Corbin, like many communities of its size in southeastern Kentucky, has an independent school system (i.e., a public school system affiliated with a city rather than with any county). The Corbin Independent School District includes:

• Central Primary (grades K-2)
• South Elementary (grades 3-5)
• Corbin Middle (grades 6-8)
• Corbin High (grades 9-12)
• Corbin Vocational
• Corbin East (alternative school)

The community also places considerable emphasis on the success of its high school athletic teams. "Redhounds" games, especially football, are important social events for many within the community.

In 2004 Eastern Kentucky University opened a new extension campus in Corbin.