Having an excellent education is the first step to a bright and prosperous future. For many students, however, the price of a college education can be easily overwhelming, with rising tuition and cost of living their primary challenge.
The times are changing, though as more and more schools embrace new technology and a contemporary form of learning. While traditional schools require students to attend classes on campus and follow a rigorous schedule, many universities and colleges include innovative teaching by offering online courses and programs.
The state of Kentucky has several educational institutions that offer online learning. This is extremely valuable for students who want to save money for transportation and lodging costs while working to supplement their tuition. It is also an excellent option for many adult learners who want to take a different path, further their education and learn new skills to advance their career and reap more benefits.
There is a myriad of benefits when it comes to online learning. Aside from the convenience and the flexibility of a schedule that online education offers, students are also able to attend online classes anywhere. They can take the course at their own pace, letting them juggle their career and personal responsibilities while pursuing their college degree.
Many Kentucky residents will be able to enjoy online learning through several universities and colleges. The state is quite supportive when it comes to improving public education. They have introduced initiatives like the Kentucky Virtual Campus, a program launched by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education that enhances and expands educational access.
METHODOLOGY
While there are many online colleges and universities in Kentucky, not all of them are created equal! For this reason, our researchers and writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com put together the 5 Top Online Schools in Kentucky. This list reflects the online academic institutions in the state that stand out because of their features and programs that demonstrate excellence in shaping future degree holders and professionals. All the online schools on the list share these features:
- Rigorous coursework to provide superior training and instruction to produce the most competent graduates,
- An outstanding virtual online platform that enables students to access their online coursework and lectures,
- Excellent student-teacher ratio to promote enhanced instruction and learning,
- Accreditation from agencies that enforce high-quality online college program curriculum standards.
Visit our Methodology Page to find out about our ranking process.
Asbury University
With a reputation for academic excellence and spiritual vitality, Asbury University offers a rigorous liberal arts education that can prepare students for a better future. Located in Wilmore, Kentucky, the university is no stranger at opening doors for thousands of students from 41 states and 35 foreign nations. It offers a rich variety of programs, encompassing undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.
While most of the students live on campus, Asbury University is also known for offering distance education. It has several personalized online programs, specially designed for adult learners. They aim to help students complete their degrees in a non-traditional method. Their online programs utilize a relational approach to learning, providing a marketable skill set to help them advance in their future profession.
Asbury University has varied offerings, from an Associate of Science, online Health Promotion, and Wellness, and Leadership and Ministry programs to Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Science in Social Work. The online classes are recorded and archived, making it easier for students to access lecture materials at their convenience. They also have access to technical support, library services, and academic advising.
Their online degree programs have the same accreditations as their on-campus counterparts, making them just as valid for employment requirements. The tuition for online programs is around $399 per credit hour, making it one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state of Kentucky.
Location: Wilmore, Kentucky
Admission Requirements:
- Complete the online admission form. There is no application fee. Applicants are notified once their application is received.
- Official transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities, if applicable. Otherwise, official high school transcript may be submitted.
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Council on Social Work Education
University of Louisville
Making its home in the largest metropolitan area of the state of Kentucky, the University of Louisville is a state-supported research university. It joined the university system in 1970. The university is spread out in three campuses, namely Belknap Campus three miles down Louisville, Health Sciences Center in downtown Louisville’s medical complex, and the Shelby Campus in eastern Jefferson County.
Emphasizing the pursuit of excellence and inclusiveness, the University of Louisville aims to educate and serve its community by offering diverse undergraduate and graduate degrees to help develop engaged citizens, leaders, and scholars. They encourage students to practice and apply research, scholarships, and creative activity in their entire learning journey. They are also committed to providing equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, age, gender, color, and ethnicity, and religion.
The university has extensive program offerings through their 12 schools and colleges. They are currently offering more than 200 degree programs, giving aspiring students the chance to explore different educational paths and career options that will suit them best. Apart from their traditional, on-campus programs, the university is also one of the few in Kentucky that offers online programs both for out-of-state students and international students.
