
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public historically black university in Frankfort, Kentucky. Founded in 1886, the university has grown significantly since its early days. The university's first graduating class in 1890 consisted of just five students, while recent figures show that in 2024, the university had 1,932 undergraduate students enrolled. The university offers a range of degree programs, with the most popular bachelor's degree concentrations in 2022 being General Business Administration & Management, Physical Education Teaching & Coaching, and Liberal Arts & Sciences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1886 |
| Setting | Urban |
| Campus size | 916 acres |
| Total undergraduate enrollment | 1,546 (as of fall 2023) |
| Number of colleges | 5 |
| Number of associate degrees | 4 |
| Number of undergraduate degrees | 55 |
| Number of postgraduate programs | 6 |
| Number of students at founding | 55 |
| Number of first graduating class | 5 |
| Number of degrees awarded in General Business Administration & Management in 2022 | 31 |
| Number of degrees awarded in Physical Education Teaching & Coaching in 2022 | 15 |
| Number of degrees awarded in Liberal Arts & Sciences in 2022 | 14 |
| Percentage of Black or African American degree recipients in 2022 | 39.6% |
| Median undergraduate tuition (as of 2022) | $7,854 |
| Average net price for students (including grants and loans) (as of 2022) | $11,473 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Kentucky State University's undergraduate enrollment in 2023 was 1,546
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public, historically black, land-grant university in Frankfort, Kentucky. Founded in 1886 as the State Normal School for Coloured Persons, it became a land-grant college in 1890. KSU is the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky. The university formally opened in October 1887 with 55 students.
KSU offers four associate degrees, 55 undergraduate degrees, and six postgraduate programs. As of 2024, the university had 1,932 undergraduate students, 81% of whom were African American.
In the fall of 2023, KSU's undergraduate enrollment was 1,546. The university's campus size is 916 acres, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
In 2022, the median undergraduate tuition at Kentucky State University was $7,854, which is significantly lower than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges. That year, 67% of undergraduate students at KSU received financial aid through grants, and 44% received aid through loans.
Explore Student Organizations at Chapman University
You may want to see also
Explore related products

In 2024, the number rose to 1,932
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public, historically black, land-grant 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. In 1929, the high school was discontinued by President Rufus B. Atwood, as students were now entering college with a high school education. The university's name has evolved over time, previously known as the Kentucky State College for Negroes from 1938 to 1952, when the term "for Negroes" was dropped.
The university's student body is diverse, with African Americans comprising 81% of the undergraduate population in 2024. This reflects the university's longstanding dedication to serving the educational needs of the African American community. The university has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing access to higher education for underrepresented groups. The current enrollment numbers reflect the university's success in attracting and supporting a diverse student body.
Kentucky State University also offers a range of extracurricular activities to enrich the student experience. The university's athletic teams, known as the Thorobreds, participate in Division II of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The university offers a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, and indoor and outdoor track and field for men, while women can participate in basketball, cross-country, indoor and outdoor track and field, softball, and volleyball.
The university's library, the Paul G. Blazer Library, constructed in 1960, is a valuable resource for students. It houses a collection of over 700,000 items, including books, videos, microforms, sound recordings, and more, to support the research and academic endeavours of the students. The library's extensive resources contribute to the academic experience and provide valuable opportunities for learning and exploration beyond the classroom.
Cincinnati Students: Who Receives Financial Aid?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

