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Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public Historically Black University in Frankfort, Kentucky, ranked #36 in the U.S. News Regional Colleges South 2026 edition and #10 among Top Public Regional Colleges (South). Founded in 1886 on a 916-acre campus, Kentucky State University is the only public liberal arts HBCU in Kentucky.
Kentucky State University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes across five academic colleges, delivered entirely in English. Around 1,933 undergraduate students enrolled in Fall 2024, and Indian applicants can apply for the Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes with a low $50 (₹4,725) application fee. Programme strengths sit in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, and Nursing. Applicants shortlisting an MS in USA can compare Kentucky State University with larger public research schools before deciding.
- US News Ranking: #36 Regional Colleges South 2026
- Acceptance Rate: 81% (Fall 2023, official)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG Tuition (out-of-state): $10,890/year (₹10.29 Lakh)
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Application Fee (International): $50 (₹4,725)
Also Check: Top Universities in USA
Kentucky State University charges non-resident undergraduate tuition of $6,622.50 (₹6.26 Lakh) per semester and graduate tuition of $605 (₹57,173) per credit hour. Indian applicants apply on the F-1 student visa and can use the standard study in USA pathway. The 12-month OPT (36 months total for STEM programmes) allows post-graduation work in the United States, and merit-based aid plus the International Student Scholarship help offset out-of-state tuition costs.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). The Kentucky State University graduate application deadline for Spring 2027 is 15 November 2026. International applicants (both undergraduate and graduate) must submit complete applications at least three months before the term begins. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open December 2026 with a graduate deadline of 1 July 2027 and undergraduate applications processed on a rolling basis with the three-month pre-term rule.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and KSU 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 KSU Fees at Kentucky State University 2027
Kentucky State University charges tuition per credit hour and per semester load. The 2026-2027 out-of-state graduate rate is $605 (₹57,173) per credit hour, and a full-time load of 9 credits per semester works out to $10,890 (₹10.29 Lakh) annually. Undergraduate out-of-state students pay a flat $6,622.50 (₹6.26 Lakh) per semester for 12-18 credit hours, totalling $13,245 (₹12.52 Lakh) per year. Doctor of Nursing Practice tuition is slightly higher at $620 (₹58,590) per credit hour.
Kentucky State University Top PG Programmes 2027
Kentucky State University offers a focused set of graduate programmes across public affairs, life sciences, education, and health. Total annual fees below assume a standard full-time load of 9 credits per semester.
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee ($) | Total Fee (₹ Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Administration (MPA) | 2 years | $21,780 | 20.58 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences | 2 years | $21,780 | 20.58 Lakh | Bachelor’s in life sciences with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS in Environmental Studies | 2 years | $21,780 | 20.58 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Interdisciplinary Studies | 2 years | $21,780 | 20.58 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Education (Career and Technical Education) | 2 years | $21,780 | 20.58 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3 years | $33,480 | 31.64 Lakh | BSN or MSN with GPA 3.0/4.0 and active RN licence (recommended) |
Kentucky State University Top UG Programmes 2027
Undergraduate programmes across the five colleges follow the flat non-resident tuition of $6,622.50 (₹6.26 Lakh) per semester. Total fees below assume the standard four-year duration.
| Programme | Duration | Total Fee ($) | Total Fee (₹ Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS in Business Administration | 4 years | $52,980 | 50.07 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BS in Nursing | 4 years | $52,980 | 50.07 Lakh | Class 12 (PCB) with 75% (recommended) |
| BS in Computer Science | 4 years | $52,980 | 50.07 Lakh | Class 12 (PCM) with 70% (recommended) |
| BS in Biology | 4 years | $52,980 | 50.07 Lakh | Class 12 (PCB) with 70% (recommended) |
| BA in Public Administration | 4 years | $52,980 | 50.07 Lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
[Source: Kentucky State University Office of Student Accounts 2026-2027 fee schedule]
Insider note: Indian applicants consistently choose Kentucky State University for MS in Aquaculture, Master of Public Administration, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice, as these programmes carry low tuition versus larger US publics while retaining full F-1 and STEM OPT eligibility for the science tracks.
