Colleges in Kentucky offer a variety of educational opportunities for students, including a wide range of online certificates and degree programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 60% of students in Kentucky were enrolled in classes online in 2021. But why are online classes so appealing for undergrads? Schedule flexibility, learning style, and affordability are just a few reasons why so many students gravitate towards a hybrid or fully online option.
This guide shows you how to spot a good online program and gives you an in-depth look at some of the best online colleges in Kentucky. You’ll also learn the importance of the right accreditation, the difference between fully online and hybrid programs, future job potential of popular degrees, and more. Start looking for your Kentucky online college program now.
Top Online Colleges in Kentucky for 2024
It’s always a good idea to invest in your future, and that starts with finding the online college that fits your lifestyle and budget. To help, we’ve ranked the best online colleges in Kentucky for 2024.
Schools made our list based on a few crucial factors, including: affordable tuition, generous financial aid opportunities, strong student support, career placement services, and a variety of degree options that matter to today’s students. Here’s a look at our top picks to help you start your educational path.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Lexington, KentuckyPublic $$$
The University of Kentucky offers more than 80 online degree programs at all levels including undergraduate certificate, minor, Bachelor’s degree, graduate certificate, Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, and professional certification. Online students can propel their career and education by studying with world-renowned expert faculty and participate in nationally ranked programs. Online students experience the same high-quality education as on-campus students. Online courses are delivered via the Canvas learning management system, and students have access to student support services including technical support, career services, financial aid, and more.
Program Highlights:
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $594.50 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Masters of Applied Statistics
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $752.50 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Arts in Arts Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $715.50 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Bowling Green, KentuckyPublic $$$
Western Kentucky University offers over 80 online program options including certificate programs to graduate degrees, and more than 1,700 online courses, allowing students to find the flexibility they need to meet their goals. Online programs and courses are offered in a wide variety of academic areas. Many are nationally ranked, and all programs are regionally accredited. Courses are taught by the same faculty experienced in delivering face-to-face courses, so online students receive the same high-quality learning experience. Most online courses are delivered through the learning management system Blackboard, where students can access assignments, discussion boards, and course materials. Online students also have access to WKU’s award-winning online student support including online orientation and WKU library tutorial, online writing lab, online tutoring, career services and a student success coach.
Program Highlights:
Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Credits: 121
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $551 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
B.S. in Computer Information Technology
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $551 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Administration with a concentration in Athletic Administration & Coaching
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $707 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Louisville, KentuckyPublic $$$
University of Louisville offers more than 50 online bachelor’s, master’s and certificate programs across various industries and disciplines. Courses are taught by real, world-class university faculty who teach online and on campus, meaning online students receive the UofL experience without ever stepping foot on campus. Online courses are delivered through the online learning management system Blackboard, where students access the course syllabus, submit assignments, take tests, and interact with students and faculty. Courses are not self-paced, so the syllabus will provide information on what is expected of students each week and include due dates. Course content varies by course, but most will include a traditional mix of work including textbook or journal readings, portions of video lectures, discussion boards, PowerPoint presentations, group work, tests, discussions, and more.
Program Highlights:
Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Credits: 121
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $514 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $775 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $775 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Murray, KentuckyPublic $$
Murray State University offers a wide variety of online degree and non-degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate programs, education endorsements and specialist programs, non-credit programs, and individual courses. Online degree options give students the flexibility to earn a college degree around their schedule and commitments. Murray State has options for students looking to start their college journey or advance their career. Courses are delivered via Canvas, the online learning management system. Students have access to technical support, career and writing services, and more.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $393 per credit hour (Resident); $597 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Public Administration General Online
- Credits: 36
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $15,372 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Science in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations Online
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12-18 months
- Cost: $16,455 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Highland Heights, KentuckyPublic $$
Northern Kentucky University offers more than 30 affordable and comprehensive online degrees that fit any student’s lifestyle and goals. Online degree programs are high quality, affordable, accelerated, and provide a well-rounded education with an emphasis on real-world applications. NKU’s goal is to enhance students’ professional knowledge base and improve career opportunities through traditional 16-week or accelerated 7-week courses, as well as the 5-week format for the MBA. Courses are delivered via Canvas, an online learning management system. Online students can access course materials, take tests and submit assignments, and participate in discussions with faculty and classmates.
