The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Updated October 10, 2023
thebestschools.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.
Are you ready to discover your college program?
Home to outstanding private and public institutions of higher learning, Kentucky offers online programs that meet the needs of employers around the world.
Earning an online bachelor's degree in Kentucky is a convenient, flexible option for first-year and returning students. Working professionals and individuals looking to change career paths also benefit from the programs found at accredited online colleges in Kentucky. Kentucky offers undergraduate and graduate programs through roughly 70 community and technical colleges and universities.
Nationally ranked schools, like University of Kentucky (UK) and University of Louisville (UofL), provide online undergraduate and graduate degrees in healthcare, manufacturing, and technical fields. Other leading colleges and universities in Kentucky have outstanding academic programs that train enrollees for careers in the automotive industry, agritechnology, and aerospace design and production.
Local students at online colleges in Kentucky benefit from the state's low cost of living, historic parks, and sports and music traditions. This guide ranks the best online colleges in Kentucky and provides salary and career data.
Featured Online Schools
The 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 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online degree-seekers should consider University of Louisville. Students who enroll at the public institution can choose between 29 online offerings at undergraduate and graduate levels. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics leads many distance learners to apply.
Online enrollees benefit from support by academic and career services offices at the school's Louisville campus. Academic advising, virtual job fairs, and other career preparation services set degree-seekers up for long-term success. Hands-on learning through internship programs help many students prepare for work after graduation. Graduates receive fully accredited degrees.
Additional details regarding program availability and application processes are available by contacting the school.
University of Louisville at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,624
Online Bachelor's Programs: 9
Online Master's Programs: 12
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 14%
Admission Rate: 69%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted
#2 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Those looking for an online degree should consider Western Kentucky University. The public college's 93 online programs consist of both undergraduate and graduate offerings. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
The school's main campus in Bowling Green hosts academic and career services offices available to online learners. Degree-seekers can connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and career-planning events. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. The program grants graduates an accredited degree upon completion.
More information about which programs are available online and how to apply are available by contacting the school.
Western Kentucky University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,468
Online Bachelor's Programs: 15
Online Master's Programs: 27
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 37%
Admission Rate: 97%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#3 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
For many online degree-seekers, Eastern Kentucky University is an attractive choice. The public institution offers 52 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for strong academics, making it a popular choice for distance learners.
The school's main campus in Richmond hosts academic and career services offices available to online learners. Online offerings by academic advisors and career-planning events like virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for success. The school also emphasizes hands-on learning through its internship program. Completing the program grants graduates an accredited degree.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs is available by contacting the school.
Eastern Kentucky University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 6,661
Online Bachelor's Programs: 17
Online Master's Programs: 16
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 32%
Admission Rate: 94%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#4 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Brescia University
Owensboro, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
For many online degree-seekers, Brescia University is an attractive choice. Students who wish to study remotely at this private school can choose from 14 online programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
Online learners can also work with academic and career services professionals located at the Owensboro campus. Degree-seekers can participate in career-planning events like virtual job fairs by connecting with these academic advisors. Many students also prepare for future careers by gaining hands-on experience in internships. A degree with full accreditation is awarded to all enrollees upon completing their program.
Anyone interested in learning more about available online programs and how to apply should contact the school directly.
Brescia University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 436
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Online Master's Programs: 2
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 33%
Admission Rate: 42%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#5 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Asbury University
Wilmore, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Asbury University provides one of the best online college experiences available. The school, a private institution, hosts 16 degrees for remote learners at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics leads many distance learners to apply.
Online learners not located near the Wilmore campus can still take advantage of academic and career-advising services. Academic advisors help degree-seekers complete their programs, while virtual job fairs and career-planning events prepare them for success after graduation. The internship program that the school offers helps many students prepare for their future careers. The program grants graduates an accredited degree upon completion.
Additional details regarding program availability and application processes are available by contacting the school.
Asbury University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 862
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Online Master's Programs: 7
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 23%
Admission Rate: 64%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#6 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northern Kentucky University offers online programming that ranks highly among similar programs. Those who choose to enroll at this public college can choose from 35 different programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Distance learners often choose this school because it has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for its academic strength.
Academic and career service professionals based out of the Highland Heights campus are available to help online learners. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. The program grants graduates an accredited degree upon completion.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs is available by contacting the school.
Northern Kentucky University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,071
Online Bachelor's Programs: 16
Online Master's Programs: 10
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 26%
Admission Rate: 90%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#7 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Midway University
Midway, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Midway University offers online programming that ranks highly among similar programs. The school, a private institution, hosts 21 degrees for remote learners at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The school's experience with online education and strong academic reputation make it a great choice for distance learners.