Read More: Kentucky State University Programs and Fees Details
Kentucky State University Admission 2027
Kentucky State University admits Indian students for two annual intakes, and the graduate office publishes fixed deadlines while undergraduate applications are processed on a rolling basis with a three-month pre-term submission rule.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate deadline (Spring 2027) | 15 November 2026 | Applies to all master’s and DNP programmes |
| Undergraduate submission window (Spring 2027) | By mid-October 2026 (three months before term) | Rolling review; earlier submission secures I-20 sooner |
| Credential verification (WES/ECE) | Start 6-8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation required for graduate |
| Graduate deadline (Fall 2027) | 1 July 2027 | Recommended internal cutoff 1 May 2027 for F-1 processing |
| Programme start (Spring 2027) | January 2027 | Orientation week precedes classes |
[Source: Kentucky State University International Admission Office]
Planning note: Kentucky State University processes I-20 documents only after complete verified transcripts and proof of funds arrive. Indian applicants should begin WES evaluation at least eight weeks ahead of the deadline to avoid F-1 visa slot delays at the US consulate.
Read More: Kentucky State University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Kentucky State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Kentucky State University sets modest academic and English thresholds for Indian applicants, and the university offers a conditional admission pathway for those who need language support.
Kentucky State University PG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA 2.50/4.00 (approx. 55% or CGPA 5.5/10). Selected programmes require 3.0/4.0 (approx. 65% or CGPA 6.5/10).
- English: TOEFL iBT 70, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 100.
- Credential Evaluation: Course-by-course foreign transcript evaluation by an accredited agency (WES recommended).
- GRE/GMAT: Not required for international applicants unless the specific programme mandates it.
Kentucky State University UG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Class 12 completion with English translation and certified copies of transcripts.
- English: TOEFL iBT 70, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 95, SAT 960, or ACT 18.
- Conditional Route: Applicants who meet academics but not English can enrol via the KSU International Bridge Pathway with ESL support before starting the degree.
Key insight: Kentucky State University waives the English test for Indian applicants whose prior degree was fully taught in English (a formal medium-of-instruction letter from the previous institution is required). This waiver is especially useful for engineering and commerce graduates from Indian universities.
Kentucky State University Acceptance Rate 2027
Kentucky State University reported an official 81% acceptance rate for Fall 2023, positioning it as an accessible open-admission-friendly public HBCU. The figure reflects institutional data reported through federal IPEDS and remains the latest officially published rate.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | 81% | Latest official |
| Fall 2022 | 60-69% (estimated) | Rising |
The high acceptance rate does not mean automatic admission for Indian applicants, as the university still verifies transcripts, English scores, and proof of funds. Programmes such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice apply narrower selectivity criteria than the university average.
Reality check: Kentucky State University’s 81% acceptance rate offers Indian applicants a realistic backup or safety school alongside more selective US public universities, but the F-1 visa officer still evaluates ties to India and financial documentation independently of the admission decision.
Kentucky State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
The total annual cost for an Indian student at Kentucky State University ranges from $27,690 to $34,000 (₹26.17 Lakh to ₹32.13 Lakh), covering tuition, mandatory fees, and on-campus living in Frankfort.
Kentucky State University KSU Fees for Indian Students 2027
Kentucky State University publishes flat per-semester non-resident tuition for undergraduate students and per-credit-hour rates for graduate students.
| Level | Annual Tuition ($) | Annual Tuition (₹ Lakh) | Mandatory Fees per Semester ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Out-of-State) | $13,245 | 12.52 Lakh | $533 (₹50,369) |
| Graduate (Master’s, 9 credits/sem) | $10,890 | 10.29 Lakh | $533 (₹50,369) |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice | $11,160 | 10.55 Lakh | $533 (₹50,369) |
[Source: Kentucky State University Student Accounts Office 2026-2027 schedule]
Kentucky State University: Monthly Cost of Living in Frankfort for Indian Students
Frankfort is a small state-capital town with living costs well below major US metros. On-campus housing keeps the monthly burn low for Indian students on Kentucky State University’s F-1 visa.
| Expense | Monthly ($) | Monthly (₹) | Annual ($) | Annual (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus) | $550 (estimated) | ₹51,975 | $6,600 | 6.24 Lakh |
| Food | $400 (estimated) | ₹37,800 | $4,800 | 4.54 Lakh |
| Transportation | $100 (estimated) | ₹9,450 | $1,200 | 1.13 Lakh |
| Books and Supplies | $120 (estimated) | ₹11,340 | $1,440 | 1.36 Lakh |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | $200 (estimated) | ₹18,900 | $2,400 | 2.27 Lakh |
| Total | $1,370 | ₹1,29,465 | $16,440 | 15.54 Lakh |
[Source: General student living cost estimates for Frankfort, Kentucky; verify official figures at Kentucky State University Student Financial Aid Office]
Insider note: On-campus residence halls at Kentucky State University are the cheapest housing route for first-year Indian students, and off-campus one-bedroom rents in Frankfort typically fall in the $700 to $900 (₹66,150 to ₹85,050) monthly range, well below Louisville or Lexington equivalents.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Kentucky State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Kentucky State University sits on a 916-acre campus in Frankfort, the state capital of Kentucky, about an hour’s drive from Louisville and Lexington.
