Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Kentucky recently launched a campaign to create a better prepared, more competitive workforce by encouraging residents to earn college degrees and diplomas. Our list of the best online colleges in Kentucky is designed to help students meet these goals and offer a variety of distance education options, including fully online degrees. Our rankings are based on annual tuition and mid-career salary data to evaluate a program's potential return on investment. Below the list, we've included information about online degree programs in the state, education costs, and state-sponsored financial aid programs, as well as the importance of accreditation. We also look at the employment outlook and career opportunities across Kentucky.
Alumni salaries were provided by PayScale. View our methodology for more details or learn more about OnlineU.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Mid-Career Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | $17,100 | $85,800 | |
| Kentucky Wesleyan College | $13,650 | $77,900 | |
| University of Louisville | $16,170 | $77,400 | |
| Brescia University | $13,600 | $75,600 | |
| Northern Kentucky University | $13,440 | $73,300 | |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $12,270 | $72,200 | |
| Murray State University | $13,710 | $71,800 | |
| Western Kentucky University | $16,200 | $71,500 | |
| Spalding University | $12,900 | $67,200 | |
| Union College - KY | $6,750 | $64,100 | |
| Morehead State University | $8,970 | $64,000 | |
| Midway University | $11,850 | $58,100 | |
| University of Pikeville | $21,400 | $59,100 | |
| Lindsey Wilson College | $12,570 | $57,900 | |
| Kentucky Christian University | $19,996 | $57,400 | |
| University of the Cumberlands | $6,368 | $54,100 | |
| Campbellsville University | $11,970 | $52,700 |
2020 Online Colleges in Kentucky Ranking Details
For each school, we conducted manual research to provide prospective students with more details about the schools' online programs. Explore online degrees offered and accreditation information below.
#1 University of Kentucky
- Annual Tuition: $17,100
- Median Salary: $85,800
- Locations: Lexington
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of Kentucky (UK) offers more than 30 online certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs across many academic areas, including liberal studies, science and technology, business and finance, communication, education, engineering, administration and leadership, healthcare, mapping, social and behavioral sciences, and statistics. Popular online degree fields at UK include education and nursing. Courses are accessed through the Canvas online learning platform. UK provides a broad range of support services to online learners, including access to the career center, counseling center, tech support, academic advising, and library services.
#2 Kentucky Wesleyan College
- Annual Tuition: $13,650
- Median Salary: $77,900
- Locations: Owensboro
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC) offers online undergraduate degree programs across six academic areas: business administration, criminal justice and criminology, general studies, graphic design, psychology, and religion. One of the most popular online degrees at KWC is the Bachelor of Sciences in criminal justice & criminology. Online programs don't require any on-campus attendance and are delivered through the Brightspace learning management system. KWC offers student support resources that include career counseling, financial aid, and technical support.
#3 University of Louisville
- Annual Tuition: $16,170
- Median Salary: $77,400
- Locations: Louisville
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of Louisville offers more than 30 online certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs across several academic areas, including business, communication, criminal justice, data science, nursing, psychology, social work, sports administration, and sociology. Courses are accessed through the Blackboard online learning platform. UofL hosts its own virtual writing center and further supports online students by providing them access to the school's bookstore, library, tech support, disability resource center, and career center. Course-specific virtual tutoring is also available to assist online students. A free online course demo and orientation are available to prospective distance learners.
#4 Brescia University
- Annual Tuition: $13,600
- Median Salary: $75,600
- Locations: Owensboro
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Brescia University offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs across several academic areas, including business, accounting, integrated studies, human services, theology, psychology, management, and social work. Brescia offers affordability, convenience, and flexibility, with online programs designed in an accelerated, eight-week format, enabling distance learners to earn their degree quickly and efficiently. The school also offers an online post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting. Courses are accessed through the Moodle online learning platform. A free online course demo and orientation are available to prospective distance learners. Remote students receive access to the school’s online bookstore, the Fr. Leonard Alvey Library, and disability services.
#5 Northern Kentucky University
- Annual Tuition: $13,440
- Median Salary: $73,300
- Locations: Highland Heights
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Northern Kentucky University offers more than 30 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in several academic areas, including business, education, health, nursing, psychology, and sociology. The school also offers online certificates in the fields of nursing, business, cybersecurity, health, education, and emergency management. Courses are accessed through the Canvas online learning platform. Online student resources include access to the MyNKU student web portal, an IT help desk, and the Steely Library. One of the fastest-growing universities in Kentucky, NKU’s online academic programs can be taken in a traditional 16-week format or an accelerated seven-week format.
