Online Degrees In Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky recognizes how important it is to attract new employers. New businesses mean new jobs, and new jobs mean a higher quality of life for all Kentuckians. Kentucky continues to strive hard to create a pro-business climate and its efforts are paying off. The Blue Grass state ranks among the top 10 in the country for its business climate and leads in the top 5 for vehicle production, aerospace-related exports, and air cargo shipments.

Fueling the workforce needs of the state are Kentucky’s prestigious colleges and universities. By designing curricula that meets the needs of businesses in Kentucky these higher education institutes are helping the state stave off a looming attainment deficit. Kentucky needs more college graduates, and soon.

Unfortunately, economic and geographic barriers (including the state’s large rural areas) make going to school difficult for many would-be students. This is where online learning in Kentucky is a total game-changer.

High school graduates, working professionals and those who have family commitments can earn an online degree in the field of their choice. Online associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree programs in Kentucky offer a practical and convenient way to earn a postsecondary credential often without having to step on campus.

College graduates are hot commodities in Kentucky, so those who do invest in higher education can have a valuable edge in the workforce. According to the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center, 84 percent of employers have difficulty finding qualified candidates. Here are 4 reasons why earning a degree in Kentucky can be worth the time, effort and investment:

Jobs: The business climate is positive, but Kentucky’s workforce comes up short on skills. Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher constitute only 22 percent of the population. From 2014 to 2024 there is likely to be a high demand, particularly for those who hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore,

  • Occupations requiring at least some college will likely increase by nearly 20 percent
  • Occupations requiring a master’s degree will likely grow the fastest at 25.4 percent

Almost a third of new job openings in Kentucky will likely be in three large occupational groups:

  • Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (29.6 percent growth)
  • Transportation and Material Moving Occupations (15.7 percent growth)
  • Office and Administrative Support Occupations (11.8 percent growth)

Higher earnings: It is no secret that earnings and employment rates tend to improve with education. Data taken from U.S. government sources and compiled by Deloitte shows:

  • Annual median wages for those who have a bachelor’s degree are $45,300 — nearly $14,000 more than those with some college education or an associate degree ($31,400).
  • Those with a master’s degree or higher may be able to earn $55,100.

Options, options: Kentucky has no shortage of colleges and universities. As of 2018, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education reported that the state has 8 public state colleges, 16 community and technical college, 18 independent nonprofit colleges, and dozens of online schools, including both in- and out-of- state institutions. A major school like the University of Kentucky offers more than 100 degree programs.

Access: The state of Kentucky has long worked to make higher education more affordable and accessible for its residents. Kentucky is a part of the Academic Common Market (ACM) which enables students to pay in-state tuition for academic programs that are not offered within the state. ACM offers more than 20 online undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs to Kentuckians.

Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) our methodology takes into consideration factors that are likely to be important to you such as tuition and fees, scholarships and grants, along with career services. For a detailed list of factors we’ve included, check out our methodology at the bottom of the page and see why these rankings present you with the best online college options in Kentucky.

