
400 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA


Kentucky State University was founded in 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, established to provide educational opportunities for African Americans during a time of segregation. The institution initially focused on teacher training but gradually expanded its academic offerings. In 1902, it was renamed the Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute for Colored Persons, reflecting a broader emphasis on industrial and agricultural education in addition to teacher preparation.
Over the following decades, the university underwent several name changes as its mission and academic scope evolved. By 1938, it was designated Kentucky State College, signifying its development into a four-year degree-granting institution. The university gained full university status in 1972, adopting the name Kentucky State University to acknowledge its widened curriculum and enrollment.
Throughout its history, Kentucky State University has played a significant role in providing higher education to African American students in Kentucky and beyond, steadily transforming from a normal school into a comprehensive university with diverse programs. This legacy positions the university as a historically black institution dedicated to expanding access to quality education.
Kentucky State University offers a range of academic programs organized into distinct faculties and departments designed to cater to various student interests and career goals. The institution's primary academic divisions provide specialized training in key areas, supporting students in gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems focuses on disciplines related to agricultural practices, food science innovations, and environmental sustainability. This college prepares students for careers addressing challenges in food production and natural resource management.
The College of Arts and Sciences encompasses departments that cover the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It aims to nurture critical thinking, cultural understanding, and scientific inquiry, equipping students with a broad liberal arts foundation.
The College of Business Administration and Computer Science integrates studies in business principles and computational technologies, offering programs that prepare students for dynamic roles in commerce, finance, and information technology sectors.
Additionally, the College of Professional Studies provides career-focused education in education, health sciences, and social work. This division emphasizes practical experience and professional development to meet workforce demands in these essential fields.
Kentucky State University is situated in Frankfort, Kentucky, with its main campus located at 400 East Main Street, ZIP code 40601. The university resides in the Blue Grass region, which is known for its distinctive landscape and historical significance.
Frankfort, the state capital, offers a moderate urban environment conducive to student life and learning. The city's setting provides convenient access to various state government offices and cultural resources that may enhance the educational experience. Prospective students can reach the university by contacting the main office at the local area code 597-6000.
Kentucky State University aims to provide a transformative educational experience that prepares students for success in a diverse and changing world. The institution focuses on fostering academic excellence, leadership development, and social responsibility through a comprehensive curriculum and supportive environment. It emphasizes lifelong learning and community engagement as essential components of its educational approach.
The university's vision centers on becoming a nationally recognized institution committed to innovation in teaching and research. It strives to cultivate an inclusive campus culture that encourages intellectual growth and critical thinking, equipping students to address complex global challenges with integrity and creativity.
By prioritizing student achievement and personal development, Kentucky State University seeks to empower learners to become productive citizens and leaders in their chosen fields. Its educational mission is grounded in providing access to quality higher education while promoting ethical values and a commitment to public service.
Name of the institution
Kentucky State UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Town: DistantInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1886
Certificate of less than 1 year
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Agriculture, General
Data not availableArea Studies
Data not availableBiology, General
Data not availableBusiness Administration, Management and Operations
Data not availableBusiness/Commerce, General
$38,711Chemistry
Data not availableComputer and Information Sciences, General
$45,249Criminal Justice and Corrections
$25,792English Language and Literature, General
Data not availableFine and Studio Arts
Data not availableHuman Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Data not availableJournalism
$19,445Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Data not availableMathematics
Data not availableMusic
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
Data not availablePsychology, General
$22,165Public Administration
Data not availableRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$57,111Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableSocial Sciences, General
Data not availableSocial Work
$26,599Sociology
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Data not available