#6 Eastern Kentucky University
- Annual Tuition: $12,270
- Median Salary: $72,200
- Locations: Richmond
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers more than 40 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates across many academic areas, including business, communication studies, criminal justice, education, fire protection, general studies, homeland security, justice, policy, and leadership, nursing, occupational safety, occupational therapy, paralegal science, paramedicine, police studies, political science, public accounting, social intelligence, social work, sport management, and veteran's studies. Courses are accessed through the Blackboard online learning platform. Student support resources include online career services, tutoring, library access, and technical support. A free online course demo and orientation is available to prospective undergraduate and graduate students.
#7 Murray State University
- Annual Tuition: $13,710
- Median Salary: $71,800
- Locations: Murray
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Murray State University offers more than 30 online certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across several academic areas, including agriculture, business administration, general studies, computer information systems, human services, nursing, music education, nutrition, public administration, and logistics and supply chain management. Courses are accessed through the Canvas online learning platform. Murray State hosts its own dedicated online library and writing center. Distance learners have access to the RacerNet student web portal, a RacerMail student email account, the campus bookstore, tech support, tutoring, financial aid, the university libraries, and academic advising.
#8 Western Kentucky University
- Annual Tuition: $16,200
- Median Salary: $71,500
- Locations: Bowling Green
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Western Kentucky University offers more than 100 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates covering a wide variety of academic areas, including management and business administration, criminology, sociology, history, interdisciplinary studies, engineering management, and health science. Courses are accessed through the Blackboard online learning platform. WKU hosts its own dedicated online labs for math and writing support services. Additional student support resources include online tutoring, career coaching, and technical support. Distance learners can also access a free Online Orientation and Library Tutorial through the Student Resource Portal.
#9 Spalding University
- Annual Tuition: $12,900
- Median Salary: $67,200
- Locations: Louisville
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Spalding University offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs across several academic areas, including accounting, business administration, business communication, nursing, occupational therapy, and psychology. Popular online degree fields at Spalding University include business and health. Courses are accessed through the Moodle online learning platform. Student support resources include access to the library, career development services, tech support, and access to enTech, which provides therapy, equipment rental, and other services to assist individuals of all ages who need alternative ways of participating in educational activities. Spalding University lets distance learners take one or two classes every six weeks and still be considered a full-time student.
#10 Union College - KY
- Annual Tuition: $6,750
- Median Salary: $64,100
- Locations: Barbourville
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Union College - KY offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the academic areas of administration, business administration, education, general management, substance abuse counseling, law enforcement, general studies, general psychology, nursing, information systems management, athletic administration, and healthcare administration. The college, which hosts its own dedicated learning management system (uLearn), offers online courses in both fully online and hybrid formats. Remote student support resources include access to 24/7 tech support, financial aid, counseling and health services, the campus bookstore, the Weeks-Townsend Memorial Library, a career center, disability services, and a writing center.
#11 Morehead State University
- Annual Tuition: $8,970
- Median Salary: $64,000
- Locations: Morehead
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Morehead State University (MSU) offers more than 25 online undergraduate and graduate degree programs and several certificates across academic areas, including business administration, information systems, general business, technology management, education, communication, counseling, sociology, and sport management. Courses are accessed through the Blackboard online learning platform. MSU hosts its own dedicated tutoring and learning center that can be accessed online, 24/7 through Blackboard. Additional student support resources include a math lab, academic advising, online library access, career services, and technical support.
#12 Midway University
- Annual Tuition: $11,850
- Median Salary: $58,100
- Locations: Midway
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Midway University offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in several academic areas, including business administration, criminal justice, education, health care administration, equine management, tourism and event management, nursing, psychology, and sport management. Courses are accessed through the Moodle online learning platform. Midway University offers accelerated, eight-week-long online courses with five start times each year. This accelerated format gives distance learners the chance to complete a degree quickly while balancing other responsibilities. Student support resources include access to career services, disability support services, financial aid, work-study programs, the campus bookstore, and the Little Memorial Library.
#13 University of Pikeville
- Annual Tuition: $21,400
- Median Salary: $59,100
- Locations: Pikeville
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of Pikeville offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These degree programs are offered in the fields of nursing, business, and education. Courses are accessed through the Canvas online learning platform. Through WebAdvisor, UPike gives students access to its databases. UPike further supports distance learners through the Office of Spiritual Life and career development and counseling centers. Online students will also have access to a student email account, the IT help desk, the campus bookstore, and the university’s library databases.
#14 Lindsey Wilson College
- Annual Tuition: $12,570
- Median Salary: $57,900
- Locations: Columbia
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Lindsey Wilson College offers several online undergraduate and graduate degree programs across many academic areas, including business administration, criminal justice, human services and counseling, nursing, and counseling and human development. Courses are accessed through the Blackboard online learning platform. LWC also relies on Google Apps, Tegrity, and other instructional technology platforms to deliver its educational content. Online students can access the school's writing center, an Academic Success Center, counseling services, tech support, seven campus ministry groups and teams, and the Katie Murrell Library. LWC is committed to high-impact educational practices and student-centered teaching.
