Online Colleges in Kentucky

Online colleges in Kentucky offer students the opportunity to attend a Kentucky school without actually living or traveling to the state.

In 2016, the state launched the strategic agenda “Stronger By Degrees” with the goal of raising the percentage of Kentuckians with a high-quality postsecondary degree or certificate to 60% by the year 2030.

The recent progress report indicated that total degree and credential growth had already climbed 5.8% overall and also showed significant improvement in closing achievement gaps for minority students.

Kentucky’s goals and growth, in addition to its excellent schools and financial aid opportunities, demonstrate that higher education is a priority in the state.

Online Colleges in Kentucky

Online learning provides a convenient and affordable way for students to pursue a degree while still maintaining their professional and personal commitments.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that roughly 28% of students in Kentucky are enrolled in degree programs at accredited online colleges. Another 32% are enrolled in one or more online courses. Those numbers continue to rise, and today, nearly all postsecondary schools in Kentucky offer online learning opportunities.

You may choose between fully online programs and hybrid programs, which involve both online and on-campus courses. Certifications, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees may be pursued online. You may enroll through large, well-known schools or through small, private institutions.

If you are interested in community or technical college, you may utilize the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), a statewide system of 14 community colleges and 15 technical institutes. KCTCS offers more than 700 credential options and is the state’s largest provider of workforce training and online education.

Common Kentucky Online Degrees

Online colleges in KY offer diverse degree programs, including these popular options:

• Nursing: Online nursing degrees typically cover how to provide patient care, complete and store confidential records, and conduct health assessments. With a degree in nursing, you may be qualified to work as a registered nurse or a nurse practitioner.
• Business administration: During a business administration program, you will likely learn how to properly lead a business, supervise employees, and meet organizational deadlines and goals. After graduating, you might seek a position as a manager, an analyst, or a chief executive.
• Accounting: Degree programs in accounting typically focus on gathering, analyzing, and presenting financial data. After graduating, you might pursue a career as an accountant, a financial manager, or a budget analyst.
• Psychology: A psychology degree program typically focuses on human behavior, including mental health disorders. With this degree, you might pursue a career as a counselor, a therapist, or a psychologist.
• Elementary education: While earning a degree in elementary education, you will likely learn about classroom management, equitable learning environments, and education technology. Completing a degree in elementary education is usually an essential step if you are hoping to become an elementary or middle school teacher.

Depending on your specific career goals, you may want to pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in your area of interest.

Overview of Higher Education in Kentucky

The NCES reported that there are 57 degree-granting institutions in Kentucky. Of the 57, 24 are public, 25 are private non-profit, and 8 are private for-profit.

The average cost of tuition and fees for one year at one of the state’s 4 year public institutions is $10,976 for in-state students and $25,049 for out-of-state students, according to the NCES. These numbers include community colleges in Kentucky.

If you happen to live in another southern state, your tuition may be lower than other out-of-state students because of Kentucky’s participation in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). The SREP is a 16-state collaboration aimed at bettering higher education. Through this organization, residents of participating states may pursue degrees at schools in other participating states while paying in-state tuition.

Another valuable resource to Kentucky’s educational system is the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, which has headed up various educational initiatives. The agency works to improve the quality, diversity, accessibility, and affordability of higher education across the state.

Employment Outlook for College Graduates in Kentucky

Professionals in Kentucky work in a range of industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Kentucky workforce consists of more than 1.8 million people, with many of them employed in office and administrative support, transportation, and production occupations.

Although these positions generally do not require a college degree, having one may allow you to earn a higher salary. Many college degree holders in Kentucky work in management, healthcare, and education. For example, nearly 101,000 people work in management roles, like operations managers, marketing managers, and chief executives.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the unemployment rate in Kentucky generally ranges between 3.9 and 4.0%, which is higher than the national rate. The median annual salary for all occupations in the state is $40,190. This is lower than the national median wage for all workers, which is $46,300 per year.

Careers & Salaries in Kentucky

Earning a college degree may strengthen your qualifications for positions in multiple industries in Kentucky. The state’s largest areas of employment for college graduates include business and financial operations, management, education, and healthcare.

Possible employers for professionals in these and other growing industries in Kentucky include government agencies, nonprofits, private businesses, financial institutions, and healthcare facilities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are among the most common career paths for college graduates in Kentucky.

Many of these positions have competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for healthcare practitioners in Kentucky is $64,540, and management occupations have median yearly earnings of $83,970.

Kentucky Colleges Online Admissions Requirements

Online colleges in Kentucky have specific requirements for prospective students. Common criteria include:

• Recommendations: Former instructors and supervisors can describe your strengths and achievements.
• Transcripts: You’ll likely be asked to provide official records of your attendance at all previous academic institutions.
• Test scores: Some colleges and universities require minimum standardized test scores for admission.
• Personal statement: You may be asked to write a short essay explaining your interest in the program and your career goals.

