College Cost Planning in Bardstown, KY 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Bardstown, Kentucky. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Bardstown as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$498
per month
Local Cost Market
1
benchmark points
Bardstown Overview
Population
13,527
Student Population
1,489 (11.0%)
Cost of Living Index
81.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Bardstown
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$100,916
Total After Financial Aid
$100,916
Annual Cost
$25,229
Annual After Aid
$25,229
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $100,916 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,146 |
| Total Interest | $36,590 |
| Total Loan Cost | $137,506 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Bardstown
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
1
Public tuition
$11,600
Private tuition
$30,000
Community college
$4,806
Cost of Living in Bardstown vs. National Average
| Category | Bardstown | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,600 | $10,940 | +$660 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $498 | $1,050 | -$552 |
| Cost of Living Index | 81.1 | 100 | -18.900000000000006 |
Bardstown's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Bardstown
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,489 students
Bardstown has a total population of 13,527, with approximately 1,489 college students (11.0% of the population). Bardstown has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bardstown
$29,876
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
Review
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bardstown earn a median starting salary of $29,876, which is $5,124 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $8,922 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Kentucky
Louisville
17 colleges · Avg tuition $12,324
Lexington
14 colleges · Avg tuition $12,360
Bowling Green
5 colleges · Avg tuition $11,136
Murray
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,456
Danville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,643
Berea
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,683
Owensboro
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Covington
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Richmond
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Georgetown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Nicholasville
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,600
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bardstown
How we compile Bardstown college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Bardstown institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Bardstown's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Bardstown, KY?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Bardstown is $11,600. Private university tuition averages $30,000, and community college tuition averages $4,806. When room and board ($13,629/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $25,229.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Bardstown, KY?
Bardstown uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,489, which represents 11.0% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Bardstown?
The average rent near college campuses in Bardstown is approximately $498 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 81.1 (national average is 100), a walk score of 43, and a public transit score of 23. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Bardstown?
College graduates in Bardstown earn a median starting salary of $29,876. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%. With an average financial aid package of $8,922 per student and a 49% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Bardstown, KY?
With a median starting salary of $29,876 and an average 4-year public university cost of $100,916 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.
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