#15 Kentucky Christian University
- Annual Tuition: $19,996
- Median Salary: $57,400
- Locations: Grayson
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Kentucky Christian University offers several online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Their undergraduate degree program includes a bachelor's degree in nursing (RN-BSN), and graduate degrees are offered in nursing, biblical studies, Christian leadership, and religion. Courses are accessed through the Sakai educational software platform. Distance learners at KCU are able to access their grades, course schedules, transcripts, and billing through an online portal. Distance learners also have full access to the KCU library, allowing them to check out books and have them mailed to their home, use and check out electronic books, request photocopies of articles and have them emailed to them, and access online databases and catalogs.
#16 University of the Cumberlands
- Annual Tuition: $6,368
- Median Salary: $54,100
- Locations: Williamsburg
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of the Cumberlands offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across several academic areas, including business, counseling, criminal justice, health and human performance, health science, ministry, education, general studies, coaching, and information technology. Courses are accessed through the Blackboard iLearn online learning platform. Student support resources include access to the UC ONE student web portal, a student email account, financial aid, the campus bookstore, the Hagan Memorial Library’s databases and research guides, counseling services, and IT support. UC offers affordable academic programs designed with the flexibility to fit around busy schedules.
#17 Campbellsville University
- Annual Tuition: $11,970
- Median Salary: $52,700
- Locations: Campbellsville
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Campbellsville University offers over 50 online certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs across several academic areas, including liberal arts and science, business administration, Christian studies, criminal justice, education, general studies, pastoral ministries, mass communication, social work, nursing, and sport management. The school is focused on offering an affordable education that fosters personal and professional growth. Courses are accessed through the Moodle online learning platform. Student support resources include access to the TigerNet student web portal, a student email account, technical support, career services, counseling services, the Tiger Health Clinic, campus ministry, the Barnes and Noble campus bookstore, and the Montgomery Library.
Overview of Higher Education in Kentucky
In recent years, Kentucky's leadership has recognized an impending workforce shortage, particularly of college graduates. To address the need for a more skilled and educated workforce, the state has developed and implemented the 60x30 Goal, which sets a target for 60% of Kentuckians to have earned a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030. Government officials are working with Kentucky's higher education system to promote degrees and certificate programs that prepare individuals to meet the state's current and future employment needs, especially in areas such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, transportation, and construction.
To address the need for a more skilled and educated workforce, the state has developed and implemented the 60x30 Goal, which sets a target for 60% of Kentuckians to have earned a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030.
So far, the state is meeting or exceeding most of its incremental goals. In the 2019-20 academic year, the six-year graduation rate at four-year public universities reached 56.4%, an increase from 49.8% in the 2014-15 school year. Similarly, the three-year graduation rate at two-year schools in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System rose to 36.3% from 25.5% during the same time period. Approximately 260,000 students attend postsecondary institutions in the state, which include eight public four-year universities, 16 community colleges and technical schools, and more than 30 private colleges and universities. Several of these schools offer online associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. At least a dozen offer online bachelor's degrees and online master's degrees, and a few also offer online Ph.D.s.
Online Colleges in Kentucky
From private, faith-based colleges to research-oriented public universities, all types of schools in Kentucky offer online classes and degrees. Some of the most popular online degree programs include business management, nursing, computer science, criminal justice, accounting, psychology, and logistics. Not only do these distance learning programs give students greater flexibility in balancing college with other commitments, they provide a broader range of options that enable students to choose the program that's best suited to their budget and career goals.
Distance learning programs give students greater flexibility in balancing college with other commitments.
Most online schools follow a similar application process that requires students to submit transcripts of high school or prior college coursework along with the application form and fee. Standardized test scores are frequently optional, although all Kentucky high school students are required to take the ACT. Many schools offer fully online programs with asynchronous online courses, but some programs, such as nursing and social work, may require fieldwork at approved facilities. Online students can take advantage of various student services, depending on the school. These may include tech support, library assistance, tutoring, academic advising, and career coaching.
For college options in other locations, view OnlineU's best online college rankings by state or best online colleges by degree level.
Cost of Online Colleges in Kentucky
The price of a college education has been steadily increasing, and statistics show that college expenses have tripled over the last 20 years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Kentucky's average cost of tuition and fees is higher than the national average for most postsecondary institutions. The average annual cost of in-state tuition and fees in 2019-20 was $10,888 at public four-year institutions and $4,395 at public two-year institutions. The average cost of tuition and fees at private four-year institutions was $26,928.
By opting for online learning programs, however, students may be able to reduce their overall costs. Some schools charge lower tuition fees for online students, and some charge the same in-state tuition rates, which benefits out-of-state residents who choose to earn online degrees in Kentucky. Schools may also waive some of their additional fees for on-campus services. Other ways students can save include:
- Completing general education courses at an accredited two-year school before transferring earned credits to a four-year university.