All learners, including those online, can take advantage of the academic and career services professionals hosted at the school's Midway campus. Degree-seekers connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and career-planning events. The school also facilitates internship opportunities that help students gain real-world experience. Program graduates receive a degree with full accreditation upon completing all requirements.
Prospective students can get more information about online programs and application requirements from the school directly.
Midway University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 995
Online Bachelor's Programs: 16
Online Master's Programs: 4
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 75%
Admission Rate: 60%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#8 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of the Cumberlands is a leader in online education. The private institution makes 46 of its degrees available online, with offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.
Online enrollees benefit from support by academic and career services offices at the school's Williamsburg campus. Academic advising, virtual job fairs, and other career preparation services set degree-seekers up for long-term success. Hands-on learning through internships help many students prepare for work in the field. Those who complete all program requirements receive an accredited degree upon graduation.
Further information about the application process and specifics of online programs is available by contacting the school.
University of the Cumberlands at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 15,449
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Online Master's Programs: 25
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 61%
Admission Rate: 80%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#9 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Murray State University
Murray, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Murray State University is a fantastic choice for online learners. The 25 online programs offered by this public institution consist of both undergraduate and graduate offerings. Many distance learners enroll here because the school has a strong academic reputation and experience in online education.
Academic and career preparation services are available to all students, even those outside of the Murray campus. Career services programs such as academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers achieve their professional goals. Students can also take advantage of internships to gain hands-on experience. Program graduates obtain a degree with full accreditation.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
Murray State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,853
Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Online Master's Programs: 17
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 20%
Admission Rate: 82%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#10 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Campbellsville University is one of the best options available to online degree-seekers. Remote programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level are available at this private institution. Many distance learners enroll here because the school has a strong academic reputation and experience in online education.
Online learners can also work with academic and career services professionals located at the Campbellsville campus. Career-planning events like virtual job fairs are available to degree-seekers who connect with these advisors. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Those who complete all program requirements receive an accredited degree upon graduation.
Contact the school directly to receive more information about online program opportunities and application procedures.
Campbellsville University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,561
Online Bachelor's Programs: 8
Online Master's Programs: 14
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 32%
Admission Rate: 70%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted
#11 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Union College
Barbourville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Union College provides one of the best online college experiences available. The private institution's 22 online degrees include offerings at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a strong reputation for its academics and substantial experience in online education.
Online learners can also work with academic and career services professionals located at the Barbourville campus. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. Internship programs give students the opportunity to develop tangible, real-world skills in their interest area. The program grants graduates an accredited degree upon completion.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
Union College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 812
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Online Master's Programs: 11
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 42%
Admission Rate: 55%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#12 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Anyone interested in pursuing a degree online should consider Morehead State University. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this public institution, which hosts a total of 25 online degrees. These remote programs benefit from the school's reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
All learners, including those online, can take advantage of the academic and career services professionals hosted at the school's Morehead campus. Academic advisors help degree-seekers complete their programs, while virtual job fairs and career-planning events prepare them for success after graduation. Students also gain first-hand experience in their field through internships. Completing the program grants graduates an accredited degree.
Additional details regarding program availability and application processes are available by contacting the school.
Morehead State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,437
Online Bachelor's Programs: 5
Online Master's Programs: 14
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 27%
Admission Rate: 78%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#13 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Kentucky offers online programming that ranks highly among similar programs. Remote degrees at graduate and undergraduate levels are available to enrollees. The public school has a strong reputation for its academics and substantial experience in online education.
Career and academic service associates located at the Lexington campus also assist online learners. Academic advisors and virtual job fairs help set degree-seekers up for long-term success. Hands-on experience through the school's internship programs also benefit many students. Graduates receive an accredited degree upon completion of their program.
Potential applicants can get in touch with the school for additional details about program availability and the application process.
University of Kentucky at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,886
Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Online Master's Programs: 9
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 8%
Admission Rate: 96%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#14 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Owensboro, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Kentucky Wesleyan College offers online programming that ranks highly among similar programs. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this private institution, which hosts a total of seven online degrees. The school's proven track record in online education and reputation for quality academics leads many distance learners to apply.
Academic and career service professionals based out of the Owensboro campus are available to help online learners. Programs like academic advising and virtual job fairs help degree-seekers plan for their academic and professional futures. Students also gain first-hand experience in their field through internships. An accredited degree is awarded to graduates upon completing the program.
Additional details regarding program availability and application processes are available by contacting the school.