- Location and transport: Frankfort has limited public transit; most students walk on campus, and Louisville International Airport (SDF) is the nearest major airport at 90 km.
- Housing: On-campus residence halls with monthly rents typically $500 to $700 (₹47,250 to ₹66,150); housing is not guaranteed for international students beyond the first year.
- Facilities: Aquaculture Research Center, Land Grant research farm, Blazer Library, and the Exum Center athletic complex.
- Indian community: Small but active Indian student presence supported by the Office of Global Strategies and International Affairs.
What Indian students say: Frankfort offers a quieter, low-cost living experience compared with the big US metros, and Kentucky State University’s tight-knit HBCU environment gives Indian students direct faculty access, though weekend social options are limited without a car.
Kentucky State University Scholarships 2027
Kentucky State University offers a limited slate of institutional scholarships; several are US-citizen-only, but a handful of merit and out-of-state tuition waivers apply to Indian applicants.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Student Scholarship | Merit (tuition waiver) | Partial out-of-state tuition | Minimum GPA 2.5/4.0, international students | Rolling with admission |
| Merit-Based Scholarship | Merit | Full tuition + room and board (top awards) | Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0 | Rolling with admission |
| 2026-27 NASPO Academic Scholarship | Discipline-specific | $5,000 (₹4.72 Lakh) | Sophomore/junior/senior/graduate in public procurement | 1 October 2026 |
| CHI Saint Joseph Health Scholarship | Programme-specific | Verify at official page | Nursing students | Verify at KSU Financial Aid |
[Source: Kentucky State University Office of Financial Aid]
Planning note: Kentucky State University’s institutional scholarships are competitive, and many named endowments require US citizenship. Indian applicants should combine the International Student Scholarship with external funding such as the Inlaks Shivdasani or JN Tata Endowment loan scholarship to close the tuition gap.
Kentucky State University Rankings 2027
Kentucky State University’s strongest recognition comes from US News regional rankings, where it climbed from #44 in 2022-23 to #36 in the 2026 edition, a clear upward trajectory.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Colleges South | 2026: #36 | 2025: #40 (estimated) | 2022-23: #44 |
| US News Top Public Regional Colleges (South) | 2026: #10 | 2025: NA | 2024: NA |
| US News Best Value Regional Colleges (South) | 2026: #1 | 2025: NA | 2024: NA |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS World 2027 | NA | NA |
| Times Higher Education World | Not ranked in THE World 2026 | NA | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026 edition]
Kentucky State University is a small regional HBCU and does not participate in global research-university league tables such as QS World, THE World, or ARWU. The US News regional cohort is the correct comparison benchmark for Indian applicants.
Key insight: For Indian applicants, US News regional rankings still confer full US degree recognition and F-1 visa eligibility; employers in the US typically weight programme accreditation (AACSB, ABET, CCNE) more heavily than global research ranks for masters and DNP graduates.
Read More: MS Universities in USA
Kentucky State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Kentucky State University does not centrally publish a single placement rate, but graduate outcomes cluster around public administration, education, nursing, and the aquaculture research industry.
- Median starting salary (US market median): $48,000 to $58,000 (₹45.36 Lakh to ₹54.81 Lakh) for master’s graduates (labelled market median across US regional public universities).
- Top hiring sectors (representative): Kentucky state government agencies, US Department of Agriculture, regional healthcare systems, K-12 school districts, and environmental consultancies.
- Post-study work (OPT): 12-month OPT for all F-1 graduates, extended to 36 months total for STEM-designated programmes such as MS in Aquaculture, MS in Environmental Studies, and MS in Computer Science Technology.
- Career support: Centralised Career Services office runs employer meet-ups, resume clinics, and F-1 to H-1B transition guidance for international students.
- DNP outcomes: Median US nurse practitioner salary of $126,000 (₹1.19 Crore) applies to DNP graduates, based on US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 data.
Insider note: Kentucky State University is not a target-school for Wall Street or Big Tech, but Indian STEM master’s graduates use the 36-month STEM OPT to move into regional agri-tech, environmental science, and healthcare roles, then transition to larger employers via H-1B.
