In 1792, Kentucky became the 15th state to join the union. Over the last two centuries, the state developed a reputation for horse racing, whiskey, and Southern hospitality. Kentucky has also become known for its manufacturing and logistics industries, boasting some of the country's highest concentrations of jobs in these sectors.
The state is home to a big online learning industry as well. Online colleges in Kentucky allow students to pursue degrees and classes without commuting through the rolling hills each day. In this guide, we rank the best online schools in Kentucky and give advice on accreditation and cost.
Reasons to Consider Online Colleges in Kentucky
- Online learning makes it easier to balance your studies with work, childcare, and other responsibilities.
- You can attend online colleges in Kentucky without moving or traveling.
- Some of Kentucky's most prestigious universities offer online programs and courses.
- You can save money on tuition, class materials, travel, and room and board.
- Online schools in Kentucky often follow an asynchronous format, allowing you to study when and how you want.
Did You Know...
Transylvania University was founded in 1780, making it the oldest university in Kentucky — and one of the oldest colleges in the country!
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Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $220
Out-of-State | $220
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of the Cumberlands, a private Christian college, offers 24 online bachelor's degree options, including education, gaming, and finance. You can also pursue associate degrees, certificates, and graduate programs.
With just 2,700 enrolled students online, you can take advantage of smaller class sizes. You'll also have access to student success coordinators at any time, and you can schedule appointments with online tutors.
Along with an affordable, competitive tuition rate, online students at the University of the Cumberlands also receive free textbooks.
#2 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $527
Out-of-State | $527
Credits to Graduate: 120
With over 60 online programs and 16 bachelor's degree programs, the University of Louisville is a public research university with options for everyone. You can major in anything from healthcare to education to women and gender studies.
Looking to finish your degree program faster? Many of UofL's online courses can be taken in an accelerated format, with courses that last 5-8 weeks.
Online programs at UofL feature asynchronous courses, meaning students can study in a way that fits their schedule. Online learners also have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud.
#3 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $473
Out-of-State | $473
Credits to Graduate: 120
Northern Kentucky University, a public institution, ranks as one of the top colleges in the state. With an average student-to-faculty ratio of 19-to-1, you can experience the intimacy of small class sizes with the resources of attending a larger campus.
You can take programs at NKU 100% online. NKU offers many accelerated online programs as well.
At NKU, you can earn credits for prior learning. You can take advantage of a discounted tuition rate if you're in the military or a veteran.
#4 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $541
Out-of-State | $1,382
Credits to Graduate: 120
You can join the University of Kentucky's strong community of 220,000 alumni. UK is a public land-grant research university with over 80 degree and certificate programs to choose from.
You can pick from 10 bachelor's degree programs, including medical laboratory science, U.S. culture and business practices, and nursing.
As an online student, you will be fully supported at UK. You'll have access to career counseling, academic advising, virtual tutoring, and technical support.
#5 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $551
Out-of-State | $551
Credits to Graduate: 120
What do astronaut Terrence W. Wilcutt and mystery writer Sue Grafton have in common? They both graduated from Western Kentucky University. WKU is a public college that offers small class sizes, averaging less than 23 students per class.
In addition to offering a traditional online learning experience, WKU also offers an on-demand learning option. Students can start the on-demand courses at any point in the year. Learners can take classes over an extended period of time or finish them in as little as seven weeks.
Students also have access to a WKU academic coach and a library of resources for online learners, including academic and financial support.
#6 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $424
Out-of-State | $424
Credits to Graduate: 120
Campbellsville University is a private Christian university with a liberal arts focus located in Campbellsville, Kentucky.
CU has 80 online degree programs to choose from, including 17 bachelor's degrees. Options include a bachelor's in sports management, marriage and family ministry, and public health. CU online has six start dates throughout the year.
On top of traditional online support services like an academic advisor and technical support, CU provides mental health services like counseling. You can also take advantage of life management coaching in areas like time management.
#7 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Asbury University
Wilmore, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $399
Out-of-State | $399
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in Horse Country, Asbury University is a private Christian liberal arts college that was established in 1890. AU offers many online bachelor's degree options, including digital content creation, leadership and ministry, and health communication.
Online courses are offered in an eight-week format. You can choose to begin your studies in August, October, January, March, or May.
Even as an online student, you have access to career services, alumni networks, resume and cover letter writing help, and interview preparation.
Graduates of AU's business school have a job placement rate of 99%.
#8 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Murray State University
Murray, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $479
Out-of-State | $689
Credits to Graduate: 120
With 75% of full-time instructional faculty having earned the highest degree in their subject area, Murray State University offers a top-notch education.
MSU is a public university with 12 online bachelor's degree options. Notable programs include agriculture, cybersecurity and network management, and human services.
Online students have access to the same academic services as campus students, including career services and counseling services. You also have access to virtual writing tutoring through the Racer Writing Center.
If you are military or former military, you can also access a special tuition rate for service members.
#9 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Brescia University
Owensboro, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 120
Brescia University is a private liberal arts college. It is a Christian university that embeds service and leadership into its programming.
BU offers eight fully online bachelor's degree programs, including theology, accounting, and human resources. Most of the online courses at BU are offered in an accelerated, eight-week format, allowing you to move through your degree program quicker.
As an online student, you can take advantage of counseling, tutoring, and career services.
#10 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Midway University
Midway, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 120
Established in 1847 as the Kentucky Female Orphan School, Midway University is now a private college located 14 miles from Lexington. It is one of the most affordable private colleges in Kentucky.