Kentucky Wesleyan College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 205
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 23%
Admission Rate: 62%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
#15 The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
Lindsey Wilson College
Columbia, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
For many online degree-seekers, Lindsey Wilson College is an attractive choice. Remote enrollees at this private college can choose from seven online programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The school attracts many remote learners because of its solid reputation for academics and experience in offering online education.
The academic and career advisors located at the Columbia campus are also available to assist online learners. Virtual career fairs, academic advising, and other programs invest in the long-term success of degree-seekers. Internships are available to help students gain hands-on experience. The degree that graduates are awarded reflects the school's full accreditation.
Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to reach out to the school directly.
Lindsey Wilson College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,238
Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 17%
Admission Rate: Data not available
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Online Colleges in Kentucky Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Employment in Kentucky
The top industries in Kentucky include manufacturing, healthcare, and agritechnology. Kentucky also hosts major aerospace and automotive design and assembly plants, which provide thousands of local jobs each year.
Kentucky has received $555 million in investments into the healthcare industry since 2014, adding nearly 6,500 jobs. Manufacturing companies in the commonwealth maintain facilities across Kentucky, while its location makes it a hub for logistics and distribution services that span the country.
The Kentucky unemployment rate continues to decline as COVID-related restrictions ease. The unemployment rate in Kentucky reached 5% in March 2021, which is close to the pre-COVID low of 4.1% in January 2020. The mean annual wage in Kentucky was about $46,000 in May 2020, with those in managerial and administrative positions earning higher pay.
The cost of living in Kentucky sits significantly lower than the national average. While the overall cost of living index is 83.6 (based on a national average of 100), residents benefit from a housing cost index at 63.3 and lower-than-average expenses for transportation, utilities, groceries, and healthcare.
The following information details the highest-paying roles in Kentucky employing more than 1,000 individuals that are available to bachelor's degree-holders. Salary information is specific to Kentucky, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Median Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $162,670 | -10% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $123,620 | 3% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $122,360 | 10% |
| Marketing Managers | $120,430 | 6% |
| Sales Managers | $117,530 | 4% |
| Financial Managers | $111,010 | 15% |
The following data reflects the highest-paying roles employing more than 15,000 professionals in Kentucky. Salary figures apply specifically to Kentucky, while job growth data refers to the entire United States.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary (2020) | Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $64,730 | 7% | Bachelor's |
| General and Operations Managers | $92,650 | 6% | Bachelor's |
| Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives | $69,130 | 2% | High School Diploma or Bachelor's Degree |
| Project Management Specialists | $71,880 | 6% | Bachelor's |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $62,610 | 0% | High School Diploma |
| Accountants and Auditors | $70,710 | 4% | Bachelor's |
| Software Developers | $92,480 | 22% | Bachelor's |
Online Associate and Graduate Degrees
An online associate degree prepares students to continue on to bachelor's degrees, and bachelor's degrees provide a pathway to graduate programs. With the transition to online-only education during the COVID-19 pandemic, online degrees have expanded in scope and breadth.
Students can access over 140 online degree programs through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Online associate degrees include business administration programs with tracks in human resource management and general management.
Learners can also earn online associate degrees in criminal justice, with concentrations in corrections, law enforcement, or security and loss prevention. Additional online associate degrees include logistics and operations management and medical information technology, both of which align with careers in Kentucky's major industries.
Online graduate programs integrate synchronous and asynchronous components to meet the needs of learners from diverse backgrounds. For example, prospective students looking to earn an online master's degree in business administration can apply to Western Kentucky University (WKU) or UK. The criminal justice online master's degree at UofL allows enrollees to explore criminal punishment, cybercrime, and juvenile justice.
Accreditation for Online Programs of Study
Always ensure that your prospective school holds national or regional accreditation. Accreditation attests to the quality and types of programs an institution offers. This recognition is important for all programs, including those found online.
Students should look into the accreditation status of potential institutions as they explore their options. Accreditation status can affect financial aid, transfer opportunities, and reputability to potential employers. National accreditation often indicates a school provides more technical and career-oriented programs, while regional accreditation is conferred to institutions with more academically rigorous offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Best College in Kentucky?
The best college is the one that meets your needs for personal fulfillment and professional growth. However, University of Louisiana and University of Kentucky rank among the best state programs.
Which Public Colleges Are in Kentucky?
Kentucky is home to public colleges such as University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Kentucky State University. Additional public colleges include Western Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University, and Murray State University.
Is Kentucky a Good Place to Go to School?
Colleges and universities in Kentucky offer outstanding academic programs. If its schools provide programs that suit your personal and professional aspirations, Kentucky is a great place to be.
Popular with our students.
Highly informative resources to keep your education journey on track.
Take the next step toward your future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
