Colleges in Kentucky

Despite being a somewhat small state in terms of size, the bluegrass state of Kentucky is home to over 125 colleges within its boundaries. Known as the state where horse racing and mint julips rule the day, Kentucky is home to two of the premier research universities in the United States.

The University of Kentucky and University of Louisville are both consistently ranked among the top research universities by leading higher education publications. Both Kentucky schools are considered fierce rivals in everything they do, whether it's trying to outdo one another on the basketball court or in a research lab.

Along with these two major institutions, Kentucky is also home to a number of other well-known colleges and universities including Kentucky State University, Bowling Green University, Western Kentucky University and Kentucky Wesleyan College. A bit of history is also present in the state's educational system with Berea College, which was the first coeducational college in the South to admit black and white students.

Offering everything from Bachelor's to Doctoral degrees, Kentucky colleges also provide students opportunities to obtain degrees they may not be able to find elsewhere in the country. For example, Western Kentucky University offers a bachelor's degree in Cave Management, while Morehead State University offers the only Space Science program in the nation. If public universities are not a student's first choice, there are many private schools offering smaller classes and individual attention including Thomas More College and Alice Lloyd College, two liberal arts schools emphasizing creative thinking and personal growth.

In addition to the numerous four-year colleges in Kentucky, the state has plenty of two-year colleges that students can attend as they prepare to transfer to four-year colleges or gain a skill to enter the workforce upon graduation. More than 16 community and technical colleges are present within the state, offering students opportunities to learn various skills including Accounting, Nursing, Information Technology, Law Enforcement and much more. Some of the more well-known community and technical schools in the state include West Kentucky Community and Technical College, Bluegrass Community and Technical College and Paducah Community and Technical College. Besides offering numerous degrees, schools in Kentucky also offer certificates in various fields including Cosmetology, Paralegal Studies, Massage Therapy, Human Resources Management and more. Many students find they prefer to simply learn a skill or trade and enter the workforce as soon as possible, so attending these schools is a viable option.

The state's community college system is also well-known for being very military-friendly to returning veterans, offering an array of programs to help veterans make the transition from military to civilian careers.

Economy

Despite economic problems across the United States, Kentucky has managed to stay strong economically. With several large metro areas such as Lexington, Louisville and Bowling Green the state has plenty of cities that are filled with open positions for college graduates.

In addition to being the world's premier area for horse racing facilities, the state also has thriving industries in soybeans, cattle and corn. While the state's economy is directly tied to farming, noting the state has the most farms per square mile of any state in America, agriculture is not the only facet of the bluegrass state economy.

Industries that are experiencing job growth in Kentucky include health care, education and business. The health care system needs a variety of people in various occupations including Registered Nurses, Practical Nurses, Medical Assistants and Physical Therapists. These positions offer excellent benefits and pay, along with plenty of opportunities for advancement. With numerous medical facilities spread across the state, graduates of these programs can find employment almost anywhere they wish to live within the state.

In addition to jobs dealing with a person's physical health, there will be plenty of positions dealing with their mental health as well. Kentucky has plenty of positions for Mental Health and Social Service workers to help those individuals needing assistance with daily living and mental illness. A growing number of Counselor positions working with at-risk youth and those addicted to drugs and alcohol will also be available across the state, letting graduates of both two and four-year colleges find satisfying and challenging positions.

With the growing mix of businesses in the state, Kentucky has plenty of chances for graduates of business programs to find employment. Graduates of both two and four-year colleges can find employment in a variety of jobs including Accountants, Customer Service Reps and Managers in various industries. With the explosive growth of retail establishments within the state, there will be opportunities to find employment as managers with these companies. Accountants will also be needed, particularly with companies tied to the agricultural industry. As companies look for more efficient ways to maximize their resources, accountants will be called in to examine financial records and look for ways to cut spending without cutting quality.

Education will also be a growing field within Kentucky's economy. Those who are good working with kids can become teachers in the state's public school system, while those who enjoy very young children can find employment in child care centers as preschool teachers and aides. Some students prefer to pursue their education all the way to a Doctoral degree, enabling them to become college professors in the state, perhaps even at the college from which they graduated. Other jobs in education will be available in administration, as many current workers reach retirement age and need to be replaced.

Kentucky offers everything from exciting horse races to bluegrass music and much more. For residents of the state, there are numerous opportunities to decide on a career path and begin the journey toward a working life filled with excellent pay and rewarding chances to make a difference in people's lives. While some people pursue higher-level degrees and others certificates obtained within weeks, Kentucky offers a strong state economy that offers an array of possibilities. Everyone from cosmetologists to police officers to corporate executives are able to find employment in Kentucky, making it one of the South's premier states to both live and work.