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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Kentucky
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Kentucky? Our ranking highlights 88 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Trade College evaluated 32 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Kentucky
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Elizabethtown Community And Technical College, our #1 best-value Trade school in Kentucky. Set in Elizabethtown, KY, Elizabethtown Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Elizabethtown Community And Technical College Trade students take on a median of $12,245 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,143. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Elizabethtown Community And Technical College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bluegrass Community And Technical College earned it the #2 place in Kentucky. Located in Lexington, KY, Bluegrass Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,808, compared with $6,512 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $13,366. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,343 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,366 median debt. Read the full report on Bluegrass Community And Technical College
Out of the 32 schools in Kentucky in this year's value ranking, Madisonville Community College landed the #3 spot. Located in Madisonville, KY, Madisonville Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Students borrow a median of $10,985 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $35,733 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,985 median debt. More on Madisonville Community College
A rank of #4 makes Jefferson Community And Technical College one of the best values in Kentucky. Based in Louisville, KY, Jefferson Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,808, compared with $6,512 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $13,917. Jefferson Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,171 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,917 median debt. Get the full Jefferson Community And Technical College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Somerset Community College earned it the #5 place in Kentucky. Set in Somerset, KY, Somerset Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. The median Trade program debt is $13,722. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,787. That is a strong return on a $13,722 median debt. Read the full report on Somerset Community College
Gateway Community And Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Florence, KY, Gateway Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Gateway Community And Technical College Trade students take on a median of $11,611 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,147 ten years out. Set against $11,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gateway Community And Technical College report
West Kentucky Community And Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. West Kentucky Community And Technical College is a public school based in Paducah, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Students borrow a median of $10,778 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,891. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on West Kentucky Community And Technical College
Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College is a public school based in Bowling Green, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Graduates carry a median of $12,068 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,242. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College
Ashland Community And Technical College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Ashland, KY, Ashland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,485 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,504. Set against $13,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Ashland Community And Technical College
Maysville Community And Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Maysville, KY. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Maysville Community And Technical College Trade students take on a median of $13,031 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,194 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,031 median debt. More on Maysville Community And Technical College
Hopkinsville Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Hopkinsville, KY, Hopkinsville Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Typical Trade student debt is $13,269. Hopkinsville Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,323 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,269 median debt. See the full Hopkinsville Community College profile
Henderson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Henderson, KY, Henderson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. The median Trade program debt is $13,528. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,714 ten years after entry. Set against $13,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Henderson Community College
Murray State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Murray State University is a public school based in Murray, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. The median Trade program debt is $23,420. Murray State University alumni report median earnings of $44,737 a decade after entry. Set against $23,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Murray State University
Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College landed the #14 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College is a public school based in Cumberland, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Students borrow a median of $9,687 to complete their Trade program here. Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $29,482 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southeast Kentucky Community And Technical College profile
Big Sandy Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Prestonsburg, KY, Big Sandy Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,588 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,954. That is a strong return on a $11,588 median debt. More on Big Sandy Community And Technical College
Owensboro Community And Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Owensboro Community And Technical College is a public school based in Owensboro, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Typical Trade student debt is $9,098. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Owensboro Community And Technical College
Hazard Community And Technical College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hazard, KY, Hazard Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Hazard Community And Technical College Trade students take on a median of $12,212 in debt. Median earnings reach $29,868 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,212 median debt. Get the full Hazard Community And Technical College report
Eastern Kentucky University landed the #18 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school based in Richmond, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. Students borrow a median of $25,122 to complete their Trade program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,795 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,122 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Eastern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Highland Heights, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. The median Trade program debt is $25,572. Northern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $50,220 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,572 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete their Trade program here. Median earnings reach $43,889 ten years out. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Western Kentucky University
Morehead State University landed the #21 spot for value in Kentucky this year. This public school is set in Morehead, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Graduates carry a median of $25,896 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,197. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morehead State University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Morehead State University profile
University Of Kentucky came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Typical Trade student debt is $24,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,875. Students borrow a median of $22,868 to complete their Trade program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,036. That is a strong return on a $22,868 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of The Cumberlands
University Of Louisville offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. University Of Louisville is a public school based in Louisville, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. The median Trade program debt is $21,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,899. Set against $21,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on University Of Louisville
Sullivan University landed the #25 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Sullivan University is a private for-profit school based in Louisville, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $28,394 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,008. Set against $28,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sullivan University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Kentucky
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Beckfield College Florence offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Florence, KY, Beckfield College Florence is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,295. Graduates carry a median of $32,450 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,114 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,450 median debt. Read more about Beckfield College Florence
National College Lexington came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pikeville, KY, National College Lexington is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,484. Typical Trade student debt is $22,431. Median earnings reach $28,188 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full National College Lexington report
Spalding University landed the #28 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Spalding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Louisville, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,000. The median Trade program debt is $29,862. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,438. Set against $29,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Spalding University
Campbellsville University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Campbellsville University is a private not-for-profit school based in Campbellsville, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,998. The median Trade program debt is $24,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,583. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Campbellsville University
Bellarmine University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,770. Typical Trade student debt is $26,766. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,069 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,766 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bellarmine University report
Union College Kentucky placed #32 among the best-value Trade schools in Kentucky. Located in Barbourville, KY, Union College Kentucky is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,946. Typical Trade student debt is $27,852. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,002 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Union College Kentucky report
Transylvania University placed #32 among the best-value Trade schools in Kentucky. Get the full Transylvania University report
Paul Mitchell The School Lexington landed the #33 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Read more about Paul Mitchell The School Lexington
Regina Webb Academy came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. See the full Regina Webb Academy profile
Empire Beauty School Florence came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Empire Beauty School Florence
Thomas More College landed the #36 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Read the full report on Thomas More College
Georgetown College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. See the full Georgetown College profile
Ross Medical Education Center Bowling Green landed the #38 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Get the full Ross Medical Education Center Bowling Green report
Ideal Beauty Academy Louisville placed #39 among the best-value Trade schools in Kentucky. Read the full report on Ideal Beauty Academy Louisville
Lindsey Institute Of Cosmetology came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. More on Lindsey Institute Of Cosmetology
Summit Salon Academy Lexington came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Summit Salon Academy Lexington report
American College Of Barbering came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read more about American College Of Barbering
South Eastern Beauty Academy offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Get the full South Eastern Beauty Academy report
Berea College
Berea College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read the full report on Berea College
Brown Mackie College Hopkinsville landed the #45 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Get the full Brown Mackie College Hopkinsville report
Galen College Of Nursing Louisville came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. More on Galen College Of Nursing Louisville
Berea Beauty Academy placed #47 among the best-value Trade schools in Kentucky. Read the full report on Berea Beauty Academy
Appalachian Beauty School came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Appalachian Beauty School
Lexington Theological Seminary landed the #49 spot for value in Kentucky this year. Get the full Lexington Theological Seminary report
Pikeville College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Pikeville College
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 32 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 88 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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