Their online programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificates. It will suit students who have previously attended college but want to return as traditional students or adult learners who want to finish their college degree online. Their online programs are the perfect option for those who wish to fit education in their busy life and schedule.
Some of the most notable online programs include BS in Communication, BS in Nursing, BA in Psychology, MS in Biostatistics, MS in Criminal Justice, and Applied Geospatial Technologies, among many others.
Through online learning at the University of Louisville, students will be able to connect to learning opportunities that add value to their professional advancement and professional development.
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Admission Requirements:
- Submit application form (undergraduate, graduate, certificate) and application fee of $25, non-refundable
- Official college/high school transcripts to the Office of Admissions
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 (may vary depending on degree program)
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- American Chemical Society
- American Psychological Association
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on Accreditation of Counselling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
Western Kentucky University
Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Western Kentucky University is situated on a hilltop campus and known as the place of beauty and friendliness. Its mission is to prepare students from all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible members of society.
The university offers undergraduate degree programs, including baccalaureate majors, minors, and certificate levels. It also has a variety of options for online programs and courses. Their online programs are quite extensive, with more than 100 online degree options to choose from. They have certificates, undergraduate, and graduate programs. The courses are taught by highly qualified faculty, the same as their on-campus classroom counterparts. Many of their online programs are nationally ranked, and all programs are regionally accredited.
As the norm in most distance learning programs, online offerings at the university provides flexibility that allows students an opportunity to advance their education and expand their career opportunities at their own pace. Western Kentucky University also provides support services designed specifically for distance learners. It includes Orientation and Library Tutorial, Online Writing Center, Online Tutoring, and Career Services.
Students can choose programs ranging from Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology, Master of Arts in History, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Business Administration, and many more.
Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Admission Requirements:
- High School GPA of 2.0
- Composite Admission Index (CAI) score of at least 60
- ACT/SAT score (only for students below 21 years old)
- High School Transcripts
- Completion of Pre-College Curriculum (but only for students who finished high school in Kentucky)
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Association of University Programs in Health Administration
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Council on Social Work Education
- Kentucky’s Educational Professional Standards Board
- National Association of Art and Design
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Midway University
Formerly known as the Kentucky Female Orphan School, Midway University has now grown into a prestigious educational institution that provides advanced instruction in a broad range of subjects based upon a strong liberal arts curriculum.
The university is an excellent choice for many students for many reasons. For one, they offer majors and programs that are career-focused. The faculty and student ratio are kept at a minimum as well, allowing for personal interaction that encourages interactive learning. They aim to provide students with individual attention.
Geared toward women’s education, the university had since opened its doors for co-ed in 2016. Their desire to accommodate busy students is realized by offering day and evening flexible classes as well as online ones.
The latter makes it easy to earn a degree, anytime and anywhere. The online programs offer the flexibility and convenience that students need to earn a degree of their dream. Most of the programs are provided in an accelerated 8-week format. Although students get to complete their courses in their setting, they can still easily connect with their faculty members, join student discussions, and have multiple ways to interact and be engaged in the learning process.
Some of the bachelor degrees offered online include Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Health Care Administration, Marketing Communications, Mathematics, Nursing, and many more.
Location: Midway, Kentucky
Admission Requirements:
- Complete online application form
- Official ACT or SAT results (if under the age of 24) with a score of 18 or equivalent for SAT
- Official high school transcript or official GED (GPA of 2.5 or GED Score of 660
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Sullivan University
Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Sullivan University offers career-focused higher education for students who want to aim high. It is a private institution of higher learning, providing educational enrichment opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of its students.
Their programs range from diploma, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. In 2018, the university merged with Spencerian College and Sullivan College of Technology and Design, expanding the course selection for students and lowering the tuition rate for undergraduate programs.
