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Kentucky State University is a public historically Black land-grant university in Frankfort, Kentucky. The institution holds #48 in the US News Best Colleges 2027 edition for Regional Colleges South and #10 in Top Public Regional Colleges (South).
Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University offers 24 undergraduate degree areas and 10 master programmes plus a Doctor of Nursing Practice, all delivered in English. Master options include an MBA, MS in Computer Science, MS in Aquatic Sciences, MPA online and MSW online. Indian applicants exploring MS universities in USA can enter Fall (August), Spring (January) or Summer intakes.
- US News Best Colleges 2027 (Regional South): #48
- Acceptance Rate: 81% (Fall 2023, official)
- Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer
- Graduate Tuition: $605/credit hour (₹57,173/credit, both resident and non-resident)
- Undergraduate Enrolment: 2,504 (Fall 2025, per US News)
- International Application Fee: $100 (₹9,450)
Kentucky State University charges the same per-credit-hour rate for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. This structure lowers the total study cost for Indian applicants at every masters programme. Applicants apply for the F-1 student visa after receiving Form I-20 from the international admissions office.
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Kentucky State University is a public historically Black land-grant university in Frankfort, Kentucky. The institution holds #48 in the US News Best Colleges 2027 edition for Regional Colleges South and #10 in Top Public Regional Colleges (South).
Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University offers 24 undergraduate degree areas and 10 master programmes plus a Doctor of Nursing Practice, all delivered in English. Master options include an MBA, MS in Computer Science, MS in Aquatic Sciences, MPA online and MSW online. Indian applicants exploring MS universities in USA can enter Fall (August), Spring (January) or Summer intakes.
- US News Best Colleges 2027 (Regional South): #48
- Acceptance Rate: 81% (Fall 2023, official)
- Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer
- Graduate Tuition: $605/credit hour (₹57,173/credit, both resident and non-resident)
- Undergraduate Enrolment: 2,504 (Fall 2025, per US News)
- International Application Fee: $100 (₹9,450)
Kentucky State University charges the same per-credit-hour rate for in-state and out-of-state graduate students. This structure lowers the total study cost for Indian applicants at every masters programme. Applicants apply for the F-1 student visa after receiving Form I-20 from the international admissions office.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Kentucky State University accepts Spring 2027 graduate applications until 15 November 2026. International undergraduate applicants should apply three months before term start, roughly mid-October 2026 for Spring. The Fall 2027 graduate cycle typically opens February 2027 and closes 1 July 2027 across every masters programme.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Kentucky State University 2027
- Kentucky State University Admission 2027
- Kentucky State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Kentucky State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Kentucky State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Kentucky State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Kentucky State University Scholarships 2027
- Kentucky State University Rankings 2027
- Kentucky State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Kentucky State University vs Peer Universities
- Kentucky State University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Kentucky State University 2027
Kentucky State University charges graduate tuition at a flat $605 per credit hour for both resident and non-resident students. Most masters programmes require 30 to 36 credit hours across two academic years. Online masters like MSW and MPA are billed at $475 per credit hour.
Kentucky State University Popular Postgraduate Programmes and Fees 2027
The table below lists ten master programmes Indian applicants choose most often. Total fees are estimated using 30-36 credit hours multiplied by the per-credit rate; verify final credit load on the official fee schedule.
| Programme | Total Fee ($) | Total Fee (₹ Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | 19,965 (estimated) | 18.87 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 or 50% (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science | 18,150 (estimated) | 17.15 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 or 50% in CS or related (recommended) |
| MS Aquatic Sciences | 18,150 (estimated) | 17.15 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 or 50% in biology/agriculture (recommended) |
| MS Environmental Sciences and Technology | 18,150 (estimated) | 17.15 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 or 50% in science field (recommended) |
| Master of Public Administration (online) | 17,100 (estimated) | 16.16 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 or 50% (recommended) |
| MA Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science | 18,150 (estimated) | 17.15 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 or 50% (recommended) |
| MA Special Education (LBD, online) | 14,250 (estimated) | 13.47 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s plus teaching background (recommended) |
| Master of Social Work (online) | 28,500 (estimated) | 26.93 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 or 50% (recommended) |
| MS Sports Analytics | 18,150 (estimated) | 17.15 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 or 50% (recommended) |
| MS Public Health | 25,410 (estimated) | 24.01 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.0/10 or 50% in life sciences (recommended) |
Kentucky State University Popular Undergraduate Programmes and Fees 2027
Undergraduate international tuition runs $6,622.50 per semester across every degree. A four-year bachelor at Kentucky State University totals roughly $52,980 in tuition before living expenses.
| Programme | Total Fee ($) | Total Fee (₹ Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | 52,980 (estimated) | 50.07 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 55% (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration | 52,980 (estimated) | 50.07 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 55% (recommended) |
| BS Nursing | 52,980 (estimated) | 50.07 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 60% (recommended) |
| BS Aquaculture | 52,980 (estimated) | 50.07 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 55% (recommended) |
| BA Psychology | 52,980 (estimated) | 50.07 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 55% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants at Kentucky State University cluster around MS Computer Science, MS Aquatic Sciences and MS Environmental Sciences, which qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension.