81% of students in 2024 were African American
Kentucky State University (KSU) is a public, historically black, land-grant 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's first permanent building, Recitation Hall (now Jackson Hall), opened in 1887, along with 55 students. In 1929, the high school was discontinued by president Rufus B. Atwood, as students were now entering college with a high school education. In 1938, the school was renamed the Kentucky State College for Negroes, and in 1952, the term "for Negroes" was dropped. In 1972, Kentucky State College became Kentucky State University.
As of 2024, Kentucky State University had 1,932 undergraduate students, 81% of whom were African American. This continues the university's long history as a historically black institution. In 2022, the most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients at Kentucky State University was Black or African American (123 degrees awarded). There were 2.8 times more Black or African American recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, White (44 degrees).
The university offers a range of degree programs, including four associate degrees, 55 undergraduate degrees, and six postgraduate programs. The most popular bachelor's degree concentrations in 2022 were General Business Administration & Management (31 degrees awarded), Physical Education Teaching & Coaching (15 degrees), and Liberal Arts & Sciences (14 degrees). The university also offers five liberal study degrees through the Whitney Young School (WYS) of Honors and Liberal Studies, which includes a Honors Program, an Integrative Studies Program, and an International Studies Program.
Why Private Universities Want In-State Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products

In 2022, 14 more women than men received degrees
Kentucky State University, a historically black college located in Frankfort, has a rich history dating back to 1886. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its diverse and inclusive community. As of 2022, the total enrollment at Kentucky State University stands at 1,669 students, with a relatively even gender distribution. In terms of degree programs, the university conferred 206 degrees in 2022, with a breakdown that offers insight into the school's graduating class.
Of the 206 degrees conferred, 111 were awarded to women, while 97 were granted to men. This equates to a difference of 14, indicating that in 2022, 14 more women than men received degrees from Kentucky State University. This disparity can be attributed to various factors, including the specific programs and majors offered by the university, as well as broader trends in college enrollment and completion rates between genders.
It is worth noting that the gender distribution of degrees varies across different academic disciplines. For example, in fields such as education and the arts, women tend to outnumber men in terms of degree attainment. In contrast, men may outnumber women in areas like engineering or computer science. Societal factors, individual interests, and cultural influences can all play a role in shaping these trends within specific academic fields.
The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident, and the graduation statistics reflect this. The 14-student difference in degree attainment between genders is a relatively small margin, and it suggests that Kentucky State University is fostering an environment where students of all genders can pursue their academic goals and succeed. This balance is essential for creating a vibrant and inclusive campus community.
While the focus here is on the gender breakdown, it is also worth considering other demographic factors that may influence degree attainment. For instance, racial and ethnic diversity among graduates is another important aspect to examine. Understanding the distribution of degrees across different racial and ethnic groups can provide a more comprehensive picture of equity and representation within higher education.
Exploring Enrollment: Northwestern University's Student Population
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$6.49

The median undergraduate tuition in 2022 was $7,854
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 variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,546 students as of fall 2023.
The median undergraduate tuition for the fall 2022 semester at Kentucky State University was $7,854. This tuition fee is significantly lower than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges, which stands at $28,330. By choosing to study at Kentucky State University, students can benefit from a more affordable education without compromising on the quality of their academic pursuits.
The tuition cost at Kentucky State University for the 2022 academic year was almost $20,500 less than the overall national average for public and private Baccalaureate Colleges. This significant difference in tuition fees makes Kentucky State University an attractive option for students seeking a cost-effective higher education alternative. It is worth noting that the university's in-state tuition and fees for the same year were $9,214, while out-of-state students had to pay $13,260.
In addition to its affordable tuition, Kentucky State University provides financial aid to a substantial proportion of its undergraduate students. In 2022, 67% of undergraduate students received financial assistance through grants, and 44% benefited from loans. After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students to attend Kentucky State University was $11,473 in 2022. This net price represents the actual cost to students after factoring in the financial aid they receive.
The university's commitment to offering accessible and affordable education is evident through its combination of low tuition fees and financial aid opportunities. This approach helps ensure that a college education is within reach for a wider range of students, regardless of their financial backgrounds. As a result, Kentucky State University plays a vital role in promoting educational opportunities and empowering individuals to pursue their academic goals.
Canadian Student Visa: University Fees and Funding
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, there are 1,932 undergraduate students enrolled at Kentucky State University.
Kentucky State University first opened in 1887 with 55 students.
As of Fall 2023, there are 1,546 students enrolled in the university's undergraduate programs.










































