Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

Interested in attending an online college in Kentucky? With more than 30 four-year colleges in the state, you have a variety of options to choose from.
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Updated October 9, 2024

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While the horses in Kentucky may run fast, the Bluegrass State's college enrollment rates have remained relatively flat over the last decade. In 2022, Kentucky launched the Higher Education Matters campaign to meet the goal of getting 60% of working-age adults to obtain a college credential by 2030.

Kentucky offers a lower-than-average cost of living — World Population Review scores the state 93.8 on a scale where 100 represents the national average. Because Kentucky's cost of living is lower-than-average, earning a degree in Kentucky can be more affordable than doing so in other states. Online colleges in Kentucky may offer further savings since you never have to go to campus.

Use our guide to discover what Kentucky online colleges cost and learn about scholarships available to Kentuckians.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Top Online Colleges in Kentucky for 2024

#1 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

University of the Cumberlands

  • Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $220
Out-of-State | $220

University of the Cumberlands maintains a commitment to a distinctive, supportive, and affordable education. The school offers transparent tuition through its "one-price promise," which removes additional fees and hidden costs. Tuition covers most school-related costs, including parking, laundry, and textbooks. 

The school's online branch offers dozens of programs, with a maximum class size of 30. Online students can access counseling services for support with mental health conditions relating to substance use, anxiety, and depression. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,875
Out-of-state
$9,875
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,282
Out-of-state
$4,282
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
19,272
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

University of Louisville

  • Louisville, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $527
Out-of-State | $527

University of Louisville, one of the first city-owned public schools, enrolls over 23,000 students and focuses heavily on research. The university's research efforts advance healthcare policy, empower communities, and explore emerging technologies to help the future economy. 

The institution offers over 60 fully online programs, including accounting, business, and computer science. Admission does not require you to submit essays, letters of recommendation, or standardized test scores. Federal government employees can earn a 10% tuition bonus through the Federal Academic Alliance scholarship. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,174
Out-of-state
$28,520
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,524
Out-of-state
$27,638
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
22,140
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

University of Kentucky

  • Lexington, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $541
Out-of-State | $1,382

University of Kentucky, home to 16 colleges, offers over 200 academic programs. The public institution's mission statement focuses on facilitating learning, expanding knowledge, and serving a global community. The school offers nearly half of its programs online through asynchronous and synchronous delivery. 

Each applicant must complete an online form, pay a $50 fee, and submit official transcripts. The school offers academic scholarships for new enrollees, currently enrolled learners, and transfer students. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,247
Out-of-state
$30,245
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,311
Out-of-state
$32,185
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
30,390
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

Western Kentucky University

  • Bowling Green, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $540

Western Kentucky University, located in the third-largest city in Kentucky, features over 90 online degree and certificate programs. Online attendees can choose from more than 1,700 individual classes. The school offers live, web-based classes and asynchronous coursework. Web classes may require up to two in-person meetings, which instructors will specify in the class notes. 

Online programs provide attendees with free additional support tools, including online tutoring, career services, and student success coaches. These faculty members can help students with time management, learning strategies, and developing lifelong skills.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,992
Out-of-state
$27,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,140
Out-of-state
$18,340
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
16,750
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

Northern Kentucky University

  • Highland Heights, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $473
Out-of-State | $473

Northern Kentucky University, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, has over 16,000 students and 200 student organizations. The fully asynchronous online programs offer multiple start dates for students to create a flexible schedule. 

The school's online programs have various admission requirements. Typically, a candidate must submit an online application, pay a non-refundable fee, possess a 2.0 minimum GPA, and/or have completed some postsecondary classwork. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,008
Out-of-state
$20,064
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,900
Out-of-state
$15,210
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
15,979
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
76% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

Campbellsville University

  • Campbellsville, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $346-$424
Out-of-State | $346-$424

Campbellsville University, a Christian school, was founded in 1906. The university has campus centers and institutional sites around Kentucky, along with an online school. Online attendees can choose from 80 programs, including 17 bachelor's and 44 advanced degrees. The distance learning environment provides opportunities to complete coursework, discuss with professors, and interact with classmates. 

The institution offers six start dates throughout the year. Enrollees may apply for academic scholarships, which can provide up to full tuition coverage. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,900
Out-of-state
$24,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,473
Out-of-state
$8,473
Retention Rate
61%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,238
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

Asbury University

  • Wilmore, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $399
Out-of-State | $399

Asbury University provides over 130 areas of study, teaches students critical thinking skills, and offers hands-on experiences. The school has seven online degrees, including bachelor's programs in business management, social work, and digital content creation. Classes last for eight weeks, and the school offers five start dates throughout the year. 

Students can enter scholarship competitions or receive aid based on need and/or merit. Every incoming first-year student receives financial aid benefits. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,084
Out-of-state
$32,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,990
Out-of-state
$9,990
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
1,720
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

Murray State University

  • Murray, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $405
Out-of-State | $405

Murray State University, a public institution founded in 1922, awards over $100 million annually in scholarships and financial aid. The school's online programs offer degree and non-degree options, including certificates, endorsements, and non-credit programs. Enrollees pursuing undergraduate degrees can choose from 12 majors, including business administration, human services, and logistics. 

Each candidate must submit an online application, a $40 fee, and official high school transcripts. Individuals with GPAs of 2.75 or higher will receive admission. The university reviews students with 2.0-2.74 GPAs holistically.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,040
Out-of-state
$17,316
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,982
Out-of-state
$13,644
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
9,414
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

Brescia University

  • Owensboro, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450

Brescia University, located along the Ohio River in Kentucky, was founded in 1925 as a women's junior college. The school now offers co-educational courses at its campus and online through BUonline. BUonline features 10 online programs, which primarily use accelerated eight-week courses. 