Read More: Kentucky State University Fees and Programmes Guide
Kentucky State University Admission 2027
Kentucky State University runs three enrolment sessions each year: Fall, Spring and Summer. Fall is the primary intake for Indian graduate applicants.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 graduate application deadline | 15 November 2026 | Applies to every masters programme |
| Fall 2027 graduate application deadline | 1 July 2027 | Rolling review after receipt |
| International undergraduate deadline | Three months before term start | Mid-October 2026 for Spring 2027 |
| Credential verification (WES/SpanTran) | Start 8 to 12 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course report required |
| Fall 2027 term start | August 2027 | Orientation in the last week of August |
Planning note: Indian graduate applicants targeting Fall 2027 should send WES transcripts to Kentucky State University by early May 2027 to clear evaluation queues.
Read More: Kentucky State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Kentucky State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Kentucky State University asks Indian applicants to prove academic readiness and English proficiency at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Kentucky State University Postgraduate Requirements for Indian Students
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum CGPA 2.50/4.00 (approximately 55% in Indian scale); several programmes require 3.00/4.00 (approximately 65%)
- English test: TOEFL iBT 70 OR IELTS 6.0 OR Duolingo 100
- Course-by-course credential evaluation from WES or SpanTran
- No GRE or GMAT required for any masters programme
Kentucky State University Undergraduate Requirements for Indian Students
- Class 12 completion with unweighted GPA equivalent of 2.5/4.0 (approximately 60% in Indian scale, recommended)
- English test: TOEFL iBT 70 OR IELTS 6.0 OR Duolingo 95, OR ACT 18 or SAT 960
- English test waived if prior coursework was delivered in English
Key insight: Kentucky State University offers conditional admission through its ESL Bridge Programme if academic marks meet the bar but the English test score falls short.
Kentucky State University Acceptance Rate 2027
Kentucky State University reports a Fall 2023 acceptance rate of 81% per its official disclosures to US News. This is a highly accessible admissions profile for Indian applicants meeting the academic minimums.
The rate reflects an open-access mission typical of regional HBCU land-grant institutions. Applicants who submit complete files with the correct English score usually receive quick decisions.
Reality check: An 81% acceptance rate does not lower the English test requirement; incomplete files with weak TOEFL scores still get denied.
Read More: Kentucky State University Acceptance Rate Analysis
Kentucky State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian graduate student at Kentucky State University ranges roughly $25,000 to $30,000 (₹23.63 Lakh to ₹28.35 Lakh), including tuition and living. The official international student estimate is $20,782 per year (₹19.64 Lakh) for tuition plus housing plus living combined.
Kentucky State University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate international students pay out-of-state tuition; graduate students pay a flat per-credit rate regardless of residency.
| Level | Rate ($) | Rate (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate international annual tuition | 13,245 | ₹12.52 Lakh |
| Graduate per credit hour (campus) | 605 | ₹57,173 |
| Graduate per credit hour (online) | 475 | ₹44,888 |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice per credit hour | 620 | ₹58,590 |
| International application fee | 100 | ₹9,450 |
[Source: Kentucky State University Student Accounts, 2026-27]
Kentucky State University Monthly Cost of Living in Frankfort for Indian Students
Frankfort is a small state capital with living costs well below coastal US cities. All figures below are estimates for a single graduate student in shared housing.
| Category | Monthly Cost ($) | Monthly Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 450 to 650 (estimated) | ₹42,525 to ₹61,425 (estimated) |
| Food | 250 to 350 (estimated) | ₹23,625 to ₹33,075 (estimated) |
| Transportation | 80 to 120 (estimated) | ₹7,560 to ₹11,340 (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | 80 to 100 (estimated) | ₹7,560 to ₹9,450 (estimated) |
| Personal expenses | 100 to 150 (estimated) | ₹9,450 to ₹14,175 (estimated) |
| Total monthly | 960 to 1,370 (estimated) | ₹0.91 Lakh to ₹1.29 Lakh (estimated) |
| Total annual | 11,520 to 16,440 (estimated) | ₹10.89 Lakh to ₹15.54 Lakh (estimated) |
[Source: Regional Frankfort, Kentucky estimates; verify with Kentucky State University International Office]
Insider note: Indian applicants targeting MBA universities in USA should note that Kentucky State University’s total MBA cost falls well below the national average, largely because of the flat resident-rate graduate tuition.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Kentucky State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The Kentucky State University campus spans 916 acres in Frankfort, the state capital of Kentucky. The town has around 28,000 residents and offers a quiet study environment.
