a rigorous liberal arts program, Kentucky’s private colleges provide a broad array of options for students.
Bellarmine University
Bellarmine University is a private Catholic university located in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and community engagement, Bellarmine provides students with a well-rounded education rooted in the liberal arts tradition. The university is recognized for its programs in health sciences, business, and the arts.
Overview
- Location: Louisville, KY
- Founded: 1950
- Enrollment: Approximately 3,300 students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Academic Programs
Bellarmine offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strong emphasis on professional studies and liberal arts education.
- Popular Undergraduate Majors:
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Communication
- Health Sciences
- Graduate Programs:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
Commitment to Ethical Leadership and Service
As a Catholic institution, Bellarmine encourages students to engage in ethical leadership, service, and social responsibility. The university integrates these values into its academic programs and extracurricular activities.
- Community Engagement: Bellarmine partners with numerous local organizations, offering students opportunities for internships, service projects, and community outreach.
- Study Abroad Programs: Bellarmine offers global learning opportunities, including study abroad programs and international service trips.
Campus Life
Bellarmine provides a vibrant campus life with various opportunities for students to engage in social, academic, and recreational activities.
- Student Organizations: Bellarmine offers more than 70 student-run organizations, including academic clubs, Greek life, and cultural groups.
- Service and Ministry: The university’s Office of Campus Ministry provides students with opportunities to explore their faith, participate in service projects, and engage in spiritual retreats.
- Athletics: NCAA Division I, ASUN Conference, with competitive teams in basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.
Notable Alumni
- Scott Davenport: Bellarmine men’s basketball coach and NCAA championship winner.
- John Asher: Prominent sports journalist and Vice President of Racing Communications at Churchill Downs.
Berea College
Berea College is a private liberal arts college located in Berea, Kentucky. It is known for its mission of providing tuition-free education to students from low-income families, offering a rigorous academic experience combined with a strong focus on community service, work-study programs, and social justice.
Overview
- Location: Berea, KY
- Founded: 1855
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,600 students
- Religious Affiliation: Christian (non-denominational)
Academic Programs
Berea offers a wide range of academic programs with a focus on liberal arts education. The college places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and experiential education.
- Popular Majors:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Education
- Psychology
- Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Labor Program: Every student at Berea participates in a work-study program, contributing 10-15 hours per week to the campus or community in areas such as administration, maintenance, research, or community outreach.
Tuition-Free Education and Social Justice Focus
Berea College is distinctive for its tuition-free model, ensuring that students graduate debt-free. The college’s mission is grounded in social justice, diversity, and inclusion.
- No Tuition: Students receive full-tuition scholarships, making Berea one of the few colleges in the United States that provides free education to all of its students.
- Service Learning: Berea emphasizes community service and social justice, with students participating in service projects that address issues like poverty, education inequality, and environmental sustainability.
Campus Life
Berea provides a tight-knit campus community where students are deeply involved in academics, community service, and cultural activities.
- Cultural Opportunities: The Berea College Appalachian Center preserves and celebrates Appalachian culture, offering students opportunities to engage with the region’s traditions through art, music, and community service.
- Student Organizations: Berea has more than 60 student clubs, including academic societies, service organizations, and cultural groups.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, USA South Athletic Conference, with teams in basketball, soccer, and cross country.
Notable Alumni
- John Fenn: Nobel laureate in Chemistry.
- Juanita Kreps: Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
Transylvania University
Transylvania University is a private liberal arts college located in Lexington, Kentucky. As one of the oldest universities in the United States, Transylvania has a rich history and a strong academic reputation. The university offers a personalized, student-centered education that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and leadership.
Overview
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Founded: 1780
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
- Religious Affiliation: Historically affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), but non-denominational
Academic Programs
Transylvania offers a variety of undergraduate majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs, with an emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences.
- Popular Majors:
- Business Administration
- Biology
- Political Science
- Psychology
- English
- Pre-Professional Programs: The university offers strong pre-professional tracks in law, medicine, and engineering, preparing students for graduate and professional schools.
Focus on Leadership and Critical Thinking
Transylvania emphasizes leadership development, community engagement, and intellectual curiosity.
- Center for Civic Engagement: The Center for Civic Engagement offers students opportunities to get involved in the local community through service projects, internships, and leadership development programs.
- Creative Expression: Students are encouraged to explore their creative side through the university’s arts programs, including theater, music, and visual arts.
Campus Life
Transylvania offers a vibrant and active campus community, with a focus on academics, leadership, and extracurricular engagement.
- Greek Life: About 50% of students participate in Greek life, with fraternities and sororities emphasizing leadership, philanthropy, and community service.
- Student Organizations: Transylvania offers more than 80 student organizations, ranging from academic clubs to social and service groups.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, with teams in basketball, soccer, swimming, and more.
Notable Alumni
- Stephen F. Austin: Founder of Texas.
- Ned Beatty: Academy Award-nominated actor.
Georgetown College
Georgetown College is a private liberal arts college located in Georgetown, Kentucky. Affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the college offers a faith-based education that emphasizes academic excellence, leadership development, and service to others. Georgetown College is known for its strong academic programs in the humanities, sciences, and education.
Overview
- Location: Georgetown, KY
- Founded: 1829
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
- Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Academic Programs
Georgetown offers a range of undergraduate programs with particular strengths in education, the sciences, and the humanities.
- Popular Majors:
- Education
- Biology
- Political Science
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- Teacher Education Program: Georgetown’s teacher education program is one of the most respected in Kentucky, offering certification programs in elementary, middle, and secondary education.