Individuals can submit applications year-round and start classes immediately after acceptance. Each applicant receives an admission counselor to assist with the registration process. The institution reviews individuals on a holistic basis and can work with prospective enrollees who do not meet the minimum requirements. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,000
Out-of-state
$26,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,500
Out-of-state
$15,500
Retention Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
841
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
71% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

Midway University

  • Midway, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Undergraduate Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395

Midway University enrolls over 20% of its student body in online learning. Distance programs offer five annual start times for its eight-week courses. Enrollees can choose from 20 online undergraduate degrees, including accounting, coaching, and criminal justice. 

First-year applicants can submit online forms with their official transcripts. Individuals under the age of 24 don't need to submit official test scores. Enrollees can pursue multiple Midway University scholarships, including merit-based, athletic, and out-of-state awards. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,500
Out-of-state
$24,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,314
Out-of-state
$7,314
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
1,390
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
78% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.

To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.


Price Check

A 2020 survey found that the median lifetime earnings for workers with bachelor's degrees in Kentucky is almost $1 million higher than for professionals with only a high school diploma.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Kentucky

Multiple jobs in the Kentucky job market are projected to see positive growth from 2022 to 2032. Earning a college degree can help you become eligible for these in-demand positions.

The Kentucky Center for Statistics estimates a 45% growth in nurse practitioners from 2022 to 2032. Other fast-growing occupations include logisticians and physician assistants. Positions in tech also offer considerable stability: For example, information security analysts are projected to grow 30%.

The table below covers some of the fastest-growing occupations in Kentucky that require at least a bachelor's degree.

Fast-Growing Careers in Kentucky 2020-2030
Job Projected Growth Annual Median Wage in Kentucky (2023)
Nurse Practitioners 45.3% $109,530
Information Security Analysts 30% $92,580
Medical and Health Services Managers 28.8% $97,550
Physician Assistants 26.5% $103,490
Physical Therapist Assistants 24.6% $61,080
Software Developers 24.1% $103,030
Logisticians 22.5% $65,820
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 21.4% $47,060
Operations Research Analysts 20.8% $78,000
Speech-Language Pathologists 20.4% $78,780
Source: BLS Kentucky, Kentucky Division of Workforce Services

Majors to Consider To Prepare for Kentucky's Job Market

Many of the fast-growing careers in Kentucky require a degree in subjects like health sciences, computer science, or nursing. Earning a degree with one of these majors can help you launch a career in a high-demand field.

  • Health Sciences

    Health sciences degrees include majors like public health, healthcare administration, nutrition, and medical billing. A bachelor's degree in healthcare management or healthcare administration is a common requirement for jobs like medical and health services manager. A health science degree can also prepare you to pursue graduate degrees in medicine or physical therapy as well as physician assistant programs. If you're interested in helping people improve their mental well-being, consider earning a master's degree or doctorate in fields like psychology or counseling.
  • Nursing

    An online nursing degree or registered nurse program can prepare you for nurse jobs while reducing how much time you spend on campus. To pursue advanced roles like nurse practitioner, you usually need a master's degree.
  • Computer Science

    An online computer science degree can train you for careers like software developer, information security analyst, or operations research analyst. In addition to generalized programs, you can pursue specialized bachelor's degrees in fields like information technology, software development, computer engineering, or cybersecurity.

What is the Cost of College in Kentucky?

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that in the 2022-23 school year, four-year public institutions in Kentucky charged in-state undergraduates an average of $11,299 for tuition and fees — higher than the national average of $9,750. Out-of-state students at public schools paid $26,640.

Depending on the school, online learning can be more affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students. Many online programs have a fixed tuition rate for distance education enrollees, and these degrees eliminate on-campus room and board costs as well as transportation fees. Some colleges also charge the same tuition for online and on-campus students, regardless of where you reside.

Average Cost of College in Kentucky
Institution Type Average Tuition and Required Fees in Kentucky Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S.
Public 4-Year (In-State) $11,299 $9,750
Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) $26,640 $28,297
Private 4-Year $28,001 $35,248
Source: NCES

Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Kentucky

Kentucky businesses, nonprofits, and universities offer scholarships exclusively for Kentuckians enrolled in local colleges. To qualify for some funding opportunities, you may need to live in a specific part of the state or major in a particular subject.

Scholarship awards provide funds based on need, merit, and demographics for students attending two- and four-year accredited schools in Kentucky. State-specific funding opportunities include:

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Kentucky


How many colleges are in Kentucky?

Kentucky has 34 four-year public and private nonprofit colleges and universities. Kentucky is also home to 16 two-year public and private nonprofit schools.

What is the cheapest online college in Kentucky?

For four-year schools, Kentucky State University has some of the lowest tuition in the state, charging an average of $9,214 for full-time students in the 2023-2024 academic year. The institution is also one of the largest universities in Kentucky. Other schools in the state with lower-than-average tuition include Morehead State University, Murray State University, and the University of the Cumberlands.

What colleges are in Bowling Green, Kentucky?

Bowling Green is home to two degree-granting institutions: Western Kentucky University and Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College. Western Kentucky University is a four-year public university with more than 80 online programs to choose from. Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College is a public two-year college that offers certificate and associate degrees.

What is the easiest online college to get into in Kentucky?

Western Kentucky University, which enrolls 16,493 students, had a 97% acceptance rate in 2023, making it one of the easiest online colleges to get into in Kentucky. According to NCES data, Midway University admitted 95% of applicants, though the school only enrolls 1,441 students. The University of Kentucky had a 92% acceptance rate and enrolls 31,547 learners.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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