8 Computer Science colleges in Kentucky with strong social mobility outcomes. Average earnings: $50,869.
Most rankings ignore accessibility. We flipped the model: first, filter for schools that actually enroll and graduate low-income students (60th percentile+ mobility). Then rank by earnings. These 6 Computer Science programs made the cut.
University Of Kentucky leads the rankings, producing Computer Science graduates earning $59,025 while maintaining a 92nd percentile mobility score. Even the lowest earner on this list—at $43,889—demonstrates that schools serving low-income students can deliver competitive outcomes, not just access.
University Of Louisville exemplifies the double win: 29% Pell Grant recipients earning $53,899 with just a 6.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' affordability category. Northern Kentucky University serves 38% first-generation students while keeping debt burdens at 8.2%—proving accessibility and manageable debt can coexist.
Earnings: $59,025 | Mobility: 92nd percentile
39% Pell students with $45,795 earnings
5.5% payment burden | Excellent
10.9% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Graduate Earnings | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Centre CollegePrivate | $66,240 | $27,000 | Excellent | $50,378 | Manageable | 84th percentile mobility |
| #2 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $59,025 | $22,500 | Excellent | $30,006 | Good | 92th percentile mobility |
| #3 | University Of LouisvillePublic | $53,899 | — | — | — | — | 87th percentile mobility |
| #4 | $50,220 | $23,000 | Excellent | $14,877 | Good | 71th percentile mobility | |
| #5 | $45,795 | $22,500 | Excellent | $14,685 | Good | 82th percentile mobility | |
| #6 | Murray State UniversityPublic | $44,737 | $20,500 | Excellent | $18,465 | Manageable | 75th percentile mobility |
| #7 | $43,889 | $22,095 | Excellent | $18,310 | Good | 78th percentile mobility | |
| #8 | Berea CollegePrivate | $43,150 | $3,591 | Excellent | $0 | Excellent | 62th percentile mobility |
Our social mobility rankings answer: "Which schools deliver the best outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds?"
This is not simply "which schools admit the most low-income students" — it's which schools both serve low-income students and deliver strong earnings outcomes.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
