2024 Guide to Kentucky Private University Scholarships
Similar to our 2024 Guide to Kentucky Public Universities, our private university guide is as comprehensive as available as of February 2024.
The primary difference between public and private scholarships in Kentucky universities this year is that many private schools do not require ACT or SAT scores for scholarship eligibility. However, most private schools offer some or all tuition assistance via grants, aid, no-interest loans, or private and religious scholarships.
Private schools in Kentucky are also much smaller in student population than public universities, leading to a better student-professor ratio and more one-on-one attention.
Deciding which school is right for you can be a difficult choice, especially if you don’t know the area of study you’d like to pursue. All of the following schools have their own culture and specialties, and we highly suggest digging deeper if a particular school captures your attention.
This information is subject to change, as each school updates its information on its schedule. Please contact individual schools for scholarship requirements.
Alice Lloyd College
Campus Population, 2022: 570
Primary Campus: Pippa Passes
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: April 1, 2025
Scholarship/University Overview: Alice Lloyd College is the smallest private college in Kentucky, and awards tuition guarantees, regardless of income, for residents of 108 Appalachian counties for those eligible for admission. They are known for their Student Work Program and for the small community of Pippa Passes, population 582, which is almost equal to the student population.
Quick takeaway: Merit-based scholarships are available starting with ACT composite scores of 27 with a 3.5 GPA, but all students admitted receive some form of tuition guarantee.
Asbury University
Campus Population, 2022: 1,404
Primary Campus: Wilmore
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: February 1, 2025
Scholarship/University Overview: Asbury University is a non-denominational Christian school that aligns with the Wesleyan Holiness movement. The merit/GPA scholarship does not have an ACT requirement. Asbury has multiple levels of scholarships and financial aid.
Quick takeaway: The Asbury Honors College is open to applicants by invitation only, but there are multiple scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen. As of 2024, there is no ACT requirement for scholarships.
Bellarmine University
Campus Population, 2023: 2,343
Primary Campus: Louisville
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: December 1, 2024
Scholarship/University Overview: Bellarmine bills itself as the “Premier Catholic University in The South” and is located near downtown Louisville.
Quick takeaway: Bellarmine’s scholarship application process is unique, and offers an open application and a rigorous weekend competition that involves faculty interviews, a writing sample, and a roundtable discussion. The ACT does not appear to be a deciding factor for Bellarmine’s scholarships.
Berea College
Campus Population, 2023: 1,433
Primary Campus: Berea
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships:
Scholarship/University Overview: Berea College is the first integrated, co-educational college in the South, and has not charged tuition since 1892, and proudly only serves students with financial need.
Quick takeaway: With their “no tuition” model as one of the ten federally recognized Work Colleges in the US, the Quick Estimator is the place to start to determine your eligibility to attend Berea College tuition-free.
Campbellsville University
Campus Population, 2022: 4,666
Primary Campus: Campbellsville
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: December 31, 2024
Scholarship/University Overview: Campbellsville University is a Christian university and has multiple levels of both church-based and merit-based scholarships.
Quick takeaway: The Presidential Scholarship grants full tuition, room, and board to incoming applicants who meet ONE of the following requirements: a 25 composite ACT, a 3.5 GPA, or a ranking in the Top Ten in your high school class.
Centre College
Campus Population, 2022: 1,357
Primary Campus: Danville
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: January 15, 2025
Scholarship/University Overview: Centre accepts the Common App, and does not require a minimum ACT score for their scholarship applications. On March 8, 2024, Centre announced full-ride scholarships for all first-generation students.
Quick takeaway: Centre has multiple levels of scholarships including Merit Scholarships, Premier Scholarships, and Special Interests.
Georgetown College
Campus Population, 2023: 1,233
Primary Campus: Georgetown
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: Consideration with your application.
Scholarship/University Overview: Georgetown College was founded in 1829 and was the first Baptist college west of the Appalachians. There are multiple scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen.
Quick takeaway: Georgetown College doesn’t have a minimum ACT requirement for scholarships, but ACT scores are considered, along with GPAs, and recommendations.
In addition, Georgetown offers full-tuition scholarships to all students admitted who live in Scott, Owen, Casey, and Franklin Counties. This is called the “Legacy and Legends Scholarship.”
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Campus Population, 2023: 780
Primary Campus: Owensboro
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: Consideration with your application.
Scholarship/University Overview: All Kentucky Wesleyan incoming freshmen receive some aid and scholarships.
Quick takeaway: Although all incoming freshmen receive some level of scholarship, those levels vary widely. The two top scholarships cover full tuition for four years.
Lindsey Wilson College
Campus Population, 2023: 1,753
Primary Campus: Columbia
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: Consideration with your application.
Scholarship/University Overview: Linsey Wilson is a private, Methodist college that was founded in 1903 and primarily serves students in the South Central Kentucky area.
Quick takeaway: Lindsey Wilson College offers up to $16,000 for an ACT score of 21 and a 3.0 GPA.
Midway University
Campus Population, 2023: 1,663
Primary Campus: Midway
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: Contact Midway University for more information regarding scholarship deadlines.
Scholarship/University Overview: Midway is located on a 200-acre working horse farm 15 minutes outside of Lexington. They are known for the equine and nursing programs.
Quick takeaway: Multiple scholarships are available for incoming freshmen, and offer preview days where potential students can learn more about scholarship opportunities and degree programs.
Spalding University
Campus Population, 2023: 767
Primary Campus: Louisville
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: Consideration with your application.
Scholarship/University Overview: Spalding is located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city.
Quick takeaway: Some levels of scholarships are available to almost all incoming freshmen.
Transylvania University
Campus Population, 2023: 981
Primary Campus: Lexington
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: consideration with your application.
Scholarship/University Overview: ‘Transy’ is the oldest university in Kentucky, founded in 1780.
Quick takeaway: Transy offers great scholarships with ACT scores beginning at 21 with a 3.0 GPA.
Union College
Campus Population, 2023: 789
Primary Campus: Barbourville
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: On completing the FAFSA, all students are eligible for tuition scholarships.
Scholarship/University Overview: Union offers a unique scholarship for Kentucky residents with demonstrable need. All tuition will be covered, following grants and aid, through their Union Distinction scholarship.
Quick takeaway: Although a 2.0 GPA is required, there is no minimum ACT score required for this scholarship.
University of the Cumberlands
Campus Population, 2023: 5,174
Primary Campus: Williamsburg
Early Action Deadline for Fall 2025 Scholarships: With completion of FAFSA.
Scholarship/University Overview: Cumberland offers a unique “On Price Promise”, which means all books, fees, parking, and even meals are included in the tuition price.
Quick takeaway: In 2019, UCumberlands cut its tuition cost by 57%. Ninety-six percent of UCumberlands students receive financial aid. There is no minimum ACT requirement for enrollment, aid, or scholarships.
University of Pikeville
Campus Population, 2023: 1,950
Primary Campus: Pikeville, Kentucky
Scholarship Acceptance Deadline: varies based on scholarship level, February 14 for Presidential Fellow
University Overview: UPIKE is one of the newest state universities in Kentucky. They are known for their programs in nursing, optometry, and osteopathic medicine.
Quick takeaway: With a 28 ACT composite and a 3.75 GPA, incoming applicants can receive full tuition, room, and board.