1
Midway University
Midway, KY
https://www.midway.edu
Average in-state tuition
$24,500
No. of online programs
21
% of students in distance education
61%
Avg. amount of Aid
$13,283
Admissions Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
37%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
2
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY
https://www.eku.edu
Average in-state tuition
$8,996
No. of online programs
52
% of students in distance education
45%
Avg. amount of Aid
$7,160
Admissions Rate
87%
Graduation Rate
47%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
3
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY
https://www.nku.edu
Average in-state tuition
$9,648
No. of online programs
25
% of students in distance education
51%
Avg. amount of Aid
$7,472
Admissions Rate
89%
Graduation Rate
42%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
4
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
https://www.wku.edu
Average in-state tuition
$10,512
No. of online programs
46
% of students in distance education
44%
Avg. amount of Aid
$6,683
Admissions Rate
97%
Graduation Rate
45%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
5
Murray State University
Murray, KY
https://www.murraystate.edu
Average in-state tuition
$7,884
No. of online programs
24
% of students in distance education
40%
Avg. amount of Aid
$8,241
Admissions Rate
81%
Graduation Rate
55%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
6
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY
https://www.moreheadstate.edu
Average in-state tuition
$8,750
No. of online programs
20
% of students in distance education
44%
Avg. amount of Aid
$6,323
Admissions Rate
79%
Graduation Rate
45%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
7
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY
https://www.ucumberlands.edu
Average in-state tuition
$22,640
No. of online programs
47
% of students in distance education
86%
Avg. amount of Aid
$15,130
Admissions Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
33%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
No
8
Asbury University
Wilmore, KY
https://www.asbury.edu
Average in-state tuition
$29,900
No. of online programs
16
% of students in distance education
42%
Avg. amount of Aid
$14,236
Admissions Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
62%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
9
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Paducah, KY
https://westkentucky.kctcs.edu0
Average in-state tuition
$4,056
No. of online programs
24
% of students in distance education
40%
Avg. amount of Aid
$3,305
Admissions Rate
N/A%
Graduation Rate
N/A%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
10
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY
https://www.campbellsville.edu
Average in-state tuition
$24,900
No. of online programs
28
% of students in distance education
76%
Avg. amount of Aid
$15,786
Admissions Rate
83%
Graduation Rate
40%
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
No
11
Gateway Community and Technical College
Florence, KY
Average in-state tuition
$4,056
No. of online programs
23
% of students in distance education
43%
Avg. amount of Aid
$3,230
Admissions Rate
N/A
Graduation Rate
N/A
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
12
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Average in-state tuition
$10,896
No. of online programs
23
% of students in distance education
24%
Avg. amount of Aid
$9,942
Admissions Rate
94.483543779756
Graduation Rate
66
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
13
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Elizabethtown, KY
Average in-state tuition
$4,056
No. of online programs
21
% of students in distance education
51%
Avg. amount of Aid
$3,115
Admissions Rate
N/A
Graduation Rate
N/A
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
14
Ashland Community and Technical College
Ashland, KY
Average in-state tuition
$4,056
No. of online programs
15
% of students in distance education
58%
Avg. amount of Aid
$4,218
Admissions Rate
N/A
Graduation Rate
N/A
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
15
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
Average in-state tuition
$11,460
No. of online programs
24
% of students in distance education
23%
Avg. amount of Aid
$8,984
Admissions Rate
72.427983539095
Graduation Rate
57
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
16
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
Average in-state tuition
$4,056
No. of online programs
25
% of students in distance education
52%
Avg. amount of Aid
$3,653
Admissions Rate
N/A
Graduation Rate
N/A
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
17
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
Prestonsburg, KY
Average in-state tuition
$4,056
No. of online programs
25
% of students in distance education
51%
Avg. amount of Aid
$3,466
Admissions Rate
N/A
Graduation Rate
N/A
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
18
Maysville Community and Technical College
Maysville, KY
Average in-state tuition
$4,056
No. of online programs
21
% of students in distance education
50%
Avg. amount of Aid
$3,868
Admissions Rate
N/A
Graduation Rate
N/A
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
19
Somerset Community College
Somerset, KY
Average in-state tuition
$4,056
No. of online programs
22
% of students in distance education
66%
Avg. amount of Aid
$4,000
Admissions Rate
N/A
Graduation Rate
N/A
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
Yes
20
Union College
Barbourville, KY
Average in-state tuition
$25,570
No. of online programs
16
% of students in distance education
61%
Avg. amount of Aid
$19,144
Admissions Rate
56.335282651072
Graduation Rate
27
Career Counseling
Yes
Placement Services
No
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

This list of top online degree programs in Kentucky may also be an indication of degrees that employers are looking for.

Program Name
No. of online programs
Business Administration and Management, General
43
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
31
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
30
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
20
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
19
Computer and Information Sciences, General
16
Business/Commerce, General
16
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
14
Social Work
14
Executive Assistant/Executive Secretary
13

The Council on Postsecondary Education was established in Kentucky as a part of the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 in order to guide and ensure the continuous improvement of Kentucky’s postsecondary education system which includes online higher education. The Council emphasizes quality postsecondary education through efforts like the:

  • Academic Program Review: The aim is to ensure that students in Kentucky receive a high-quality curriculum so that they are equipped to compete in a global economy. The review process checks the quality and efficacy of new academic programs (both online and on-campus).
  • 2016-2021 Strategic Agenda: By 2030, the Council hopes that 60 percent of Kentuckians hold a high-quality postsecondary degree. While improving academic quality is one of the strategic goals on the agenda, other efforts to achieve the 60-percent goal include adequate state funding, accountability and incentive-based funding for campuses that show improvement in retention, completion, and degree production..
  • NC-SARA State: Kentucky is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) which opens up high-quality online education offerings for higher education students.

