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Kentucky State University

Apply for first-year
Kentucky State University campus
Founded in 1886, Kentucky State University is a public, research-comprehensive, Historically Black, 1890 land-grant institution located in Frankfort, Kentucky, the state’s capital. The University is organized into three colleges and 11 academic schools, offering 61 degree programs, including a doctoral degree in nursing practice. Guided by a mission to provide transformative educational experiences and a vision to foster innovation and inspire leaders to advance the Commonwealth and the world, Kentucky State pairs personal attention with hands-on learning, applied research, and impactful community engagement. Top majors include Business Administration, Nursing, Psychology, Physical Education, Agriculture, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, and Biology. Aquaculture and aquatic science are signature strengths — recognized as a Program of Distinction — and Kentucky State offers more online aquaculture courses than any university in the United States. The University recently added a B.S. in Aquatic Science and a B.A. in Public Policy, and in Fall 2025 launched interdisciplinary Biological and Agricultural Engineering programs — expanding career pathways in high-demand fields shaped by emerging workforce needs.
Accepts first-year applicationsSouthPublicSuburbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed
Virtual Tour

Academic programs

  • Engineering
  • Science
  • Business
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Social Science
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Public health

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Greek Life
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • ROTC Program
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Distance/online learning

Application information

First-year

First-year applicants are students who have not been admitted to a degree program at Kentucky State University or any other college after high school graduation, including dual-enrollment students who have not yet earned a diploma. To apply, submit the Common Application and an official high school transcript with courses listed and a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher. ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission; if submitted, they are reviewed for placement and scholarship eligibility (18 ACT composite or 960+ SAT).

Transfer

Kentucky State University welcomes transfer applicants who have enrolled in college after high school graduation and wish to continue their education. Submit official transcripts from each institution attended. For admission, we review your postsecondary academic record. Applicants with 24+ transferable credit hours must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA from a regionally accredited institution. If you have fewer than 24 credits, you must also meet first-year requirements, be eligible to return in good standing, and submit a final high school transcript. ACT/SAT scores aren’t required; if submitted, they support placement and scholarship review.

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Additional information

Kentucky State University offers competitive academic and need-based scholarships to recognize academic excellence and help students afford college. Scholarship applications are reviewed as funds are available; priority deadlines are January 15 for incoming freshmen and April 1 for incoming transfers. Scholarships may be renewable when renewal requirements are met. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in food, agriculture, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines should also explore the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program—a rare full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, fees, books, and room and board, and includes a paid summer internship and a potential career pathway with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Visit us

Visit Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, the state capital, and see what it means to learn in a close-knit, student-centered environment. Campus tours are available by reservation Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each visit includes an information session and a guided walking tour. To schedule a visit, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@kysu.edu or (502) 597-6813.

Kentucky State is a research-comprehensive university where students acquire more than knowledge—they build confidence and deepen understanding through transformative, hands-on learning. Guided by strong majors in the liberal arts and sciences and new programs in high-demand fields, we prepare students to lead and serve through faculty mentorship, applied research, and meaningful community engagement.