Popular Sections for Kentucky MBA Students
Interactive Table | Best MBAs Detail | Tuition | Salary | ROI | Average GMAT | No GMAT / GRE | How We Rank
Executive Summary MBA Programs in Kentucky for 2025
$24,911
Average MBA Tuition in Kentucky
$73,870
Average Starting MBA Salary in Kentucky
556
Average GMAT Scores in Kentucky
2,225
Average Student Enrollment in Kentucky
Key Highlights:
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- Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Kentucky.
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- Detailed profiles of 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.
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- Insights into Kentucky's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.
Top 5 Industries and Companies Hiring MBA Graduates in Kentucky
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.
| Major Industries in Kentucky | Relevance to MBA Students |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | A great fit for those specializing in operations or supply chain management. |
| Bourbon and Tourism | Opportunities for those with a focus on marketing or hospitality. |
| Healthcare | Suitable for graduates with an MBA in healthcare administration. |
| Logistics and Distribution | A sector open to MBA graduates focused on logistics or supply chain management. |
| Top Hiring Companies in Kentucky | Why Work There |
|---|---|
| Ford Motor Company | An iconic brand offering opportunities in operations, marketing, and strategic planning. |
| Humana Inc. | A leading health insurance provider with roles in healthcare administration and strategy. |
| Yum! Brands Inc. | A global company offering roles in marketing, strategy, and operations. |
| GE Appliances | A world leader in appliance manufacturing with opportunities in operations management, marketing, and more. |
| UPS Worldport | One of the largest package handling facilities in the world, offering roles in operations, logistics, and strategy. |
Sortable Table of the Top AACSB Accredited MBA Programs in Kentucky
Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best MBA programs by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Kentucky. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.
| Rank | University | Avg. Graduate ROI | Avg. In State Tuition | Avg. Starting Salary | State | Campus and Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murray State University | 211.00% | $18,180 | $38,473 | KY | Yes |
| 2 | University of Kentucky | 336.00% | $33,264 | $112,000 | KY | Yes |
| 3 | Northern Kentucky University | 380.00% | $20,097 | $77,987 | KY | Yes |
| 4 | Morehead State University | 334.00% | $18,360 | $61,500 | KY | Yes |
| 5 | University of Louisville | 218.00% | $38,500 | $84,000 | KY | Yes |
| 6 | Western Kentucky University | 392.00% | $18,210 | $62,000 | KY | Yes |
| 7 | Bellarmine University | 245.00% | $30,600 | $75,000 | KY | No |
| 8 | Eastern Kentucky University | 362.00% | $22,077 | $80,000 | KY | Yes |
10 Best Ranked MBA Programs in Kentucky
Murray State University
The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business
Location:
- Murray
,
- KY
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Distance Education
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Finance
- General Business
- Information Systems
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Supply Chain
University of Kentucky
Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics
Location:
- Lexington
,
- KY
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business and Accounting
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Doctoral
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- 1-Year
- ·
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Partnership
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Other
- Supply Chain
Northern Kentucky University
HAILE College of Business
Location:
- Highland Heights
,
- KY
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Other
- Science and Technology
- Sports Management
- Supply Chain
Morehead State University
Elmer R. Smith College of Business & Technology
Location:
- Morehead
,
- KY
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Distance Education
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Healthcare Administration
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
University of Louisville
College of Business
Location:
- Louisville
,
- KY
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business and Accounting
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Doctoral
- ·
- E-MBA
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Partnership
- ·
- Weekends
- Entrepreneurship
- General Business
- Management
Western Kentucky University
Gordon Ford College of Business
Location:
- Bowling Green
,
- KY
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business and Accounting
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- 1-Year
- ·
- Campus
- ·
- Distance Education
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Communications
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Supply Chain
Campbellsville University
School of Business, Economics, and Technologyl of Business, Economics, and Technology
Location:
- Campbellsville
,
- KY
Control: Private
Accredited: AACSB
Degree Level(s):
Offered As:
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Marketing
Bellarmine University
W. Fielding Rubel School of Business
Location:
- Louisville
,
- KY
Control: Private
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- E-MBA
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Finance
- General Business
Eastern Kentucky University
College of Business
Location:
- Richmond
,
- KY
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Finance
- General Business
- Insurance
- Management
- Marketing
Thomas More College
School of Business
Location:
- Crestview Hills
,
- KY
Control: Private, not-for-profit
Accredited: AACSB
Degree Level(s):
Offered As:
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
Asbury University
Dayton School of Business
Location:
- Wilmore
,
- KY
Control: Private
Accredited: AACSB
Degree Level(s):
Offered As:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Health Care Management
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Science and Technology
- Supply Chain
Compare MBA Program Averages in 2025
Kentucky, the U.S. and Online
| Averages | Kentucky MBA Programs | Online MBA Programs | MBA Programs Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average MBA Tuition | $24,911 | $76,119 | $85,145 |
| Average Graduate Salary | $73,870 | $82,169 | $85,550 |
| Average ROI | 224% | 196% | 185% |
| Average GMAT Scores | 541 | 561 | 567 |
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 $24,911, the least expensive MBA program is $18,180 from Murray State University, and the most expensive is $38,500 from University of Louisville.