Program Highlights:
Online Master of Legal StudiesE
- Credits: 30
- Length: 10 months
- Cost: $20,070 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Online
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $15,120 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Executive Leadership Concentration Online
- Credits: 33
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $18,943 program cost
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Richmond, KentuckyPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Morehead, KentuckyPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Pineville, KentuckyPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Frankfort, KentuckyPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Louisville, KentuckyPrivate for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Owensboro, KentuckyPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Pikeville, KentuckyPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Midway, KentuckyPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Pikeville, KentuckyPrivate for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Bowling Green, KentuckyPrivate for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Louisville, KentuckyPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Madisonville, KentuckyPublic $
Madison Community College, part of a large network of community colleges called the Kentucky Community & Technical College System, offers three online programs: Human Services, Paralegal Studies, and Surgical First Assistant. Other online degrees are available through the community colleges sharing system. All career-ready degrees from MCC prepare you for the workforce and transfer seamlessly to a 4-year institution. All online students pay the same tuition rate as resident, on-campus students no matter where they live.
Program Highlights:
Paralegal Technology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Human Services
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Surgical First Assistant
- Credits: 24
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Somerset, KentuckyPublic $
Somerset Community College offers four entirely online programs: Medical Information Technology, Visual Communication-Multimedia, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Medical Information Technology, and Paramedic. These programs are flexible and convenient if you’re trying to further your education while maintaining a career and family. These online programs are accessed through Blackboard.
Program Highlights:
AAS in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
- Credits: 63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
AAS in Medical Information Technology
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
AAS for EMS-Paramedic
- Credits: 25-29
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Prestonsburg, KentuckyPublic $
Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers eight fully online degree programs and over ten fully online diplomas and certificates. These flexible online are asynchronous, which means you aren’t required to be online at any specific time for coursework. Access to online courses is through Blackboard.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Associate in Visual Communication and Mixed Media Design
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Associate in Education
- Credits: 60
- Length:2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Hopkinsville, KentuckyPublic $
Hopkinsville Community College offers a variety of 2-year, flexible online degrees for convenience. All assignments, tests, quizzes, lectures, readings, and discussions are accessed through Blackboard. Online students must be able to submit assignments on time, work independently, be computer literate, and be able to pace themselves without needing immediate feedback from professors or classmates. Resources for distance learning students include HCC’s virtual library, an online bookstore, and 24-hour help.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Medical Information Technology
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Associate of Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Associate of Health Science Technology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Cumberland, KentuckyPublic $
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College uses Learn By Term and a partnership with the Kentucky Virtual Campus to offer many online degrees and hundreds of online courses. Online classes are accessed through Blackboard. An online orientation as well as video tutorials are available to help students get started on their virtual education journeys. Using SKCTC’s virtual library, online bookstore, and 24-hour help, you can finish an entire program from the comfort of your home or office.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Associate of Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Associate of Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $182/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Maysville, KentuckyPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Ashland, KentuckyPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Henderson, KentuckyPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Bowling Green, KentuckyPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Florence, KentuckyPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Online Learning Modes at Kentucky Colleges
Online colleges in Kentucky offer a variety of degree programs where you can earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, depending on your career interests. These programs give students who cannot attend school in a traditional campus setting full control over their schedules while letting them choose from a variety of methods and modes of learning including full-time, part-time, fully online, hybrid, and more. Explore which learning method suits you best below.
100% Online vs. Hybrid or Blended
Some schools have programs that are strictly online—meaning you won’t have to attend any classes on campus. Even programs with a hands-on component are available online. Online nursing programs, for example, allow students to complete all coursework online, though they would still need to complete lab courses or a certain amount of practice hours within their communities.
If you think some online learning would be good but you’re the kind of learner who needs in-person interaction, then a hybrid program could be the right choice for you. Most hybrid programs require students to attend at least one class on campus at some point in the semester.
Here’s a look at a few examples of online and hybrid programs offered at accredited online colleges in Kentucky.
MSW Program at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (Hybrid)
The MSW program at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is open to undergraduate degree holders and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, in either a hybrid or online format.
As an MSW degree candidate, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practice and research in a variety of settings, including:
- Healthcare and medical
- Clinical gerontology
- Policy practice
- Community organizing
- Mental and behavioral health
- International practice
You can complete the program with advanced standing for 30 credits or regular standing for 60 credits. Courses start in the fall or spring, and the program lists a curriculum plan for those wanting to take hybrid courses.
The program is also accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
B.S. in Emergency Medical Care – Fire Service at Eastern Kentucky University (Fully Online)
Aspiring emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can earn their bachelor’s degree in emergency medical care with a concentration in fire services at Eastern Kentucky University.
The program is strictly online and allows students to have remote access to recorded lectures. The B.S. in emergency medical care prioritizes student success by offering free online tutoring and career services and free textbooks for undergraduate students.
