
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public, historically black, land-grant university in Frankfort, Kentucky. Founded in 1886, it is the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky. The university offers a range of academic programs, including associate, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees. As of 2024, Kentucky State University had approximately 1,932 undergraduate students enrolled. The university's campus covers 916 acres, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
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Kentucky State University opened in 1887 with 55 students
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public historically black university in Frankfort, Kentucky. Founded in 1886 as the State Normal School for Coloured Persons, it is the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky. The university was chartered in May 1886, during the centennial celebrations of Frankfort, when the city donated $1,500 towards the purchase of land for a new college.
The university formally opened on 11 October 1887, with 55 students, three teachers, and John H. Jackson as president. Recitation Hall, now known as Jackson Hall, was the college's first permanent building and was erected in the same year. In 1890, KSU became a land-grant college following the passage of the Morrill Land-Grant Acts, and new departments of home economics, agriculture, and mechanics were added to the school's curriculum. The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of that year.
Today, Kentucky State University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a total undergraduate enrollment of around 1,500 to 2,000 students, depending on the source and year. The university is divided into five colleges, with 4 associate degrees, 55 undergraduate degrees, and 6 postgraduate programs. The most popular bachelor's degree concentrations in 2022 were General Business Administration & Management, Physical Education Teaching & Coaching, and Liberal Arts & Sciences.
The university's athletic and recreational complex is named the Exum Center, after William Exum, the first African-American varsity football player at the University of Wisconsin. The marching band, named the Mighty Marching Thorobreds (MMT), is one of the largest student organizations on campus, with over 200 members.
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1,932 undergraduate students attended in 2024
As of 2024, Kentucky State University (KSU) welcomed 1,932 undergraduate students to its Frankfort campus. This number reflects the dedicated and diverse student body that makes up the heart of the university. With a rich history dating back to 1886, KSU has a long-standing tradition of providing quality education and a range of academic opportunities.
The student population at KSU is a vibrant community, with a variety of backgrounds and experiences that enrich the campus culture. The university offers a broad spectrum of academic programs, ensuring students can explore a diverse range of interests and passions. From science and technology to the arts and humanities, KSU's undergraduate programs cater to a wide array of academic pursuits.
The 1,932 undergraduate students are spread across various schools and departments, each offering specialized courses and a unique educational experience. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, KSU ensures that students receive a personalized education, benefiting from small class sizes and dedicated faculty attention. This allows for a more intimate learning environment, fostering greater engagement and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
KSU's undergraduate enrollment reflects a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. The university offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, ensuring that a quality education is within reach for all deserving students. With a focus on student success, KSU provides the resources and support to help undergraduates achieve their academic goals and graduate with the skills and knowledge to pursue their aspirations.
The university's undergraduate programs are designed to not only impart knowledge but also to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of social responsibility. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, KSU encourages undergraduates to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom through internships, research opportunities, and community engagement initiatives. This holistic approach to education prepares students for a rapidly changing world and empowers them to make a positive impact in their chosen fields.
As KSU moves forward, the university continues to prioritize student success and a transformative educational experience. The undergraduate enrollment of 1,932 students in 2024 is a testament to the university's enduring appeal and its ability to adapt to the needs and aspirations of each new generation. KSU remains dedicated to shaping the minds and shaping the future of its students, equipping them with the tools to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
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$46.8

1,546 students enrolled in the fall of 2023
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public historically black university in Frankfort, Kentucky. Founded in 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, it became a land-grant college in 1890. KSU is the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky. The university opened on October 11, 1887, with 55 students.
In the fall of 2023, 1,546 students were enrolled at KSU. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Colleges South, #41. Its in-state tuition and fees are $9,214; out-of-state tuition and fees are $13,260.
In 2022, the median undergraduate tuition at Kentucky State University was $7,854, which is $20,476 less than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges. After accounting for grants and loans, the average net price for students was $11,473. That year, 67% of undergraduate students at KSU received financial aid through grants, while 44% received financial aid through loans.
In 2022, the most popular bachelor's degree concentrations at Kentucky State University were General Business Administration & Management (with 31 degrees awarded), Physical Education Teaching & Coaching (15 degrees), and Liberal Arts & Sciences (14 degrees). The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was Black or African American (123 degrees awarded), followed by White (44 degrees).
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67% of undergrads received financial aid in 2022
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public, historically black university in Frankfort, Kentucky. It was founded in 1886 and has since grown to host 1,932 undergraduate students as of 2023. The undergraduate population is divided into four associate degrees, 55 undergraduate degrees, and six postgraduate programs.
In 2022, 67% of undergraduate students at KSU received financial aid through grants. This is a notable figure as it highlights the university's commitment to providing accessible education. Grants are typically need-based, and this high percentage indicates that KSU is actively supporting students who may face financial barriers to pursuing higher education. This statistic also draws attention to the broader issue of college affordability and the role of financial aid in ensuring equitable access to academic opportunities.
The average net price for students, after accounting for grants and loans, was $11,473 in 2022. This is significantly lower than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges, which had an average net price of $28,330. The relatively low cost of attendance at KSU, coupled with the availability of financial aid, makes the university a more affordable option for prospective students. This is particularly advantageous for students from low-income backgrounds or those who may not have the financial means to attend more expensive institutions.
The high percentage of students receiving financial aid also suggests that KSU may have a significant population of students with demonstrated financial need. This can impact the overall economic diversity of the student body and shape the university's social and economic character. It is important to note that the 67% figure only includes students who received grants, and there may be other students who received other forms of financial assistance, such as scholarships or work-study programs, which are not included in this specific statistic.
In conclusion, the fact that 67% of undergraduate students at Kentucky State University received financial aid in 2022 underscores the university's dedication to accessibility and its efforts to support students facing financial challenges. This statistic also highlights the critical role of financial aid in ensuring that higher education is within reach for a wider range of individuals. Understanding the financial landscape of KSU provides valuable insights into the university's commitment to inclusivity and the broader trends in college affordability.
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The most common degree in 2022 was in business administration
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public, historically black, land-grant university in Frankfort, Kentucky. Founded in 1886, it is the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky.
In 2022, the most common bachelor's degree awarded at Kentucky State University was in General Business Administration & Management, with 31 degrees conferred. This was followed by Physical Education Teaching & Coaching (15 degrees) and Liberal Arts & Sciences (14 degrees).
General Business Administration & Management was also the most common degree among male students, with 19 degrees awarded in this field in 2022. That year, the overall graduation rate for this degree was 1.12 times higher for men than for women.
The university offers a range of academic programs, including associate, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees. As of 2024, KSU had 1,932 undergraduate students, with African Americans comprising 81% of the undergraduate population. The university's campus spans 916 acres, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, there are 1,932 undergraduate students enrolled at Kentucky State University.
55 students were enrolled at Kentucky State University when it opened in 1887.
In 2022, 14 more women than men received degrees from Kentucky State University, with 123 degrees going to African Americans, the largest demographic graduating that year.





