An Online MBA program from an institution in Kentucky will cost you between $18,180 from Murray State University and $38,500 from University of Louisville. The average cost of online MBA programs within Kentucky is $24,098.
Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs
Average: $24,911 from Kentucky’s 8 in-person MBA Programs
Lowest in-person: $18,180 from Murray State University
Highest in-person: $38,500 from University of Louisville
Most Affordable MBAs in Kentucky
- Murray State University - $18,180.00
- Western Kentucky University - $18,210.00
- Morehead State University - $18,360.00
- Northern Kentucky University - $20,097.00
- Eastern Kentucky University - $22,077.00
- Bellarmine University - $30,600.00
- University of Kentucky - $33,264.00
- University of Louisville - $38,500.00
Most Expensive MBAs in Kentucky
- University of Louisville - $38,500.00
- University of Kentucky - $33,264.00
- Bellarmine University - $30,600.00
- Eastern Kentucky University - $22,077.00
- Northern Kentucky University - $20,097.00
- Morehead State University - $18,360.00
- Western Kentucky University - $18,210.00
- Murray State University - $18,180.00
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 $73,870, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $38,473 from Murray State University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $112,000 from University of Kentucky.
The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Kentucky is between $38,473 from Murray State University and $112,000 from University of Kentucky. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Kentucky is $73,709.
Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs
- Average: $73,870 from Kentucky’s 8 In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest In-Person: $38,473 from Murray State University
- Highest In-Person:$112,000 from University of Kentucky
Schools with the Highest Graduate MBA Salaries in Kentucky
- University of Kentucky - $112,000.00
- University of Louisville - $84,000.00
- Eastern Kentucky University - $80,000.00
- Northern Kentucky University - $77,987.00
- Bellarmine University - $75,000.00
- Western Kentucky University - $62,000.00
- Morehead State University - $61,500.00
- Murray State University - $38,473.00
Schools with the Lowest Graduate MBA Salaries in Kentucky
- Murray State University - $38,473.00
- Morehead State University - $61,500.00
- Western Kentucky University - $62,000.00
- Bellarmine University - $75,000.00
- Northern Kentucky University - $77,987.00
- Eastern Kentucky University - $80,000.00
- University of Louisville - $84,000.00
- University of Kentucky - $112,000.00
What is the Average 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 224%, the lowest ROI is 43% from Murray State University, and the best ROI is 449% from Western Kentucky University.
The ROI from Online MBA programs in Kentucky range between 43% from Murray State University and 449% from Western Kentucky University. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Kentucky is 246%.
In-Person ROI for MBA Programs
- Average: 224% from Kentucky’s 8 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 43% from Murray State University
- Highest in-person: 449% from Western Kentucky University
Highest ROI for MBA Programs in Kentucky
- Western Kentucky University - 392.00%
- Northern Kentucky University - 380.00%
- Eastern Kentucky University - 362.00%
- University of Kentucky - 336.00%
- Morehead State University - 334.00%
- Bellarmine University - 245.00%
- University of Louisville - 218.00%
- Murray State University - 211.00%
Lowest ROI for MBA Programs in Kentucky
- Murray State University - 211.00%
- University of Louisville - 218.00%
- Bellarmine University - 245.00%
- Morehead State University - 334.00%
- University of Kentucky - 336.00%
- Eastern Kentucky University - 362.00%
- Northern Kentucky University - 380.00%
- Western Kentucky University - 392.00%
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 541, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 455 from Western Kentucky University, and the highest GMAT score needed is 623 from University of Kentucky.
The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Kentucky is between 473 from Western Kentucky University to 623 from University of Kentucky. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Kentucky is 553.
Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs
- Average: 541 from Kentucky’s 8 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 455 from Western Kentucky University
- Highest in-person: 623 from University of Kentucky
Lowest GMAT Scores in Kentucky
- Western Kentucky University - 473
- Eastern Kentucky University - 510
- Northern Kentucky University - 541
- University of Louisville - 553
- Bellarmine University - 580
- Morehead State University - 580
- Murray State University - 593
- University of Kentucky - 615
Highest GMAT Scores in Kentucky
- University of Kentucky - 615
- Murray State University - 593
- Bellarmine University - 580
- Morehead State University - 580
- University of Louisville - 553
- Northern Kentucky University - 541
- Eastern Kentucky University - 510
- Western Kentucky University - 473
No GMAT or GRE – Best MBA Programs in Kentucky
MBA Schools with the Most Alumni 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 10 and 292. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 6.00 and : 907.00.
Average Enrollment for In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest: 10 from Morehead State University
- Highest: 292 from Murray State University
- Average: 142 from Kentucky’s 8 MBA Programs.
- Average: 296 from 511 the nation’s campus MBA Programs.
Schools with the Lowest Student Enrollment in Kentucky
- Murray State University - 292
- Northern Kentucky University - 271
- University of Kentucky - 203
- Bellarmine University - 106
- Western Kentucky University - 59
- Eastern Kentucky University - 55
- Morehead State University - 10
MBA Programs with the Highest Student Enrollment in Kentucky
- Morehead State University - 10
- Eastern Kentucky University - 55
- Western Kentucky University - 59
- Bellarmine University - 106
- University of Kentucky - 203
- Northern Kentucky University - 271
- Murray State University - 292
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 21 MBA concentrations including:
- General Business: 8
- Accounting: 7
- Finance: 7
- Corporate Finance: 7
- Management: 7
- Marketing: 6
- Supply Chain: 4
- Entrepreneurship: 4
- Data Analytics: 4
- Global Management: 3
What Schools Offer the Widest Variety of MBA Concentrations in Kentucky?
- Northern Kentucky University: 16
- Western Kentucky University: 13
- University of Kentucky: 13
- Murray State University: 10
- Morehead State University: 9
- Eastern Kentucky University: 7
- Bellarmine University: 4
- University of Louisville: 3
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.
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.
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 8 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.
8 Accredited MBA programs. and 7 public schools offering MBA programs.
Kentucky schools offer 10 different paths to earn your MBA in Kentucky including Campus, Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, Evenings, Weekends, Off Campus, Distance Education, 1-Year 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 21 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 8 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
How We Rank the Best MBA Programs in Kentucky
MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.
Best MBA Programs by State: Online and In-Person
Alabama – Online | In-Person
Alaska – Online | In-Person
Arizona – Online | In-Person
Arkansas – Online | In-Person
California – Online | In-Person
Colorado – Online | In-Person
Connecticut – Online | In-Person
Delaware – Online | In-Person
Florida – Online | In-Person
Georgia – Online | In-Person
Hawaii – Online | In-Person
Idaho – Online | In-Person
Illinois – Online | In-Person
Indiana – Online | In-Person
Iowa – Online | In-Person
Kansas – Online | In-Person
Kentucky – Online | In-Person
Louisiana – Online | In-Person
Maine – Online | In-Person
Maryland – Online | In-Person
Massachusetts – Online | In-Person
Michigan – Online | In-Person
Minnesota – Online | In-Person
Mississippi – Online | In-Person
Missouri – Online | In-Person
Montana – Online | In-Person
Nebraska – Online | In-Person
Nevada – Online | In-Person
New Hampshire – Online | In-Person
New Jersey – Online | In-Person
New Mexico – Online | In-Person
New York – Online | In-Person
North Carolina – Online | In-Person
North Dakota – Online | In-Person
Ohio – Online | In-Person
Oklahoma – Online | In-Person
Oregon – Online | In-Person
Pennsylvania – Online | In-Person
Rhode Island – Online | In-Person
South Carolina – Online | In-Person
South Dakota – Online | In-Person
Tennessee – Online | In-Person
Texas – Online | In-Person
Utah – Online | In-Person
Vermont – Online | In-Person
Virginia – Online | In-Person
Washington – Online | In-Person
West Virginia – Online | In-Person
Wisconsin – Online | In-Person
Wyoming – Online | In-Person
District of Columbia – Online | In-Person
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), 520 MBA Schools, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you notice errors in the MBA program database, please contact us.
Find: MBA Programs in Kentucky | Online MBA Programs in Kentucky Rankings: MBA Program Rankings | Online MBA Program Rankings Guides: Guide to Earning an Online MBA | Guide to Earning an MBA Concentrations: Online MBA Concentrations | Campus MBA Concentrations