What to Look for in Online Degree Programs in Kentucky

College affordability is often a major factor when it comes to choosing an online degree program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore as many financial aid options as they can but another way to lower your costs and time spent in earning a degree is by getting credits for courses you have already taken. According to a 2018 Learning House survey, about 85% of undergraduates have credits they can transfer to their next program making credit transferability an important factor to consider for most students. Apart from transferable credits, adult learners may check with the college admissions office to see if their life or job experience may translate into experiential credits. Kentucky’s Go Higher KY website may offer more insights on credit transfers and financial aid options.

Online education comes in multiple format – some programs may be fully online or hybrid; some may offer synchronous classes allowing you to participate remotely in a live classroom. Asychronous classes can be accessed at your convenience. Some programs may require you to gain hands-on experience at a center near you. Students should consider the kind of flexibility they are looking for in an online degree program before exploring their options.

A college alumni list may give you an idea of the achievements of past students in your field of interest. The social media platforms of a college can be a place where students share their experiences and this may give you some indication of the reputation of the program.

Using data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this list of top occupations in Kentucky may be an indication of the needs of Kentucky’s job market and serve as a guide to help you in choosing a degree.

Occupation
Number of Workers
Median Salary
Office and Administrative Support Occupations257,130$33,510
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations216,310$31,380
Production Occupations189,220$36,860
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations176,980$20,120
Sales and Related Occupations174,410$24,910
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations122,100$57,730
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations97,710$49,490
Management Occupations88,720$79,680
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations88,630$43,640
Business and Financial Operations Occupations80,210$59,080
Healthcare Support Occupations71,560$27,930
Construction and Extraction Occupations70,790$44,700
Fast Food and Counter Workers65,690$19,170
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand63,980$28,700
Retail Salespersons54,250$23,100
Cashiers51,260$19,930
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators50,480$36,220
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations50,150$25,400
Registered Nurses43,840$62,180
Customer Service Representatives43,270$30,480

Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

Eligible students may apply for financial aid with the numerous federal, state, and institutional programs available to students in Kentucky. Financial aid can include loans, grants, and work-study programs.

The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) provides information on the following grants and scholarships:

Keep in mind that many colleges and third-party organizations offer their own scholarships and grants. We recommend contacting your current or prospective school’s financial aid department to speak with an adviser.

Scholarship Listing

Owen Electric Scholarship
No. of Awards
10
Deadline
June 16
Max. Award Amount
N/A
Renewable
Yes
Criteria
Applicant must be a full-time junior or senior college student who is either a member of Owen Electric or a child of a member. Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
More
Alberta C. Kaufman Scholarship
No. of Awards
1
Deadline
May 9
Max. Award Amount
500
Renewable
No
Criteria
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and Kentucky high school seniors with a 3.0 or higher grade point average or Kentucky resident students enrolled in a two or four year institution. Students must complete application and essay.
More
Kentucky Veterans Tuition Waiver Program
No. of Awards
N/A
Deadline
Open
Max. Award Amount
N/A
Renewable
Yes
Criteria
Applicants must be Kentucky residents and be children, stepchildren, adopted children, spouses or unremarried widows/widowers of Kentucky veterans and must be age 26 or younger. The veteran must have died in active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability, have a service-connected 100 percent disability, have served during wartime and be totally disabled or have died for any reason.
More
Mary Jo Young AP Scholarship
No. of Awards
N/A
Deadline
September 1
Max. Award Amount
N/A
Renewable
No
Criteria
Applicant must be a resident of Kentucky and demonstrate competency in prerequisite content. Priority given to low-income students, minorities, students with disabilities and students in low-performing schools.
More
Mary Jo Young Dual Credit Scholarship
No. of Awards
N/A
Deadline
July 15
Max. Award Amount
575
Renewable
No
Criteria
Applicant must be a resident of Kentucky, demonstrate competency in prerequisite content and be enrolled in credit-bearing courses. Priority given to low-income students, minorities, students with disabilities and students in low-performing schools.
More

Source: Scholarship directory data is copyrighted material which is reproduced on this website by permission of CollegeXpress, a division of Carnegie Dartlet. Copyright © 2020 by CollegeXpress.