- Enrolling in accelerated programs.
- Taking full 18-credit courseloads at schools that charge flat tuition fees.
- Requesting credit for prior work and military experience.
Finally, although online students usually pay the same amounts for books and supplies, they can eliminate certain transportation and on-campus living expenses by not having to relocate for school.
Financial Aid for Students in Kentucky
Of the 50 states, Kentucky ranks 17th for total financial aid dollars spent on college students. The state provides $258.1 million in aid annually, or an average of $1,615 per undergraduate. In terms of state-provided student loans, 20.3% of undergraduates at two-year schools receive an average amount of $5,324 each, and 46.7% of undergraduates at four-year schools receive an average amount of $6,770 each.
Kentucky-based online students are eligible for many types of financial aid, provided they are enrolled in accredited schools.
Kentucky-based online students are eligible for many types of financial aid, provided they are enrolled in accredited schools. Grants and scholarships — which may be funded by the federal or state government, colleges, and private organizations — are preferred because they don't have to be repaid. Student loans may also be a valuable means of funding a college education, but students should thoroughly review the loan terms before accepting one. Federal and state-sponsored loans generally have more favorable terms. Students can begin the financial aid process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For assistance in researching and applying for financial aid, students can contact the financial aid office at their school. Among the many opportunities available to Kentucky-based students are the following four programs sponsored by the state's lottery:
CAP Grants are need-based awards of up to $2,900 for full-time undergraduates enrolled at eligible schools.
The KTG program provides need-based grants of up to $2,980 for full-time undergraduate students attending private colleges and universities.
Awards for these merit-based scholarships are determined on a sliding scale with the greatest amounts going to students with the highest high school GPAs. Bonus awards go to those students who've completed advanced coursework or earned high ACT scores.
Teacher education majors may receive up to $2,500 per semester if they commit to teaching at a public or certified non-public school in Kentucky after graduating and earning their credentials.
Kentucky Employment Outlook
Kentucky's centralized location, strong infrastructure, and business-friendly environment all contribute to attracting new and existing businesses to the state, bringing an increasing number of jobs and economic growth with them. Current projections from the 2018-2028 KY Occupational Outlook indicate promising job expansion in management, engineering, and transportation. Additional increases are projected in occupational categories that support the state's workforce — 11.65% job growth in community and social services, 9.8% in legal services, 10.4% in healthcare practitioners, and 5.3% in K-12 education.
Despite these job growth projections, median salaries in the state are generally 10-20% lower than national median salaries. However, it is relatively cheap to live in Kentucky, which helps compensate for the lower wages. The state's overall cost of living index is 90.9, as compared to the national standard of 100. The table below uses data from the 2021 Statewide Wage & Employment report, which is based on data from the state's May 2020 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. These salaries are compared to national wages found in the 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
| Position | KY State Median Annual Income | BLS National Median Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| HR Specialist | $57,090 | $63,490 |
| Database Administrator | $93,622 | $98,860 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $81,572 | $90,160 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor | $39,516 | $47,660 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $54,330 | $60,660 |
| Computer and IT Systems Manager | $120,653 | $47,660 |
| Financial Manager | $97,938 | $134,180 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $85,347 | $104,280 |
| Market Research Analyst | $54,006 | $64,810 |
| Statistician | $78,328 | $92,270 |
Careers for College Graduates in Kentucky
Louisville, Bowling Green, and Lexington are just some of the Kentucky cities where college graduates are likely to find a diverse array of jobs. Popular employers include Yum! Brands, Humana, ResCare, and GE Appliances. A 2021 report published by the Kentucky Center for Statistics indicates that some occupations are experiencing steady growth while others are declining. For example, demand is decreasing for workers in mining, textiles, general manufacturing, and various trades. However, demand is projected to increase for a number of occupations that generally require a college education, including the following examples found in the 2018-2028 KY Occupational Outlook report:
Accreditation For Online Colleges in Kentucky
Accreditation ensures that college students are getting a quality education. Enrollment in an accredited school is required to be eligible for most financial aid, and it may also be required to attend graduate school and to obtain licensure for some occupations.
In higher education, there are several types of accreditation. Colleges and universities typically earn regional accreditation, which means all of their programs, faculty, services, and facilities are evaluated by an approved accreditation agency. The Southern Association of Colleges and and Schools Commission on Colleges is the accrediting agency for the state of Kentucky. All of the schools on our list of the best online colleges in Kentucky are accredited by SACSCOC.
Schools that offer primarily online degrees may have earned national accreditation from the Distance Education Accreditation Commission. Individual programs within a school may have also earned programmatic accreditation, typically from a professional organization related to the program's subject matter. The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education conducts additional reviews to ensure that schools' programs align with the state's strategic goals and academic standards.
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