- Location and transport: Central Frankfort with easy road access to Lexington (45 minutes) and Louisville (55 minutes)
- Student-faculty ratio: 11:1, one of the lowest among Kentucky publics
- Housing: On-campus residence halls available; incoming international students prioritised for placement
- Notable facility: Aquaculture Research Centre serves the university’s flagship MS Aquatic Sciences programme
- Indian community: Small but active graduate presence, mainly in STEM and business programmes
What Indian students say: The small campus and low student-faculty ratio make it easy to build relationships with professors. Off-campus rents in Frankfort are among the most affordable of any US university town.
Kentucky State University Scholarships 2027
Kentucky State University offers merit-based and international-specific scholarship options. Awards target academic performance and are renewable subject to GPA maintenance.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Student Scholarship | Merit | Partial out-of-state tuition (verify at official page) | Minimum GPA 2.5/4.0 | Rolling; verify at official page |
| Merit-Based Scholarships | Merit | Up to full tuition plus room and board (verify at official page) | Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 | Rolling; verify at official page |
| HBCU Masters STEM Scholarship | Programme-linked | Verify at official page | Admitted to eligible STEM masters | Verify at official page |
[Source: Kentucky State University Financial Aid Office]
Planning note: Indian applicants targeting the study MBA in USA pathway should submit scholarship applications alongside the admission file to be considered in the first review round.
Read More: Kentucky State University Scholarships Guide
Kentucky State University Rankings 2027
Kentucky State University’s strongest ranking is #48 in US News Regional Colleges South 2027. The institution is not ranked in QS World, THE World or ARWU Shanghai global tables because it operates in the US regional-college segment those bodies exclude.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Best Colleges (Regional South) | 2027: #48 | 2026: verify at US News | 2025: verify at US News |
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| ARWU Shanghai | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2027, QS, THE, ARWU]
US News 2027 also ranks Kentucky State University #10 in Top Public Regional Colleges (South), which highlights its value position among Southern public regional colleges.
Key insight: Indian applicants should not read the missing QS or THE ranks as a red flag. Kentucky State University’s US regional accreditation carries full F-1 visa and STEM OPT eligibility.
Read More: Universities in USA Rankings
Kentucky State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Kentucky State University does not centrally publish placement rates or median salary data. Career outcomes centre on the STEM OPT extension and on regional employer partnerships in Kentucky.
- Post-study work: 12-month OPT for all F-1 graduates; 36 months total for STEM designated programmes
- STEM eligible masters: MS Computer Science, MS Environmental Sciences and Technology, MS Aquatic Sciences
- Median salary: Not disclosed by Kentucky State University; verify programme outcomes at the Career Services office
- Employer sectors: Kentucky state government, agricultural research bodies, regional healthcare and public administration
- Career support: Career Services office runs resume workshops, on-campus recruiting events and OPT/CPT advising
Insider note: Indian graduates from Kentucky State University’s aquaculture and environmental science programmes often secure roles with the USDA, EPA regional offices or Kentucky state agencies during STEM OPT.
Kentucky State University vs Peer Universities
Kentucky State University competes in a peer set of Southern public HBCUs and Kentucky regional publics. Comparison focuses on programme fit and cost rather than global QS ranks, which do not apply to this segment.
| Peer University | Type | Location | Differentiator vs Kentucky State University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Public HBCU | Montgomery, Alabama | Larger enrolment with wider education and business programmes |
| Tennessee State University | Public HBCU (R2 research) | Nashville, Tennessee | Broader graduate portfolio in a major metropolitan setting |
| Alcorn State University | Public HBCU land-grant | Lorman, Mississippi | Similar land-grant profile with strong nursing and agriculture |
| Northern Kentucky University | Public regional | Highland Heights, Kentucky | Non-HBCU Kentucky peer with urban Cincinnati-area campus |
Kentucky State University stands out for its flat per-credit graduate rate across residency status. Its 11:1 student-faculty ratio is the lowest among Kentucky publics, according to Kentucky State University disclosures.
