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Kentucky State University vs American National University-Louisville: which has better ROI?

Public, Frankfort KY · vs · Private for-profit, Louisville KY

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Kentucky State University comes closer — median earnings $36,382 against a $32,160 total, vs $28,188 at American National University-Louisville. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKentucky State UniversityAmerican National University-Louisville
Net price / yr$8,040$17,010
Total net cost$32,160$34,020
Median earnings, 10 yrs$36,382$28,188
Median debt$25,938$23,618
Payback
20-year net return-$271,720-$437,460

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Kentucky State University or American National University-Louisville?

Kentucky State University, at $8,040 a year after aid versus $17,010 — a gap of $8,970 a year, or $1,860 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Kentucky State University or American National University-Louisville graduates earn more?

Kentucky State University graduates report a median $36,382 ten years after entry, $8,194 more than the $28,188 at American National University-Louisville. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Kentucky State University or American National University-Louisville?

American National University-Louisville: its completers carry a median $23,618 in federal loans versus $25,938 at Kentucky State University, a difference of $2,320. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

50% of students finish at American National University-Louisville, against 32% at Kentucky State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Kentucky State University vs American National University-Louisville: frequently asked questions

Is Kentucky State University or American National University-Louisville a better value?
Kentucky State University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Kentucky State University or American National University-Louisville?
Kentucky State University: $8,040/yr net price after aid versus $17,010/yr at American National University-Louisville — a difference of $8,970 a year, or about $1,860 over four years.
Do Kentucky State University or American National University-Louisville graduates earn more?
Kentucky State University graduates earn a median $36,382 ten years after entry, versus $28,188 at American National University-Louisville — a $8,194 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.