In addition to submitting these materials, you may also be required to complete an official application, pay an application fee, or submit a resume when attending Kentucky online colleges.

KY Online Colleges Accreditation

A college’s accreditation status speaks to the quality of its academic programs. In order to receive national or regional accreditation, schools must undergo a thorough evaluation process.

Regional accrediting bodies have especially high standards. As a result, a regionally accredited college program is more likely to offer the best possible education. If you change schools before graduating, it’s also typically easier to transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges.

Employers often look more favorably on degrees from schools with regional accreditation because they offer up-to-date instruction and skills. This may strengthen your candidacy for a future position.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

For those interested in earning KY online degrees, the first step is usually filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which provides access to federal, state, and many forms of private financial aid.

The most desirable forms of financial aid are typically grants and scholarships, which do not need to be repaid as long as they are used appropriately. In Kentucky, the government agency Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) helps to improve students’ access to higher education by providing financial and informational resources.

KHEAA administers the following grant and scholarship programs exclusively for Kentuckians:

• College Access Program Grant (CAP): Up to $2,000 at a 2-year institution and up to $2,200 at a 4 year institution
• Dual Credit Scholarship Program: Reimbursement for up to 2 classes
• Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES): Award amounts increase based on GPA scores each year of high school, and additional incentives are given for high ACT or SAT scores and other academic accomplishments
• Kentucky Tuition Grant: Up to $2,960
• Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship: Total cost of public institution’s tuition and fees, minus other grants or scholarships

KHEAA also administers financial aid programs for those entering in-demand fields, such as early childhood development, osteopathic medicine, or teaching. You may also discuss financial aid opportunities with the college or university you’ve chosen. Schools often offer impressive grants and scholarships to admitted students.

Kentucky Online Education Resources

Applying for and enrolling in college is complicated, but you may receive guidance from one of the following resources.

• Council on Postsecondary Education: As part of the state’s Department of Education, the CPE provides information about college accreditation and financial aid.
• KnowHow2GoKy: Through this site, you can access information about beginning or returning to college, including financial aid and admissions requirements.
• Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Association: The KHEAA offers insights into college selection and paying for your degree.

These sites can help students find the best accredited degree programs and navigate the admissions process.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to an Online College in Kentucky?

The cost of tuition differs between schools. Public colleges generally have lower rates than private schools, and 2 year technical or community colleges often have the lowest rates of all.

How much money you pay to earn an online degree may also depend on whether you qualify as an in-state or out-of-state student. For instance, an in-state student at a public college in Kentucky pays on average about $10,900 a year in tuition and fees compared to about $25,000 for a non-resident.

Completing online degrees in KY is often more affordable because you may save money on housing, parking, transportation, and other fees.

Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students

If you are a non-resident and want to attend an online college in Kentucky, you may be able to receive a tuition discount through a state reciprocity agreement. Students who reside in states with reciprocity may be able to attend school online and pay in-state tuition rates.

The states that have current reciprocity agreements with Kentucky include Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. Participating schools in Kentucky may waive additional out-of-state tuition charges for students who live in these states.

Kentucky is also a part of the Academic Common Market. This program allows students in select southern states to pay in-state rates at Kentucky online schools if desired degree programs are not available at an accredited institution within their home states.

Some colleges have completely eliminated out-of-state tuition, particularly for students in online degree programs, but you may have to pay an additional fee to participate in virtual classes.

What Jobs Are in High Demand in Kentucky?

When choosing a college degree, many students consider which programs will lead to stable employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most in-demand occupations for college graduates in Kentucky include:

• Registered nurses
• General and operations managers
• Elementary and secondary school teachers
• Accountants and auditors
• Human resources specialists

Completing a degree in education, nursing, business, or accounting may help you qualify for a position in one of these rapidly growing fields. Even so, it is beneficial to make sure that your career and degree choice also aligns with your interests and abilities.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Kentucky?

Some of the jobs in Kentucky with the highest salaries are in healthcare, law, and business administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, anesthesiologists have some of the largest earnings in the state with median annual salaries equal to or greater than $239,200.

Other high-paying careers in healthcare are family medicine physicians and pediatricians, who have annual median salaries of $215,200 and $210,000, respectively. These professions are followed by nuclear engineers, with median annual earnings of $192,380, and chief executives, who earn $157,800 a year, on average.

Obtaining one of these positions does not guarantee a high salary. Your potential earnings also depend on your location, professional experience, and employer.

List of Online Colleges in Kentucky

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Asbury University aims to provide students with a high-quality, Christian education online. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are new start dates every August, October, January, March, and May. Asbury offers 11 online undergraduate degree programs, and many of these programs can be completed entirely online. Fields of study offered include health communication, leadership and ministry, and digital content creation.

Asbury University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Bellarmine University offers a variety of degree programs online, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Popular programs include Data Engineering, Nursing, and Education. The university aims to pair a liberal arts education with dynamic learning models in order to provide a convenient and holistic educational experience.

