The Best Marketing Programs in Kentucky for 2026
The best marketing programs in Kentucky are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 11 business programs in Kentucky on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in marketing actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 11 ranked programs in Kentucky runs from $8,604 to $47,180 a year, a $38,576 spread for the same credential.
Asbury University tops the list with an 81.6 Hakia Score on a 65% graduation rate, at $33,072 a year in-state. Across all 11 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 55%, ranging from 32% to 71%. The national median pay in the field is $125,470 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky
- Asbury University ranks first among Kentucky's business programs with an 81.6 Hakia Score and a 65% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 11 ranked Kentucky programs spans $8,604 to $47,180 a year, a $38,576 gap for the same bachelor's in marketing.
- The 11 ranked Kentucky programs graduate 55% of students on average, from 32% to 71%.
- 6 of the 11 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Kentucky residents.
- 1 of the 11 offers a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $125,470 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Kentucky program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 11 accredited programs in Kentucky reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 11 Best Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asbury UniversityWilmore, KY | Nonprofit | $33,072 | 65% | 63% | 81.6 |
| 2 | University of KentuckyLexington, KY | Public | $12,109 | 71% | 93% | 79.5 |
| 3 | University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY | Public | $12,940 | 61% | 79% | 78.7 |
| 4 | Bellarmine UniversityLouisville, KY | Nonprofit | $47,180 | 64% | 86% | 71.8 |
| 5 | Murray State UniversityMurray, KY | Public | $8,604 | 61% | 86% | 69.9 |
| 6 | Morehead State UniversityMorehead, KY | Public | $9,704 | 52% | 77% | 68.7 |
| 7 | Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY | Public | $10,020 | 50% | 78% | 67.9 |
| 8 | Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville, KY | Nonprofit | $27,498 | 42% | 80% | 67.6 |
| 9 | Union Commonwealth UniversityBarbourville, KY · online option | Nonprofit | $28,737 | 32% | 63% | 67.3 |
| 10 | Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY | Public | $11,652 | 56% | 94% | 66.8 |
| 11 | Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown, KY | Nonprofit | $41,840 | 49% | 91% | 60.8 |
The Top Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky at a Glance
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
Inside the Top Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky
Asbury University
Wilmore, KY · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 65%
- Admit rate
- 63%
- In-state
- $33,072
- Out-of-state
- $33,072
Asbury University graduates 65% of its students, above the 55% average across this ranking, on an 81.6 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 81.6, #1 of 11
- 65% graduation rate
- $33,072 tuition
- Most selective program here
Based in Wilmore, KY, Asbury University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program lands at #1 of the 11 ranked here, earning an 81.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 71 group average. The program graduates 65% of its students, above the 55% average across the ranked schools. Asbury University admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 81% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,100 students.
On cost, Asbury University charges $33,072 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $132,288 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 4x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY · Public
- Grad rate
- 71%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $12,109
- Out-of-state
- $32,747
University of Kentucky graduates 71% of its students, above the 55% average across this ranking, on a 79.5 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 79.5, #2 of 11
- 71% graduation rate
- $12,109 in-state vs $32,747 out-of-state
- Top graduation rate on this list
University of Kentucky is a public institution in Lexington, KY. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program ranks #2 of the 11 analyzed here with a 79.5 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71 group average, in the top third of the 11 ranked programs, 2.1 points behind top-ranked Asbury University. The program graduates 71% of its students, above the 55% average across the ranked schools. University of Kentucky admits 93% of applicants, less selective than the 81% average for the group. That is more open than the 63% rate at Asbury University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%.
