Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University: Academics, Admissions & Tuition Info

Learn about Kentucky State University in Frankfort, KY. Read about its admission info, financial aid and degree programs to make an informed education decision.

About Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University (KSU) was established in 1886 in Frankfort, KY, as a school to train African-American teachers. This 4-year, public institution was originally called the State Normal School for Colored Persons and became Kentucky State University in 1972 after several other name changes. It's a historically black school, and over half of KSU students are African American, with roughly 40% of the student body population representing other ethnicities. KSU has since evolved from its teacher-training roots, and now serves more than 2,700 students through a wide array of degree programs, including those in liberal arts, nursing and public administration.

Academics

KSU offers associate, baccalaureate and graduate degree programs through one school and four colleges, including the College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems; College of Business and Computer Science; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Professional Studies; and Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies. Undergraduate programs are available in areas such as nursing, social work, criminal justice, agriculture, liberal arts, psychology and teaching. Additionally, KSU offers five graduate degree programs: a Master of Science in Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Public Administration and Master of Arts in Special Education.

Admissions

All students applying to KSU may submit an application as early as September 1 the year before they wish to attend. The early application deadline is November 15, and all applications must be in by April 1 for fall semester consideration. Prospective freshmen must submit SAT or ACT scores, official high school transcripts or GED scores, and a school application. Students can request information on KSU's Advanced Placement Program to see if they qualify for advanced placement or credit in specific areas of study.

Each graduate program has different admission requirements, but requirements common to all programs include a $30 application fee, letter(s) of recommendation and official undergraduate transcripts. Some programs also require scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), while others only recommend them.

Of the approximately 10,300 applicants in 2011, 30% were admitted and 18% enrolled. In fall 2011, KSU reported a higher enrollment of female students than male (61% v. 39%) and 79% of students were enrolled full time.

Tuition & Financial Aid

For the 2012-2013 school year, tuition for undergraduate students was $3,048 per semester for Kentucky residents and $7,320 per semester for out-of-state students (per 12 credit hours, includes student fees). Students taking more than 12 credits per semester paid more depending on the number of credits, and those attending part-time paid per credit ($245 for in-state students and $610 for out-of-state students). Tuition for graduate students during this same school year was $387 per credit for Kentucky residents and $582 per credit for non-resident students. The cost of attendance increases depending on additional school and classroom fees, books and supplies and living arrangements. Room costs can vary depending on the type of room chosen, but students paid $1,670 per semester for a double room during the 2012 school year.

KSU offers a variety of financial aid options to help with the cost of attendance, including federal grants and loans, work studies and academic scholarships. Kentucky residents may be eligible for the state-funded College Access Program grant. KSU also awards several scholarships to students who have yet to earn a bachelor's degree. Numerous other scholarships from outside sources are also available for qualifying students.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY QUICK FACTS
School Type	4-year, public*
Degrees Offered	Associate, bachelor's, master's*
Religious Affiliation	None*
Academic Calendar	Semester***
School Setting	Urban***
Student Body	2,490 undergraduates and 256 graduates in 2011*
Student Housing	Full-time freshmen and sophomore students required to live on campus (some exceptions made); Seven residence halls**
ACADEMICS
Schools and Programs	Five colleges; more than 50 undergraduate programs and five graduate programs**
Student-Faculty Ratio	15 to 1*
Most Popular Fields of Study by Degree Level (Number of Recipients)	In 2011: Associate: Registered nursing (33) Bachelor's: Liberal arts and sciences/liberal studies (36) Master's: Special education and teaching(15)*
Undergraduate Graduation Rates	8% in four years, 23% in six years and 27% in eight years (for students who began in fall 2003)*
ADMISSIONS
Admission Rate	30% in 2011*
Entering Class Size	558 in fall 2011*
First-Year Retention Rates	50% for full-time and 11% for part-time students*
Average SAT and ACT Score of Admitted Students in fall 2011	SAT: 851 (combined score) ACT: 18 (composite score)**
Application Due Date	Early application for fall is November 15; final deadline is April 1**
Decision Notification Date	Three weeks from submission**
TUITION & FINANCIAL AID
Tuition (2012-2013)	Undergraduates: $3,048 for in-state students and $7,320 for out-of-state students (per 12 credit-semester, includes student fees)**
Financial Aid Sources Available (Percent of Students Receiving it)	In 2010-2011: Grant or scholarship aid (80%), state/local government grant or scholarships (26%), institutional grants or scholarships (50%), federal student loans (77%), other student loans (1%)*
Percent of Students Receiving Some Form of Aid	90% in 2010-2011*

Sources: *College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics, **Kentucky State University, ***U.S. News & World Report, College Rankings.

School Contact Information

Address: Office of Admissions, Kentucky State University, 400 East Main Street, ASB 312, Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 597-6813 / (877) 367-5978
Website: www.kysu.edu