Kentucky State University vs Peer Universities
The peer set below compares Kentucky State University with other affordable regional and HBCU options that Indian applicants commonly shortlist.
| University | US News Regional/National Rank 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee ($ / ₹ Lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky State University | #36 Regional South | $10,890 / 10.29 Lakh | Lowest tuition public HBCU with STEM OPT |
| Alabama A&M University | #84 Regional South | $15,600 / 14.74 Lakh (estimated) | Larger HBCU with engineering PhD |
| Tennessee State University | #106 Regional South | $21,600 / 20.41 Lakh (estimated) | Nashville location with broader employer network |
| Morehead State University | #40 Regional South | $16,800 / 15.88 Lakh (estimated) | Kentucky peer with stronger business programs |
| Fort Valley State University | #40 Regional South | $15,000 / 14.18 Lakh (estimated) | 1890 land-grant HBCU in Georgia |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026; institutional websites for tuition]
Kentucky State University stands out for combining the lowest published out-of-state graduate tuition in the peer set with STEM OPT eligibility in aquaculture, environmental studies, and computer science. Indian applicants with a tight budget and interest in agriculture, environmental, or public-sector careers find the value proposition hard to match.
Kentucky State University fits the Indian applicant working with a ₹25 to ₹30 Lakh annual budget who wants a full US degree, F-1 visa access, and STEM OPT eligibility without the tuition weight of a top-100 US university. The $10,890 (₹10.29 Lakh) graduate tuition against a market-median $48,000 to $58,000 (₹45.36 Lakh to ₹54.81 Lakh) starting salary makes payback quick, and the standard F-1 to OPT to H-1B pathway remains fully available.
Kentucky State University is not the right pick for applicants targeting Big Tech, Wall Street, or Ivy-league research brand recognition; for those goals, Purdue, University of Cincinnati, or Arizona State University offer stronger recruiter density at higher tuition.
Kentucky State University FAQs
Ques. Does Kentucky State University waive the IELTS or TOEFL requirement for Indian applicants?
Ans. Yes, Kentucky State University waives the English test for Indian applicants whose prior qualifying degree was fully taught in English. Applicants must submit a formal medium-of-instruction letter from their previous institution on official letterhead. The waiver applies to both undergraduate and graduate admission and covers most Indian engineering, science, and commerce graduates from recognised universities.
Ques. What is the KSU application fee for Indian applicants?
Ans. Kentucky State University charges a $50 (₹4,725) non-refundable application fee for international applicants at both undergraduate and graduate level. The fee is paid online through the apply.kysu.edu portal along with the application. Kentucky State University does not currently publish an application fee waiver for Indian applicants.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at KSU?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders at Kentucky State University can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus Curricular Practical Training (CPT) becomes available after one full academic year of enrolment, subject to programme director approval. Off-campus work without CPT or OPT authorisation is a visa violation.
Ques. Is GRE mandatory for graduate admission at Kentucky State University?
Ans. No, GRE is not required for international applicants to Kentucky State University graduate programmes. The university explicitly states that international students are exempt from GRE unless the specific programme requires it. This makes application preparation faster and cheaper for Indian applicants, who need only English test scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation for most master’s applications.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise Kentucky State University?
Ans. Kentucky State University is an approved US institution for major Indian education loan lenders including HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, ICICI Bank, and public-sector banks such as SBI and Bank of Baroda. Non-collateral loan sanctions typically go up to ₹40 Lakh, and collateralised loans can cover the full cost of attendance including living expenses and travel.
Ques. What documents does KSU require for the F-1 visa I-20?
Ans. Kentucky State University issues the Form I-20 after receiving a copy of the applicant’s passport, a bank statement showing full first-year cost of attendance (approximately $30,000 or ₹28.35 Lakh), and a signed affidavit of financial support if a sponsor funds the study. The I-20 is then used to book the F-1 visa appointment at the US consulate and pay the SEVIS fee.
Ques. Does Kentucky State University offer STEM-designated programmes for extended OPT?
Ans. Yes, Kentucky State University offers STEM-designated graduate programmes in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Environmental Studies, and Computer Science Technology. Graduates of these programmes qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of the standard 12-month OPT, allowing a total of 36 months of post-completion work authorisation in the United States.
Ques. Can Indian students bring dependents on the F-2 visa to KSU?
Ans. Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 of F-1 students at Kentucky State University can apply for the F-2 dependent visa. The primary applicant must show additional funds of approximately $6,000 (₹5.67 Lakh) per dependent per year in the bank statement submitted for the I-20. F-2 dependents cannot work in the United States but can enrol in part-time study.
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Kentucky State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | 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.