On cost, University of Kentucky charges $12,109 a year in-state, roughly 2.7x the $32,747 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $48,436 in tuition for residents, against $130,988 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for KY residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY · Public
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 79%
- In-state
- $12,940
- Out-of-state
- $29,286
University of Louisville graduates 61% of its students, above the 55% average across this ranking, on a 78.7 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 78.7, #3 of 11
- 61% graduation rate
- $12,940 in-state vs $29,286 out-of-state
- Admits just 79% of applicants
University of Louisville is a public institution in Louisville, KY. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program ranks #3 of the 11 analyzed here with a 78.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71 group average, in the top third of the 11 ranked programs, 2.9 points behind top-ranked Asbury University. The program graduates 61% of its students, above the 55% average across the ranked schools. University of Louisville admits 79% of applicants, more selective than the 81% average for the group. That is more open than the 63% rate at Asbury University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%.
On cost, University of Louisville charges $12,940 a year in-state, roughly 2.3x the $29,286 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $51,760 in tuition for residents, against $117,144 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for KY residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Bellarmine University
Louisville, KY · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $47,180
- Out-of-state
- $47,180
Bellarmine University graduates 64% of its students, above the 55% average across this ranking, on a 71.8 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 71.8, #4 of 11
- 64% graduation rate
- $47,180 tuition
- Admits just 86% of applicants
Bellarmine University is a private, nonprofit institution in Louisville, KY. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program ranks #4 of the 11 analyzed here with a 71.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71 group average, in the middle third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 55% average across the ranked schools. Bellarmine University admits 86% of applicants, less selective than the 81% average for the group. That is more open than the 63% rate at Asbury University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,886 students.
On cost, Bellarmine University charges $47,180 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $188,720 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Murray State University
Murray, KY · Public
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $8,604
- Out-of-state
- $18,540
At $8,604 a year in-state, Murray State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in marketing programs ranked here, holding a 69.9 Hakia Score on a 61% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.9, #5 of 11
- 61% graduation rate
- $8,604 in-state vs $18,540 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Murray State University is a public institution in Murray, KY. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program ranks #5 of the 11 analyzed here with a 69.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the middle third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 61% of its students, above the 55% average across the ranked schools. Murray State University admits 86% of applicants, less selective than the 81% average for the group. That is more open than the 63% rate at Asbury University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%.
On cost, Murray State University charges $8,604 a year in-state, roughly 2.2x the $18,540 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $34,416 in tuition for residents, against $74,160 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY · Public
- Grad rate
- 52%
- Admit rate
- 77%
- In-state
- $9,704
- Out-of-state
- $14,660
At $9,704 a year in-state, Morehead State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in marketing programs ranked here, holding a 68.7 Hakia Score on a 52% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.7, #6 of 11
- 52% graduation rate
- $9,704 in-state vs $14,660 out-of-state
- Admits just 77% of applicants
Based in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program lands at #6 of the 11 ranked here, earning a 68.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the middle third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 52% of its students, below the 55% average across the ranked schools. Morehead State University admits 77% of applicants, more selective than the 81% average for the group. That is more open than the 63% rate at Asbury University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%.
On cost, Morehead State University charges $9,704 a year in-state, versus $14,660 for out-of-state students. Over four years that is about $38,816 in tuition for residents, against $58,640 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY · Public
- Grad rate
- 50%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $10,020
- Out-of-state
- $20,930
At $10,020 a year in-state, Eastern Kentucky University is among the more affordable bachelor's in marketing programs ranked here, holding a 67.9 Hakia Score on a 50% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.9, #7 of 11
- 50% graduation rate
- $10,020 in-state vs $20,930 out-of-state
- Admits just 78% of applicants
Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program lands at #7 of the 11 ranked here, earning a 67.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the middle third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 50% of its students, below the 55% average across the ranked schools. Eastern Kentucky University admits 78% of applicants, more selective than the 81% average for the group. That is more open than the 63% rate at Asbury University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%.