For Indian students who want an affordable US masters with STEM OPT eligibility and low living costs, Kentucky State University sits below the total investment of larger flagship Southern peers. Total two-year investment of roughly $50,000 (₹47.25 Lakh) can be recovered inside three post-OPT working years at US median STEM salaries. The institution’s study in USA pathway suits applicants prioritising cost and STEM OPT access.
Kentucky State University is not the best fit for applicants who need a top-100 global QS rank on the resume for Indian corporate hiring. Applicants with that priority should compare University of Kentucky, Lexington instead.
Kentucky State University FAQs
Ques. What is Kentucky State University best known for academically?
Ans. Kentucky State University is best known for its land-grant research profile in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Studies, Public Administration and Nursing. The MS Aquaculture programme is nationally recognised because of the campus Aquaculture Research Centre. As the only public liberal arts HBCU in Kentucky, the university also carries a distinctive teaching mission with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio.
Ques. How can Indian students transfer college credits to Kentucky State?
Ans. Indian applicants with 24 or more completed college credits at a regionally accredited institution can apply as transfer students. Kentucky State University requires a minimum 2.0 college GPA plus official course-by-course transcripts sent from WES or SpanTran. Transfers must still meet the TOEFL 70, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 95 minimums, or complete the ESL programme.
Ques. Does Kentucky State University require GRE or GMAT for masters?
Ans. No. Kentucky State University explicitly waives graduate entrance exams like GMAT, GRE and LSAT across every masters programme. Indian applicants only need a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 minimum GPA (some programmes want 3.0), a course-by-course transcript evaluation, English proficiency proof and three letters of recommendation with a personal statement.
Ques. What documents do Indian applicants need for Kentucky State admission?
Ans. Indian applicants must submit a completed application, official transcripts translated to English, a WES or SpanTran course-by-course evaluation for foreign degrees, an English test score (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo), a passport copy and financial documents proving ability to cover tuition and living. Graduate applicants also submit three recommendations, a resume and personal statement.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time on the Kentucky State campus?
Ans. Yes. F-1 visa rules allow international students at Kentucky State University to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and full-time during breaks. The Kentucky State International Office confirms international students can join eligible federal work-study roles. Off-campus employment before OPT requires a specific CPT authorisation tied to a degree requirement.
Ques. Does Kentucky State accept the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. Yes. Kentucky State University accepts the Duolingo English Test at both admission levels. Undergraduate applicants need a minimum Duolingo score of 95; graduate applicants need 100. The Duolingo option is often the fastest path for Indian applicants because the test can be taken from home and scores arrive within two days. Send scores directly to Kentucky State.
Ques. Does Kentucky State offer conditional admission for Indian students?
Ans. Yes. Kentucky State University offers conditional admission through the KSU International Bridge Pathway and its ESL programme. Applicants who meet academic requirements but fall short of the TOEFL 70, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 95 minimums can enter ESL. On successful ESL completion, they transition into degree coursework without a fresh admission cycle or a new application.
Ques. Are Kentucky State online masters degrees valid for jobs in India?
Ans. Kentucky State University’s online masters like MSW, MPA, MA Special Education and MS Environmental Studies carry the same accreditation as on-campus versions. For Indian employer recognition, applicants should verify AIU equivalence for the specific degree before enrolling. Online masters do not qualify for F-1 visa status or STEM OPT, so students remain in India while studying.
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Kentucky State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Kentucky State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://ksuprodssb1.kysu.edu:9000/PROD/bwskalog.P_DispLoginNon
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Kentucky State University Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate | ||||
| GRE | - | 284 | - | - |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Verbal | - | 140 | - | - |
| Quantitative | - | 140 | - | - |
| Language Proficiency | ||||
| TOEFL | - | 61 | - | - |
| IELTS | - | 6 | - | - |
| Undergraduate | ||||
| SAT | 943 | 866 | 1020 | 21 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 459 | 418 | 500 | - |
| Mathematics | 484 | 448 | 520 | - |
| ACT | 19 | 17 | 21 | 95 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 18 | 14 | 21 | - |
| Mathematics | 18 | 16 | 20 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Kentucky State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2068 | 1748 | 320 | 45 |
Comments
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How can i apply for scolarship?
There are several ways to apply for scholarships at Kentucky State University (KSU) Frankfort, and the specific options available will depend on your situation and chosen program. However, check the available scholarships, their benefits and eligibility from the KSU Scholarships.