Midway offers 20 fully online bachelor's degrees, including unique programs like sports marketing, equine business and sales, and game studies and design. MU provides small class sizes.
Academic support for online students includes tutoring, writing labs, and study sessions. As an enrolled student or alumni, you have access to career services like job search tools, help with cover letters and resumes, and other job skill-building. You can also receive help with your internship placement.
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online (ASO) uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.
We rank schools using data like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid awarded, and program offerings. And all our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
Our detailed methodology page can tell you more about how we create school rankings.
Why Accreditation Matters for Online Schools in Kentucky
College accreditation matters in every state, including Kentucky.
Institutional accreditation should come from an accrediting organization recognized by the Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Accredited schools have completed a thorough self-assessment and quality assurance process.
Institutional and programmatic accreditation can impact your access to financial aid, professional licensure, and employment opportunities.
You can check a school's accreditation status using ED's database or CHEA's school directory.
Most online colleges in Kentucky will be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
How Much Do Online Colleges in Kentucky Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in-state students paid an average of $10,976 in tuition and fees at Kentucky public universities in 2020-2021. Out-of-state students paid $25,049, and private school students paid $26,996.
Online learners can save on housing costs and campus fees. Also, many online colleges in Kentucky offer in-state tuition rates to all students, regardless of where they live.
Kentucky students can also apply for financial aid. Make sure to submit the FAFSA and apply for scholarships and grants.
The state runs various financial aid programs to assist students financially, including:
- College Access Program Grant
- Kentucky Tuition Grant
- Dual Credit Scholarship Program
- Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program
2 Popular Cities for Online Colleges in Kentucky
Kentucky has many appealing cities for students, but Louisville and Bowling Green stand out for a few reasons. Here's why.
Louisville
Spread over 66 square miles, Louisville is home to the famous Kentucky Derby. It's also the No. 1 city for manufacturing, according to a 2017 Forbes ranking. Today, the city employs over 78,000 people in manufacturing.
Other booming industries include food and beverage, health and aging innovation, and foreign investment and exporting.
Louisville boasts a diverse array of four-year colleges, many of which offer online courses and degrees.
Bowling Green
The third-most populous city in Kentucky, Bowling Green was named and settled in the late 18th century. The city is home to popular schools like Western Kentucky University and Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College.
Global Trade Magazine listed Bowling Green as a top 20 manufacturing city due to its automotive industry and large manufacturing workforce.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Bowling Green boasts one of the highest concentrations of production jobs in the country.
School | City | Accreditation | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Bellarmine University | Louisville | SACSCOC | Private, 4-Year |
Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College | Bowling Green | SACSCOC | Public, 2-Year |
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary | Louisville | SACSCOC | Private, 4-Year |
Spalding University | Louisville | SACSCOC | Private, 4-Year |
University of Louisville | Louisville | SACSCOC | Public, 4-Year |
Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green | SACSCOC | Public, 4-Year |
Fastest-Growing Jobs in Kentucky
Kentucky's manufacturing and automotive industries get most of the attention, but the state has a number of fast-growing sectors students should keep an eye on.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development lists healthcare and distribution and logistics as two of the state's major industries.
The table below highlights several occupations within these fields, including nurse practitioners, medical and health services managers, and logisticians.
Job | Median Annual Salary in KY (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate in KY (2020-2030) | Minimum Education Required |
---|---|---|---|
Nurse Practitioners | $100,260 | 55% | Master's |
Restaurant Cooks | $27,910 | 54% | None |
Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | $39,020 | 41% | High school diploma |
Bartenders | $20,530 | 36% | None |
Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $27,690 | 36% | High school diploma |
Physical Therapist Assistants | $55,580 | 34% | Associate |
Logisticians | $62,340 | 34% | Bachelor's |
Medical and Health Services Managers | $95,200 | 33% | Bachelor's |
Physician Assistants | $99,510 | 32% | Master's |
Information Security Analysts | $79,990 | 31% | Bachelor's |
Sources: BLS, Projections Central
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Kentucky
How many colleges are in Kentucky?
Kentucky has 87 colleges and universities, according to NCES. This includes 38 four-year schools, 24 public schools, and 63 private schools. While the state only has one entirely online college (Frontier Nursing University), over 60% of Kentucky students take online classes.
How long do you need to live in Kentucky to get in-state tuition?
Kentucky law states that you must live in Kentucky for 12 months prior to starting school in order to qualify as a resident. You may also qualify for residency by:
- Paying state or property taxes for one year
- Getting a full-time job and living in Kentucky for one year
- Earning professional licensure or certification in the state
- Marrying a Kentucky resident
Can Kentucky residents attend college for free?
As a Kentucky resident, you may qualify for free tuition for up to 60 credits through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship program. The program offers scholarships to students pursuing associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in several fields, including:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Business and IT
- Healthcare
- Transportation and logistics
- Construction
What is the cheapest college in Kentucky?
You can find many affordable schools in Kentucky, including several with annual tuition rates below $10,000. Kentucky State University has one of the lowest tuition rates at less than $8,000 per year.
Other low-cost schools in Kentucky include East Kentucky University at $9,544 per year and the University of the Cumberlands at $9,875 per year.
What is the best online school in Kentucky?
The best online school in Kentucky depends on your priorities, your interests, and your study needs.
Some of the largest online colleges in Kentucky include the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University. Each of these schools has more than 20,000 students and over 50 online programs.