The program also offers money- and time-saving measures to ensure your success. Students with previous experience can receive credit for up 18 credit hours, and active-duty military members and their spouses are eligible for reduced tuition.
The program takes 120 credit hours to complete and costs $421 per credit hour. It’s accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, and Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
In your search for online colleges in Kentucky, you might find some programs featuring either asynchronous or synchronous coursework.
Synchronous classes run in real-time—meaning that students and instructors must be present live and online at a specified time. These classes function more like traditional classrooms with set study schedules and live discussions.
Asynchronous classes offer a more flexible class schedule. You can access class materials at any time from wherever you’re located if you have access to the internet. You’ll also be able to interact with your instructors and classmates through bulletin board discussions and optional online meeting times.
Generally, most online programs offer an asynchronous online curriculum. Here’s a look at a few examples of programs within these two categories.
Doctor of Nursing Practice at Kentucky State University (Asynchronous)
The asynchronous Doctor of Nursing program at Kentucky State university prepares students to practice as expert adult-gerontological primary care practitioners. It’s designed for registered nurses (RNs) who hold a bachelor’s in nursing degree (BSN).
The 72-credit hour online program takes about three years to complete. Students will have limited face-to-face gatherings and can complete clinical and residency hours in their locality with an approved preceptor.
Graduates will learn to:
- Use their organizational and leadership skills to manage, analyze, and deliver care.
- Collaborate with others to influence healthcare policy and promote health and disease prevention measures at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Promote best nursing practices and disseminate knowledge through professionally written papers and presentations.
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Teacher Preparation Program in Visual Impairments at the University of Kentucky (Synchronous)
The hybrid Master of Science teacher preparation program at the University of Kentucky offers evening courses through Zoom using a synchronous teaching method. Students must also participate in one or two in-person courses over the weekend in the fall or spring.
Additionally, students are required to attend 9- or 10 onsite class days during the summer: a week in mid-June and several days at the end of July.
Students are required to work with children who are blind or visually impaired for a minimum of 15 hours each semester. Initial certification candidates must complete a total of 200 hours before they can teach other students.
To graduate, you’ll need to complete 33 credit hours. Tuition for University of Kentucky undergraduate and graduate students costs a total of $48,930 and $53,014, respectively.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Many schools offer programs designed for full-time attendance, but most programs can be completed on a part-time basis. Not many schools will specifically list programs as “part-time,” however.
Full-time programs usually target first-time students or those (usually graduates) who want to earn their degrees more quickly. Part-time programs are geared toward working students who can’t afford to spend all day in class.
It’s smart to talk to a counselor or school advisor about your plans for your education and how much time you must devote to your studies. Ask which programs offer opportunities or are especially designed for part-time students. Here’s a look at a few examples of both full-time and part-time online degree programs.
Doctor of Nursing Practice at Western Kentucky University (Part-Time)
Western Kentucky University (WKU)offers students a family nurse practitioner or nurse executive doctoral program. Both can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The program is designed for RNs who already hold a BSN degree and want to earn their doctorate.
The program has mapped out course progression by the semester for the full- and part-time options. Part-time students are only required to complete six credit hours a semester and can take up to four years to complete the program, which is one year more than if you completed the program as a full-time student.
The program takes a total of 63 credit hours to complete, and tuition costs $607 per credit for students living in Kentucky and $917 per credit for out-of-state students.
WKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Nursing programs at WKU are also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Master of Business Administration at the University of Louisville (Full-Time)
The full-time MBA program at the University of Louisville combines its curriculum with paid internship opportunities.
The accelerated, full-time, 13-month program is designed for recent college graduates who have limited or no professional experience and working professionals who want to earn their MBA quickly. It’s a cohort program, which means you enter, attend, and finish the program with the same group of students. Two tracks are offered: an internship track and a non-internship track.
Evening classes are offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to accommodate established working professionals and students who choose to work at an internship during work hours.
Professional development modules include negotiations, communications, business etiquette, inclusive leadership, and crisis management.
Students also receive support from advisors and access to job and internship listings in the Louisville area, even after they graduate.
This is a 45-credit program, and the cost of the program is $32,000 for in-state, out-of-state, and international students.
Online College Accreditation in Kentucky
Accreditation is a stamp of approval by an accrediting body and the U.S. Department of Education. It’s proof that a college or university and its programs have been thoroughly vetted and have been deemed to meet high educational standards.