Their academic offerings are diverse, with programs that can be taken on-campus or online. The online programs are designed to fit education into the students’ hectic life. All they need is a computer, strong time-management skills, and a lot of motivation. The university made sure that online offerings meet the practical needs of today’s job market.
The following are just some of the bachelor’s degree programs offered at Sullivan University: Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management, Finance, Health Care Management, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management, and Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Leadership.
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- ACT or SAT score
- Official transcript from a previous educational institution
- Interview
Accreditations:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation
- Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
The southern state of Kentucky has, in recent years, seen an increase in students pursuing distance learning or online education. Given the sometimes challenging pace of modern life as well as the growing omnipresence of high-speed Internet in households nationwide, it’s easy to see why online education is becoming more and more attractive to aspiring students in Kentucky.
Affordability and accessibility are two of the biggest strengths of online colleges and universities. Working parents, stay-at-home parents, persons with disabilities, older people with reduced mobility, veterans, and military members of the armed forces, and many more can now have access to quality education at a lower cost than on-campus offerings, all without leaving the comfort of their own home. The flexible schedules and start dates of various colleges and universities allow people to craft a schedule and pace that best fits their lifestyle. Aside from generally having more affordable tuition rates compared to traditional campuses, online schools can also allow students on a budget to save big on transportation, dorm, or meal costs.
In addition, almost all courses offered by online schools are taught by the same expert faculty who teach on campus. Many of these online colleges and universities also receive accreditation for their online programs to ensure their quality and alignment with industry standards. Online students get all these benefits at a fraction of the cost of traditional education, so it seems there’s nowhere to go but up for the future of online education.
METHODOLOGY
It goes without saying that, when looking for an online school in Kentucky, students consider college tuition and expenses as one of the many deciding factors. Affordability is an important feature of an online school, especially amidst the increasing number of graduates with mounting college debt. To help you make your choice, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com showcases the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Kentucky. While offering a variety of cheap online college programs, these online colleges and universities are committed to delivering high-quality education.
Kentucky State University
In 1886, this historically black university was established by the state of Kentucky and only had three teachers and fifty-five students upon its opening. Now, Kentucky State University stretches across 883 acres of land and is home to around 2,000 students. It also boasts one of the lowest students to faculty ratios among the colleges and universities in Kentucky and is even the alma mater of Thailand’s former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Kentucky State University offers a fully online Distance Education program that is considered one of the most affordable in the state. Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Public Administration that can be completed in 120 credit hours are available, as well as a master’s degree in Special Education, a doctorate in Nursing Practice, and three credit-based Online Certificate programs. An interesting addition to Kentucky State’s Distance Education program is their 50-plus online course offerings that students can take and earn credits for regardless of their degree. Like many other universities offering online learning, Kentucky State University utilizes the virtual classroom and learning management system Blackboard™.
For part-time undergraduate students (those taking less than twelve credit hours), Kentucky State University charges $400 per credit hour, while full-time students (those taking twelve or more hours) can enjoy a lower rate of $325, and the average annual tuition fee is one of the most affordable in the state, at an estimated $7,750.
Location: Frankfort, Kentucky
Admission Requirements:
- Cumulative or unweighted 2.5 GPA
- SAT score of 940 or higher
- ACT Composite score of 19 or higher
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University, established in 1948, is home to a student population of around 14,000. The liberal arts university has also been part of Forbes’ America’s Top Colleges list for ten years in a row, and yet it remains one of the more affordable, top value educational institutions in the state of Kentucky.
More than 30 online degrees are on offer in Northern Kentucky University’s online catalog. Students can choose from three program formats: a 5-week format available only for MBA students, an accelerated 7-week format, and a 16-week format. Bachelor of arts options include Psychological Science, Integrative Studies, Criminal Justice, and Organizational Leadership, among others, and Bachelor of Science degrees like Health Science, Respiratory Care, and Business Information Systems are also on offer. As Northern Kentucky University is an approved State Authority Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) institution, students can be assured that the university meets the national standards set for online learning and distance education.
