Top-Ranked Community Colleges in Kentucky

We all know picking the right college can feel overwhelming. You want a school that fits you, your goals, your budget, and your future. And while it's easy to overlook local options, some of the best choices might be closer than you think. We’ve got a few right here in our own backyard that could be the perfect fit. As college towns go, Owensboro is a solid option. With early decision deadlines hitting November 1st, now’s the time to start narrowing things down.

To determine which community colleges offer students the best combination of cost and quality, WalletHub compared more than 610 schools using 18 key indicators. The study looked at factors such as in-state tuition and fees, student-faculty ratios, graduation rates, and other measures of educational value.

These are the community colleges that came out on top in Kentucky!

TOP 10 COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN KENTUCKY

Rank - College Name - Score

1. Madisonville Community College | 59.00
2. Owensboro Community and Technical College | 58.97
3. Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College | 58.29
4. Gateway Community and Technical College | 58.28
5. Hazard Community and Technical College | 57.96
6. Hopkinsville Community College | 57.89
7. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College | 57.24
8. West Kentucky Community and Technical College | 57.13
9. Ashland Community and Technical College | 57.09
10. Henderson Community College | 56.60

Last year, Owensboro Community and Technical College ranked No. 3 in Kentucky. This year, it moved up to No. 2, just behind Madisonville Community College.

Henderson Community College also made the Top 10, coming in at No. 10.

There is much to be proud of!

HOW DOES KENTUCKY STACK UP?

WalletHub also looked beyond individual schools and compared community college systems across the country to determine which states offer the best overall options.

Source: WalletHub

Community college can be a smart way to get started on a degree, learn a trade or pick up new skills without taking on the cost of a four-year university right out of the gate.

And if you're right here in the Owensboro area, it's pretty nice to know that one of Kentucky's highest-ranked community colleges is practically in our backyard.

Not a bad reason to take a closer look at OCTC if you're making plans for what's next!

LOOK: Here are 25 ways you could start saving money today

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

Gallery Credit: Bethany Adams

Source: Owensboro Has One of Kentucky’s Top-Ranked Community Colleges