Accreditation affects your eligibility for federal financial aid, the transfer of credit hours, the recognition of your degree, and likely your ability to find employment. Only students attending accredited schools are eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell grants. Also, most schools will only take transfer credits if they are coming from an accredited school.
Regional and national accrediting agencies are tasked with accrediting colleges and universities and are overseen by the U.S. Department of Education.
Along with regional and national accreditation for institutions, there is also programmatic accreditation for certain degree programs, such as nursing and social work. You’ll want to check that the school you attend is accredited, and if you’re attending a program that requires accreditation, you will need to verify that as well.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges both provide accreditation for institutions in Kentucky, but you should contact your school directly to confirm which accreditation it carries.
Online Degree Costs in Kentucky
College can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. To give you an idea of the cost of online colleges in Kentucky, take a look at the most recent figures from the National Center for Education Statistics for the annual total tuition and fee costs for undergraduate students in the state.
In 2020-2021, tuition averaged $22,317 for public schools and $36,275 for private schools. Those costs include student fees, room, and board. The cost of your online program in Kentucky will depend on factors such as which school and degree you choose, whether you attend full or part-time, whether you attend a private or public college, and your state of residence. Online programs may also be less expensive because they require students to live on campus or pay certain student fees that cover on-campus services. While most in-person programs charge out-of-state students more, you may find that some online programs charge the same for students whether they live in or out of the state
To break it down for you, here’s a look at tuition costs for full-time students taking 12 credit hours per semester at five colleges in Kentucky:
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky State University | $7,854 / year | $11,782 / year | $7,854 / year | $11,782 / year |
| Kentucky Wesleyan College | $30,040 / year | N/A | $10,920 / year | $10,920 / year |
| University of Kentucky | $12,610 / year | $31,608 / year | $13,968 / year | $13,968 / year |
| Western Kentucky University | $11,112 / year | $27,000 / year | $13,224 / year | $13,224 / year |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $9,544 / year | $19,922 / year | $10,104 / year | $10,104 / year |
* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.
Financial Aid for Kentucky College Students
Most accredited schools accept both state and federal financial aid and typically require students to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the first step to qualify for grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.
You can also apply to an array of state grants and scholarships such as:
- Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship: offered to high school students who earn good grades and do well on their ACT or SAT exams.
- College Access Program Grant: a $2,200-$2,900grant awarded to students who need financial help to pay for classes in both public and private two- and four-year colleges.
- Kentucky Tuition Grant:a $3,200 grant awarded to full-time students working toward earning their associate and bachelor’s degrees within private colleges.
- Dual Credit Scholarship: available to high school and home-schooled students who are enrolled in dual credit programs at any participating college or university.
- Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship: a scholarship that helps in-state students earn a certificate, associate degree, or diploma in high-demand workforce fields, such as in technical fields.
Some scholarships are specific to your degree or career field. For example, the Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund is awarded to in-state students attending approved LPN, ADN, BSN, or graduate nursing programs.
Top Careers for Kentucky College Grads
If you’re still not sure what degree you want to pursue, knowing which degrees may lead to the fastest-growing career fields with the highest demand is a good place to start.
Find out which careers are expected to grow in Kentucky within the next eight years below.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 54.5% | $106,080 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 34.4% | $53,150 |
| Logisticians | 19.3% | $67,380 |
| Statisticians | 33.3% | $76,130 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 32.8% | $104,220 |
| Physician Assistants | 32% | $96,010 |
| Information Security Analysts | 31.3% | $88,070 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 30.2% | $64,300 |
| Epidemiologists | 37.3% | $60,600 |
Resources for Kentucky College Students
This organization connects first-time postsecondary students with advisors who can help them build their resumes, gain leadership skills, and plan for their education and their life after high school. They can also connect you with other students who can mentor you.
The KATS Network is one of 56 statewide assistive technology programs federally funded and housed under the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. The organization works to make assistive technology devices and services accessible for people of any age or with any disability. It also operates a lending library where people can borrow assistive technology equipment on a short-term basis.
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
The website for this organization provides links to various colleges and universities. It also provides direct links so you can schedule campus visits, fill out applications, set appointments with counselors, and apply for scholarships and other financial aid.
Kentucky Students’ Right to Know
This dashboard, powered by the Kentucky Center for Statistics, connects college students to the most in-demand jobs in the state. It also links them to information on educational requirements and schools that offer the majors that can lead to these jobs.
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
The KHEAA website links to Facebook videos that offer advice on budgeting, student loans, and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), among other types of advice. You can also create college timelines, look at admission options and criteria, create a pre-college curriculum checklist, and explore careers that interest you.