Fees for undergraduate students taking online degrees start a reasonable rate of $448 per credit hour, and annual tuition is around $9,100 on average. Majority of the online degrees can be completed in 120 credit hours, except for some health-related offerings, such as their Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which take 33 and 30 hours respectively.
Location: Highland Heights, Kentucky
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcripts or GED scores (no indicated minimum score)
- COMPASS/Accuplacer scores (the university’s placement office can schedule test-taking); other requirements may vary depending on the degree and student status
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Eastern Kentucky University
The regional public Eastern Kentucky University founded in 1906 is a mainstay on many top colleges lists nationwide and, at the same time, remains an affordable on-campus and online education option for aspiring students in the state of Kentucky. Most recently, Eastern Kentucky came in at #28 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Regional Universities South – Top Public Schools list, and it was also #99 in its Best Online Bachelor’s Programs list.
Despite the recognition and accolades, Eastern Kentucky University’s online tuition is at a competitive rate of $409 per credit hour, and their in-state tuition and fees per year total $8,150 on average. Almost all of Eastern Kentucky’s bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, and 21 programs are currently on offer. Aside from the more popular options like Accounting, Psychology, and Business Administration, Eastern Kentucky also has some unique offerings, such as Fire, Arson & Explosion Investigation, Fire Protection Administration, Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology, and Homeland Security.
Location: Richmond, Kentucky (with branch campuses in Corbin, Hazard, Lancaster, and Manchester)
Admission Requirements:
- 2.5 GPA
- Composite ACT score of 20 or higher
- 950 SAT math and a verbal combined score
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Murray State University
Murray State University (MSU) began as the Murray State Normal School for aspiring teachers, which later expanded into offering other bachelor’s degrees and graduate courses until it was officially declared a university in 1966. MSU has also proved its commitment to educational quality by being a consistent presence in Forbes’ and U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings, having made it to their lists for several years consecutively.
The university also offers a fully online bachelor’s, master’s, doctor’s degrees and certificates for students with a more demanding or unconventional schedule. In-state undergraduate rates begin at $457 ($382 plus $75 per credit hour online course fee) for students taking 1-11 hours or above 15 hours, while a flat rate of $4,584 applies for those taking 12 to 15 hours. The Veteran Affairs office also offers military and veteran discounts. MSU’s annual tuition and fees are estimated to range from $7,600 to $8,000, one of the state’s most competitive rates.
Eleven undergraduate degrees are offered by Murray State, including a niche BS Agriculture degree with an Agriscience Technology emphasis and a degree in Nonprofit Leadership Studies, along with more traditional offerings like Business Administration and Human Services.
Location: Murray, Kentucky (with regional campuses in Fort Campbell, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, and Paducah)
Admission Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- SAT score of 960 or higher
- ACT Composite score of 18 or higher
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Morehead State University
Despite its humble beginnings as the Morehead Normal School in 1887, Morehead State University went on to expand its reach and is now the educational institution of choice of 10,000 students both on-campus and via their online education programs.
A mix of fully online and hybrid (with last two years of coursework offered online) programs ranging from online certifications to undergraduate degrees to master’s degrees are on offer to students. In 2017, more than 4,200 students, or almost half of Morehead’s student population, enrolled in its online offerings, proving Morehead’s popularity in the distance learning and online education industry.
Part-time undergraduate students, or those taking 11 or fewer hours, residing in Kentucky and individual Ohio reciprocity counties can benefit from the $374 per credit hour rate. Those taking 12 to 18 hours are charged a flat rate of $4,485 per semester. On average, students pay roughly $8,100 annually in tuition and fees.
Location: Morehead, Kentucky (with regional campuses in Ashland, Mt. Sterling, and Prestonsburg)
Admission Requirements:
- SAT score of 860 or higher / ACT score of 18 or higher
- Admission index of 500 or higher ([high school GPA x 100] + [ACT score x 10])
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