Christian Values and Leadership Development
As a faith-based institution, Georgetown College encourages students to integrate their faith into their academic and personal lives.
- Christian Leadership: The college offers several leadership development programs, including the Christian Scholars Program, which helps students grow in their faith while developing leadership skills.
- Service Learning: Georgetown promotes service to others, with students participating in community service projects and mission trips both locally and globally.
Campus Life
Georgetown provides a welcoming campus environment with numerous opportunities for student involvement in academics, faith, and service.
- Student Organizations: Georgetown offers more than 40 student-run organizations, including academic clubs, service groups, and social clubs.
- Campus Ministry: The Office of Campus Ministry provides opportunities for spiritual growth, including Bible study groups, worship services, and mission trips.
- Athletics: NAIA, Mid-South Conference, with teams in football, basketball, soccer, and more.
Notable Alumni
- Billy Ray Cyrus: Country music singer and actor.
- James M. Hinds: First U.S. Representative assassinated during Reconstruction.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University is a private Christian university located in Campbellsville, Kentucky. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on faith-based education, leadership, and community service. Campbellsville is recognized for its programs in business, education, and the liberal arts.
Overview
- Location: Campbellsville, KY
- Founded: 1906
- Enrollment: Approximately 12,000 students (including online students)
- Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Academic Programs
Campbellsville offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, health sciences, and the arts.
- Popular Undergraduate Majors:
- Business Administration
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Elementary Education
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management
Faith-Based Education and Leadership
Campbellsville is dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education, with an emphasis on servant leadership, ethical decision-making, and community engagement.
- Servant Leadership: The university’s emphasis on servant leadership encourages students to take on leadership roles in their communities while serving others.
- Ministry Opportunities: Campbellsville offers numerous opportunities for ministry, including campus worship services, mission trips, and involvement in local churches.
Campus Life
Campbellsville provides an active campus life with opportunities for students to engage in academics, faith, and social activities.
- Student Organizations: The university has more than 60 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and religious organizations.
- Service Opportunities: Campbellsville students are involved in service learning, mission trips, and volunteer work in the local community.
- Athletics: NAIA, Mid-South Conference, with teams in football, basketball, and track and field.
Notable Alumni
- Ben Chandler: Former U.S. Representative for Kentucky’s 6th congressional district.
- Ron Lewis: Former U.S. Representative for Kentucky’s 2nd congressional district.
Asbury University
Asbury University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Wilmore, Kentucky. Affiliated with the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, Asbury provides students with a Christ-centered education that integrates faith and learning. The university is known for its strong academic programs, spiritual formation, and commitment to service.
Overview
- Location: Wilmore, KY
- Founded: 1890
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,600 students
- Religious Affiliation: Christian (Wesleyan-Holiness tradition)
Academic Programs
Asbury offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in education, ministry, and communication.
- Popular Majors:
- Media Communication
- Christian Ministries
- Elementary Education
- Psychology
- Business
- School of Communication Arts: Asbury’s School of Communication Arts offers strong programs in media, film, and journalism, with students participating in internships and hands-on projects.
Faith Integration and Spiritual Formation
Asbury University emphasizes the integration of faith and learning in every academic program, encouraging students to grow spiritually as they pursue their educational goals.
- Chapel Services: Chapel attendance is required for students, with services held three times per week, providing opportunities for worship, prayer, and reflection.
- Mission and Service Opportunities: Students participate in mission trips, community service projects, and leadership development programs that emphasize servant leadership.
Campus Life
Asbury offers a tight-knit, supportive campus community where students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and socially.
- Student Organizations: Asbury offers over 50 student organizations, including academic clubs, service groups, and faith-based organizations.
- Spiritual Life: Asbury’s Office of Spiritual Life provides opportunities for students to engage in Bible studies, small groups, and service initiatives.
- Athletics: NAIA, River States Conference, with teams in soccer, basketball, and tennis.
Notable Alumni
- Paul Rader: Former General of The Salvation Army.
- Jon Acuff: Author and motivational speaker.
Alice Lloyd College
Alice Lloyd College, located in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, is a private liberal arts college that focuses on providing education to students from the Appalachian region. The college is known for its work-study program and its commitment to making education affordable for students from low-income backgrounds.
Overview
- Location: Pippa Passes, KY
- Founded: 1923
- Enrollment: Approximately 600 students
- Religious Affiliation: Christian (non-denominational)
Academic Programs
Alice Lloyd offers a range of undergraduate majors in liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields, with a strong emphasis on leadership and community service.
- Popular Majors:
- Business Administration
- Education
- Sociology
- Biology
- History
Work-Study Program and Commitment to Affordability
Alice Lloyd College operates on a unique work-study model that ensures students graduate debt-free.
- Work-Study Program: All students participate in the college’s work-study program, working 10-20 hours per week in various campus jobs or community service projects.
- Tuition Guarantee: The college guarantees free tuition to students from 108 counties in the Appalachian region, making higher education accessible to low-income students.
Campus Life
Alice Lloyd College offers a close-knit campus community focused on service, leadership, and academic excellence.
- Service and Leadership: The college emphasizes the importance of leadership and service, encouraging students to take on roles in the community and participate in volunteer activities.
- Student Organizations: Alice Lloyd offers a range of student organizations, including academic clubs, service groups, and cultural organizations.
- Athletics: NAIA, River States Conference, with teams in basketball, cross country, and tennis.
Notable Alumni
- Carl D. Perkins: U.S. Representative and advocate for education reform.
- Jerry Slone: Professional golfer and teacher.