Kentucky

Kentucky

Kentucky is located in the East South Central Region of the United States, bordered by Ohio and Indiana to the north, West Virginia and Virginia to the east, Tennessee to the south, and Illinois and Missouri to the west. The Ohio River runs along the state's northern border. Although considered a Southern state, Kentucky is a mixture of the Midwest and the South. The northern part of the state has more industrial cities, making it like the Midwest. The southern and western regions of the state, with its farms and mines, are generally more rural, like the South.

Kentucky was once part of Virginia, but became the 15th state with Virginia's permission in 1792. Kentucky's name probably comes from an Indian word meaning "dark and bloody ground," "meadow land," or "land of tomorrow." It is one of the four states officially called a commonwealth. Its nickname is the "Bluegrass State." The grass is actually green, but has a bluish tint when seen from a distance because of its purplish-blue buds.    

Kentucky has been converting into an industrial state. The state's manufacturing industries become more expanded every year. Examples include the growing aluminum industry in Louisville, the state's largest city, and the chemical plants located along the Ohio River. Despite the fact that Kentucky is becoming more industrialized, farming is still an important part of the state's economy. Kentucky is one of the leading soft coal producing states in the country.

The public university system in Kentucky is well-regarded, and is comprised of eight campuses spread throughout the state. If an international student is planning to study in Kentucky at a public institution as an undergraduate, they can expect to pay an average of over $14,000 in tuition. The least expensive option is Northern Kentucky University. The most expensive is the University of Louisville.

List of colleges and universities in Kentucky

Official Website of the State of Kentucky

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