Bellarmine University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Brescia University offers online degrees through BUOnline. The school is committed to offering affordable tuition and no longer charges online course fees. Most courses are 8 weeks long. BU offers over 10 online programs for associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees. Fields of study offered include human services, accounting, social work, and business administration.

Brescia University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Campbellsville University seeks to provide a high-quality, faith-based education. The school offers six start dates each year and has generous transfer policies for those with qualifying credits. The school offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs that can be completed fully online. Fields of study offered include sport management and computer science.

Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Eastern Kentucky University offers degrees online through EKU Online. All online students pay the same tuition. Most programs are offered entirely online, and courses are 8 weeks long. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in over 50 fields. Fields of study offered include fire protection administration, marketing, and computer science.

Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Kentucky State University’s degree programs seek to prepare students to serve others. The school offers online programs for nontraditional students. Both synchronous and asynchronous courses are available.

Kentucky State offers seven different online degree programs, including three bachelor’s, three master’s, and one doctorate. Fields of study offered include criminal justice, psychology, environmental studies, special education, and nursing.

Kentucky State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Kentucky Wesleyan College offers an online degree program that is designed to be flexible for students with busy schedules. Courses start twice each semester. Each one is 7 weeks long and entirely online. KWC offers six online bachelor’s degree programs. Areas of study offered include business administration, criminal justice and criminology, graphic design, psychology, religion, and general studies.

Kentucky Wesleyan College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Nontraditional students can earn undergraduate or graduate degrees through Midway University’s evening and online undergraduate programs. Each module is 8 weeks long to accelerate the programs and help students earn their degrees faster. Fields of study offered include elementary education, equine management, public health, nursing, and graphic design.

Midway University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Morehead State University aims to provide its online students with flexible options so they can earn degrees on their own time while still giving them the support they need to be successful. While many programs are fully online, some are partially online. The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in fields like music education, technology management, and leadership in medical imaging.

Morehead State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Murray State University has been recognized as a Top Tier college by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s Top Universities by Forbes. Murray State offers 12 online programs, most of which are completely online, designed for working students. Fields of study offered include nursing and agribusiness.

Murray State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Northern Kentucky University offers degrees online. The school’s online programs offer multiple start dates to work with students’ busy schedules and are provided in an accelerated format. The online courses are taught by the same faculty members as on-campus courses. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like health administration and global supply chain management.

Northern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Spalding University offers flexible online programs for working and nontraditional students. Most classes are offered in 6 week blocks to accelerate degree completion.

The school offers online programs for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, and many of these programs can be completed entirely online. Fields of study offered include health science, communication, school counseling, and occupational therapy.

Spalding University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Sullivan University is dedicated to providing nontraditional students with high-quality online degree programs. It aims to give students a flexible and affordable education that fits into their busy lifestyles. Many of its programs are fully online or available in a hybrid format. SU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees in fields like accounting, cybersecurity, and information technology.

Sullivan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Nontraditional students can earn their degrees through online and accelerated programs at Thomas More University.

TMU is a private university that seeks to provide students with an affordable Christian education. Students can choose between nine undergraduate and graduate online programs, most of which can be completed fully online. Fields of study offered include ethical leadership, nursing, teaching, and business administration.

Thomas More University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Union College’s online programs are designed to help students earn new degrees or finish previously started degrees in a flexible format. Most courses are 8 weeks long, and the school offers several start dates throughout the year. Union College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees entirely online in fields such as human resource management, nursing, and substance abuse.

Union College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Kentucky offers online degree programs designed for working students and those with families. UK offers over 80 programs for professional certificates and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, most of which are fully online. Fields of study offered include arts administration, social work, and digital mapping.

The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Louisville has received several recognitions for its online learning programs from U.S. News & World Report. UofL online students are taught by the same faculty members as on-campus students. UofL offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees through fully online programs. Fields of study offered include communication and biostatistics.

The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Pikeville offers four online degree programs to help professionals advance in their careers. Each program is entirely online, and most courses are asynchronous. The school offers an RN-to-BSN program. Master’s programs offered include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Social Work (MSW), and a Teacher Leader MA in Education.

The University of Pikeville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of the Cumberlands strives to provide its students with a high-quality education with the flexibility of online learning. UC offers over 40 undergraduate degree programs online. Fields of study offered include criminal justice, human services, coaching, and allied health.

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Western Kentucky University as one of the best online programs for bachelor’s degrees. The school aims to offer superior online support to its students. WKU offers over 80 online programs. Many are fully online and asynchronous. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like business, science, and engineering.

Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Getting Your Online Degree in Kentucky

In spite of financial restrictions, many students are finding Kentucky colleges more attractive than ever. Thanks to the support of dozens of agencies, the state’s colleges and universities continue to increase their online learning offerings and financial aid resources, making Kentucky a solid choice for higher education for many.

To start your journey, you can begin looking into and researching accredited online schools in Kentucky that offer your degree program.

You can also view our Online Colleges in Kansas and Online Colleges in Louisiana guides for more options.