2023 Best MBA Programs in Kentucky

Compare MBA Degrees in Kentucky for 2023

Key Highlights:

• • Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Kentucky.

• • Detailed profiles of both online and on-campus MBA programs in Kentucky, their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks are included to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.

• • Insights into Kentucky's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.

Kentucky, known as the Bluegrass State, is home to a variety of flourishing industries. It's notably strong in the manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive manufacturing. For MBA graduates specializing in operations or supply chain management, there is a wealth of opportunities to lead or improve production processes.

The state is also renowned for its bourbon industry, which encompasses both manufacturing and tourism. An MBA with a focus on marketing or hospitality could provide the skills needed to succeed in this distinctive sector.

Healthcare is another significant industry in Kentucky, with several leading hospitals and health systems. Graduates with an MBA in healthcare administration could find ample opportunities in managing healthcare facilities or in strategic planning roles.

Lastly, Kentucky's vibrant logistics and distribution sector is fostered by the state's central location and developed infrastructure. This sector opens up opportunities for MBA graduates with a focus on logistics or supply chain management.

Compare MBA Program Averages Across

Kentucky, the U.S. and Online

Table of Best Ranked MBA Programs in Kentucky

What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary in Kentucky?

While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Kentucky is about $78,929, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $45,916 from Campbellsville University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $110,000 from Northern Kentucky University.

The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Kentucky is between $45,916 from Campbellsville University and $110,000 from Northern Kentucky University. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Kentucky is $81,513.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $78,929 from Kentucky's 9 In-Person MBA Programs
• Lowest In-Person: $45,916 from Campbellsville University
• Highest In-Person:$110,000 from Northern Kentucky University

Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $81,513 from Kentucky's 7 Online MBA Programs
• Lowest Online: $45,916 from Campbellsville University
• Highest Online: $110,000 from Northern Kentucky University

What is the Average Tuition for MBA Programs in Kentucky?
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it's best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

While the average in-person MBA program in Kentucky will cost about $23,187, the least expensive MBA program is $16,320 from Murray State University, and the most expensive is $36,941 from University of Kentucky.

An Online MBA program from an institution in Kentucky will cost you between $16,320 from Murray State University and $20,691 from Northern Kentucky University. The average cost of online MBA programs within Kentucky is $18,674.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $23,187 from Kentucky's 9 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: $16,320 from Murray State University
• Highest in-person: $36,941 from University of Kentucky

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $18,674 from Kentucky's 7 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: $16,320 from Murray State University
• Highest online: $20,691 from Northern Kentucky University

What is the ROI for MBA Programs in Kentucky?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school's reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you're not just making a decision—you're making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

While the average in-person MBA program ROI from Kentucky is 191%, the lowest ROI is 99% from University of Kentucky, and the best ROI is 266% from Northern Kentucky University.

The ROI from Online MBA programs in Kentucky range between 211% from Eastern Kentucky University and 266% from Northern Kentucky University. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Kentucky is 234%.

In-Person ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 191% from Kentucky's 9 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 99% from University of Kentucky
• Highest in-person: 266% from Northern Kentucky University

Online ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 234% from Kentucky's 7 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 211% from Eastern Kentucky University
• Highest online: 266% from Northern Kentucky University

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Kentucky?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in Kentucky is 529, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 460 from Bellarmine University, and the highest GMAT score needed is 600 from Northern Kentucky University.

The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Kentucky is between 460 from Bellarmine University to 600 from Northern Kentucky University. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Kentucky is 513.

Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: 529 from Kentucky's 9 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 460 from Bellarmine University
• Highest in-person: 600 from Northern Kentucky University

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs

• Average: 513 from Kentucky's 7 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 460 from Bellarmine University
• Highest online: 600 from Northern Kentucky University

Which MBA Schools Have the Highest Student Enrollment in Kentucky?

The importance of networking, whether it's by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Kentucky state's MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 21 and 203. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 15 and 679.

Average Enrollment for Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Lowest: 21 from Northern Kentucky University
• Highest: 203 from University of Kentucky
• Average: 79 from Kentucky's 11 MBA Programs.
• Average: 243 from 879 the nation's campus MBA Programs.

Average Enrollment for Score for Online MBA Programs

• Lowest: 21 from Northern Kentucky University
• Highest: 150 from Murray State University
• Average: 62 from Kentucky's 7 MBA Programs.
• Average: 201 from 327 nation's online MBA Programs.

What MBA Concentrations Available in Kentucky?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Kentucky businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 37 MBA concentrations including:

• Marketing: 11
• Finance: 10
• Management: 10
• Information Systems: 9
• Accounting: 8
• General Business: 8
• International Business: 7
• Supply Chain: 5
• Economics: 5
• Entrepreneurship: 4

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

• Morehead State University: 19
• Northern Kentucky University: 15
• University of Kentucky: 15
• Murray State University: 14
• Western Kentucky University: 12
• University of Louisville: 12
• Asbury University: 11
• Eastern Kentucky University: 8
• Bellarmine University: 7
• Campbellsville University: 5

The Importance of MBA Accreditation

The importance of accreditation can't be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

Cities Offering MBA Programs in Kentucky

Looking for a particular city in Kentucky with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in Kentucky. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.

• Bowling Green
• Highland Heights
• Lexington
• Louisville
• Morehead
• Murray
• Richmond

MBA Program Options Available in Kentucky

Options for earning your MBA in Kentucky have never been more flexible. Kentucky MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

Kentucky has 11 Accredited MBA programs. 1 private and 7 public schools offering MBA programs.

Kentucky has 7 public schools and 1 private schools offering MBA degree programs.

11 Accredited MBA programs.  and 7 public schools offering MBA programs.

Kentucky schools offer 9 different paths to earn your MBA in Kentucky including Online, Campus, Full-Time, 1-Year, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Off Campus, Part-Time and Partnership.

To meet the diverse needs of Kentucky businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 37 MBA concentrations to specialize in.

Awards for MBA Programs in Kentucky

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 11 accredited MBA programs offered in Kentucky, 8 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (MBAGuide, PQ, US News and BW) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

Kentucky schools have earned a total of 13 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:

• University of Kentucky: 4
• University of Louisville: 3
• Northern Kentucky University: 1
• Bellarmine University: 1
• Murray State University: 1
• Morehead State University: 1
• Western Kentucky University: 1
• Eastern Kentucky University: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for Kentucky schools:

• MBAGuide: 8
• US News: 2
• BW: 1