Individual universities and colleges in Kentucky decide their admissions criteria. Most colleges in Kentucky require students to take the SAT or ACT tests.

Two-year colleges and technical schools may require you to take the COMPASS test. Additionally, some private schools may require you to submit an admissions essay to determine if you may be a good fit.

See Methodology Information Here
Sources

    • Academic Common Market, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, http://cpe.ky.gov/ourwork/acm/, accessed September 2018
    • Academic Program Review, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, http://cpe.ky.gov/ourwork/academicprogramreview/, accessed September 2018
    • College Admission Criteria, Kentucky Higher Assistance Authority, https://www.kheaa.com/website/kheaa/plan_admcriteria?main=1, accessed July 2018
    • College Affordability Diagnosis: Kentucky, Institute for Research on Higher Education, Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, 2016,http://www2.gse.upenn.edu/irhe/affordability-diagnosis
    • College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/, accessed July 2018
    • Creating the Most Pro-Business State In America, Think Kentucky, January 2018,http://thinkkentucky.com/kyedc/pdfs/kybc.pdf?07132017
    • Education, Kentucky, DataUSA,https://datausa.io/profile/geo/kentucky/#education, accessed September 2018
    • Educational Attainment in Kentucky, Statistical Atlas, https://statisticalatlas.com/state/Kentucky/Educational-Attainment, accessed September 2018
    • Getting the Facts, Kentucky Higher Assistance Authority, https://www.kheaa.com/website/kheaa/CCR.htm, accessed July 2018
    • Kentucky Occupational Outlook to 2024, Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Labor Market Information, June 2016, https://kcews.ky.gov/Content/Reports/2014-2024%20KY%20Occupational%20Outlook.pdf
    • Kentucky Virtual Campus, Council on Postsecondary Education, https://kyvc.org/, accessed July 2018
    • Kentucky Virtual Library,http://www.kyvl.org/?b=p, accessed July 2018
    • Kentucky’s Workforce Progress and Challenges, Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center, January 2018,https://www.kychamber.com/sites/default/files/Kentuckys%20Workforce%20Progress%20and%20Challenges%202018%20Final%20NEW.pdf
    • Living in Kentucky, Think Kentucky, Cabinet for Economic Development, http://www.thinkkentucky.com/Locating_Expanding/Living_In_Kentucky.aspx, accessed July 2018
    • National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, Welcome KY and PA to SARA, November 2016, http://nc-sara.org/content/welcome-ky-and-pa-sara
    • Online college students 2018: Comprehensive data on demands and preferences. Louisville, KY: The Learning House, 2018, Inc, https://49hk843qjpwu3gfmw73ngy1k-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/OCS-2018-Report-FINAL.pdf

Our Work, Kentucky Virtual Campus, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, http://cpe.ky.gov/ourwork/virtualcampus/, accessed July 2018

  • Percentage of Population with Bachelor’s or Higher, Kentucky Chamber, https://www.kychamber.com/node/2384, accessed September 2018
  • Profile, Kentucky Skills U, http://www.kyae.ky.gov/ourwork/kyaeprofile.pdf, accessed July 2018
  • Quick Facts, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, http://cpe.ky.gov/data/quickfacts/, accessed September 2018
  • Regional Report, Southern Regional Education Board, Southern Regional Education Board and Member States, June 2018, https://www.sreb.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/2018june_regional_report.pdf
  • Search for Programs, Southern Regional Education Board, http://home.sreb.org/acm/SearchResult.aspx?state=KY, accessed September 2018
  • SREB and Kentucky, Southern Regional Education Board, https://www.sreb.org/sreb-and-kentucky, accessed July 2018
  • Stronger by Degrees: Kentucky’s Progress toward Postsecondary & Adult Education Strategic Agenda Goals, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, April 2018, http://cpe.ky.gov/data/reports/2018progressreport.pdf
  • Understanding Accreditation and Licensures, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, http://cpe.ky.gov/campuses/accreditation_licensure/, accessed July 2018
Methodologies and Sources