Kentucky Christian University
Kentucky Christian University is a private nonprofit university in Grayson, KY ranked #816 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 429 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 60.9%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 86.1% first-year retention, and 36.7% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $24,038, about $7,040 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -58.5%, roughly 143.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $39,921. That's about $3,767 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Kentucky Christian University has an acceptance rate of 60.9%, annual tuition of $26,625, average net price of $24,038, and a national rank of #816 (Grade B), with a 36.7% six-year graduation rate, about 429 undergraduates, and median earnings of $39,921 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Kentucky Christian University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Kentucky Christian University graduates 36.7% of students within six years and keeps 86.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Kentucky Christian University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $26,625 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,800 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,948 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $40,168 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 43.1% of Kentucky Christian University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $23,241 to $24,116 depending on family income. Use Kentucky Christian University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,420/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,116/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $39,921
- 10-Year Median Earnings $39,921
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $8,510
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.6%
- Employment Rate 92.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Kentucky Christian University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Kentucky Christian University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Kentucky Christian University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Kentucky Christian University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Kentucky Christian University graduates earn $39,921 median, the -58.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 429
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 86.1%
- Graduation Rate 36.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Kentucky Christian University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Kentucky Christian University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 60.9%, Kentucky Christian University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 60.9% acceptance rate, Kentucky Christian University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Kentucky Christian University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Bible/Biblical Studies draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 25.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 19.6%
- Bible/Biblical Studies 13.4%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 9.8%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 8.0%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 7.1%
See more majors
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other 7.1%
- Social Work 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $79,646
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $48,794
- 3. Bible/Biblical Studies $44,805
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $41,673
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $105,037
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $79,646—91% more than Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other ($41,673). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $105,037 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Kentucky Christian University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)
- Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (11 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Work
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- History
- Biology, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 429
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 69.0%
- Female Students 31.0%
- Caucasian 63.6%
- Asian 0.0%
- Hispanic 8.6%
- Black 17.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 43.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Kentucky Christian University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Kentucky Christian University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Kentucky Christian University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Kentucky Christian University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Men make up 69.0% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Kentucky Christian University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Kentucky Christian University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Kentucky Christian University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -58.5% ROI. Ranked #816 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,038 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $39,921 median earnings. With 36.7% graduating within six years and 86.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Kentucky Christian University's Positioning
With a B grade and #816 ranking, Kentucky Christian University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,038 annually, Kentucky Christian University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 86.1% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,827 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -58.5% ROI and $39,921 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,038+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Kentucky Christian University ranks #816 of 6101 institutions, with 1333 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 36.7% six-year graduation rate sits 25.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.1% first-year retention is 9.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -58.5% return on investment is 143.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $39,921 run about 9% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,038 is roughly $6,641 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.9% employment rate within three years sits 24.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,038 is about $6,641 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Kentucky Christian University is a private nonprofit university based in Grayson, KY and earns a B overall grade. It holds a #816 national ranking Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
86.1% of learners come back after year one while 36.7% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -58.5% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $24,038 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $40,168.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $16,130 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $8,510 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 43.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $39,921 six years after entry. This is roughly 9% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 92.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -58.5%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
60.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Kentucky Christian University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kentucky Christian University's acceptance rate?
Kentucky Christian University's acceptance rate is 60.9%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Kentucky Christian University cost?
At Kentucky Christian University, listed tuition and fees are $26,625 per year, and the average net price after aid is $24,038. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Kentucky Christian University's ranking?
Kentucky Christian University ranks #816 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Kentucky Christian University's graduation rate?
At Kentucky Christian University, the six-year graduation rate is 36.7%, and first-year retention is 86.1%.
What are Kentucky Christian University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Kentucky Christian University report median earnings of $39,921 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Kentucky Christian University's student population?
Kentucky Christian University enrolls about 429 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Grayson, KY 41143-1199
- Website www.kcu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$7.3M