On cost, Eastern Kentucky University charges $10,020 a year in-state, roughly 2.1x the $20,930 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $40,080 in tuition for residents, against $83,720 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 42%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $27,498
- Out-of-state
- $27,498
Campbellsville University ranks #8 of the 11 bachelor's in marketing programs in this analysis, with a 67.6 Hakia Score and a 42% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.6, #8 of 11
- 42% graduation rate
- $27,498 tuition
- Admits just 80% of applicants
Campbellsville University is a private, nonprofit institution in Campbellsville, KY. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program ranks #8 of the 11 analyzed here with a 67.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the lower third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 55% average across the ranked schools. Campbellsville University admits 80% of applicants, more selective than the 81% average for the group. That is more open than the 63% rate at Asbury University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%.
On cost, Campbellsville University charges $27,498 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $109,992 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Union Commonwealth University
Barbourville, KY · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 32%
- Admit rate
- 63%
- In-state
- $28,737
- Out-of-state
- $28,737
Union Commonwealth University ranks #9 of the 11 bachelor's in marketing programs in this analysis, with a 67.3 Hakia Score and a 32% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.3, #9 of 11
- 32% graduation rate
- $28,737 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Union Commonwealth University is a private, nonprofit institution in Barbourville, KY. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program ranks #9 of the 11 analyzed here with a 67.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the lower third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 32% of its students, below the 55% average across the ranked schools. Union Commonwealth University admits 63% of applicants, more selective than the 81% average for the group. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,324 students.
On cost, Union Commonwealth University charges $28,737 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $114,948 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY · Public
- Grad rate
- 56%
- Admit rate
- 94%
- In-state
- $11,652
- Out-of-state
- $27,000
At $11,652 a year in-state, Western Kentucky University is among the more affordable bachelor's in marketing programs ranked here, holding a 66.8 Hakia Score on a 56% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 66.8, #10 of 11
- 56% graduation rate
- $11,652 in-state vs $27,000 out-of-state
- Admits just 94% of applicants
Based in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program lands at #10 of the 11 ranked here, earning a 66.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the lower third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 56% of its students, above the 55% average across the ranked schools. Western Kentucky University admits 94% of applicants, less selective than the 81% average for the group. That is more open than the 63% rate at Asbury University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%.
On cost, Western Kentucky University charges $11,652 a year in-state, roughly 2.3x the $27,000 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $46,608 in tuition for residents, against $108,000 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 91%
- In-state
- $41,840
- Out-of-state
- $41,840
Georgetown College ranks #11 of the 11 bachelor's in marketing programs in this analysis, with a 60.8 Hakia Score and a 49% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 60.8, #11 of 11
- 49% graduation rate
- $41,840 tuition
- Admits just 91% of applicants
Based in Georgetown, KY, Georgetown College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Marketing program lands at #11 of the 11 ranked here, earning a 60.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the lower third of the 11 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, below the 55% average across the ranked schools. Georgetown College admits 91% of applicants, less selective than the 81% average for the group. That is more open than the 63% rate at Asbury University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 32% to 71%.
On cost, Georgetown College charges $41,840 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $167,360 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $8,604 at Murray State University to $47,180 at Bellarmine University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with a $125,470 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 11 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
What a Bachelor's in Marketing Costs in Kentucky
In-state tuition among the 11 ranked marketing programs in Kentucky runs from $8,604 to $47,180 a year. Murray State University anchors the low end at $8,604, while Bellarmine University sits at the top at $47,180. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $34,416 in tuition at the low end against roughly $188,720 at the high end for the same bachelor's in marketing. Against the national median of $125,470 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes a marketing degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Marketing Options in Kentucky
1 of the 11 ranked Kentucky programs offers a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online marketing degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Marketing Careers and Pay After a Kentucky Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $125,470 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $8,604 or $47,180 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Kentucky program compete in that same national pay structure.
Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best marketing bachelor's degree in Kentucky?
By Hakia Score, Asbury University ranks first among the 11 marketing programs in Kentucky we analyzed, with an 81.6 score and a 65% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does a marketing bachelor's degree cost in Kentucky?
In-state tuition among the ranked Kentucky programs runs from $8,604 to $47,180 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online marketing bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $125,470 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Kentucky-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
How the Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky Are Scored
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.