Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Find the best online colleges in Kentucky ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.
Top 10 Online Colleges in Kentucky
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Murray State University
- Morehead State University
- Bellarmine University
- Kentucky State University
- University of the Cumberlands
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Murray State University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Kentucky State University
- Morehead State University
- Bellarmine University
- University of the Cumberlands
- Western Kentucky University 97%
- University of Kentucky 95%
- Kentucky State University 91%
- Bellarmine University 88%
- Northern Kentucky University 86%
- Morehead State University 84%
- Murray State University 84%
- University of the Cumberlands 83%
- University of Louisville 82%
- Eastern Kentucky University 64%
- Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
- University of the Cumberlands 18 to 1
- Northern Kentucky University 17 to 1
- University of Kentucky 17 to 1
- Murray State University 16 to 1
- Eastern Kentucky University 16 to 1
- Morehead State University 14 to 1
- University of Louisville 13 to 1
- Bellarmine University 12 to 1
- Kentucky State University 11 to 1
- Bellarmine University $46,030
- University of Louisville $12,324
- University of Kentucky $11,496
- Western Kentucky University $11,112
- Northern Kentucky University $10,208
- University of the Cumberlands $9,875
- Eastern Kentucky University $9,544
- Morehead State University $9,240
- Murray State University $8,196
- Kentucky State University $7,854
- University of Louisville $13,944
- Bellarmine University $13,785
- University of Kentucky $12,583
- Western Kentucky University $12,140
- Morehead State University $10,260
- Eastern Kentucky University $10,008
- Northern Kentucky University $9,900
- Murray State University $9,144
- Kentucky State University $6,501
- University of the Cumberlands $4,282
- University of the Cumberlands
- Kentucky State University
- Bellarmine University
- Morehead State University
- Murray State University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Western Kentucky University
- University of Louisville
- University of Kentucky
- University of the Cumberlands
- Bellarmine University
- Morehead State University
- Kentucky State University
- Northern Kentucky University
- Murray State University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Western Kentucky University
- University of Louisville
- University of Kentucky
- Eastern Kentucky University 64%
- University of Louisville 82%
- University of the Cumberlands 83%
- Murray State University 84%
- Morehead State University 84%
- Northern Kentucky University 86%
- Bellarmine University 88%
- Kentucky State University 91%
- University of Kentucky 95%
- Western Kentucky University 97%
- Kentucky State University 11 to 1
- Bellarmine University 12 to 1
- University of Louisville 13 to 1
- Morehead State University 14 to 1
- Murray State University 16 to 1
- Eastern Kentucky University 16 to 1
- Northern Kentucky University 17 to 1
- University of Kentucky 17 to 1
- Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
- University of the Cumberlands 18 to 1
- Kentucky State University $7,854
- Murray State University $8,196
- Morehead State University $9,240
- Eastern Kentucky University $9,544
- University of the Cumberlands $9,875
- Northern Kentucky University $10,208
- Western Kentucky University $11,112
- University of Kentucky $11,496
- University of Louisville $12,324
- Bellarmine University $46,030
- University of the Cumberlands $4,282
- Kentucky State University $6,501
- Murray State University $9,144
- Northern Kentucky University $9,900
- Eastern Kentucky University $10,008
- Morehead State University $10,260
- Western Kentucky University $12,140
- University of Kentucky $12,583
- Bellarmine University $13,785
- University of Louisville $13,944
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky’s straightforward residency requirements make it easier for students to pursue the state’s best online colleges and universities, with no 12-month residency requirement.
- The state features some of the best online universities in the country that are often distinguished by different school-ranking publications, including Western Kentucky University, The University of Kentucky, Brescia University, Morehead State University, and Murray State University.
- Financial aid opportunities are abundant in Kentucky, which allows in-state and out-of-state students to complete their online academic programs with fewer financial obligations.
Featured Programs
Cost of Attending Online Academic Programs in Kentucky
Several online schools in Kentucky provide in-state residents with various financial aid options. Some schools also extend in-state tuition benefits to students of neighboring states. Many schools also offer flat-rate tuition for students regardless of their residency status.
Although online programs have different fees, students may benefit from reduced expenses, such as food, housing, and transportation and parking fees.
As an overview, the National Center for Education Statistics reports the following undergraduate tuition for Kentucky:
- Public 4-Year Institution
- $22,317 (In-State)
- $25,049 (Out-of-State)
- Private 4-Year Institution
- $36,275 (In-State)
- Public 2-Year Institution
- $4,517 (In-State)
- $15,262 (Out-of-State)
Is Kentucky ideal for out-of-state students?
Given Kentucky’s affordability, many out-of-state learners consider attending online academic programs. Kentucky is a member state of the SREB or Southern Regional Education Board, an initiative of 16 states that permits students residing in other member states to enroll in a specialized program through a Kentucky college or university and pay in-state tuition rates.
The reciprocity agreement also allows students to pursue academic degrees from any Kentucky online college or university in the program. Before enrolling, out-of-state learners should verify if their school has obtained authorization to accommodate students from other states.
SREB’s Academic Common Market allows students to enroll in certain online academic programs through out-of-state member colleges and universities and still pay in-state tuition.
ACM comprises 15 states and 2,000+ undergraduate and graduate programs, providing access to online degrees nationwide that allow students to boost their academic and professional development.
Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Kentucky
Before pursuing an academic program in an online college or university in Kentucky, make sure that the school is regionally accredited. Accreditation status guarantees that particular academic and professional standards of quality are met. Accreditation is also necessary for the student to be able to receive Federal financial aid.
The country’s highest form of accreditation should come from regional accreditation agencies. Aspiring traditional students and online learners in fully online programs should check if the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits their prospective online school in Kentucky.
Colleges and Universities in Kentucky
Students who wish to attend traditional and online colleges in Kentucky have plenty of excellent options. Traditional students and distance learners alike have an array of affordable, accessible, and reputable undergraduate and graduate degrees to choose from.
Between community colleges, technical schools, and universities, Kentucky has 24 public schools. The community colleges and technical schools average $4,000 for tuition, and tuition for public universities ranges from $8,000 to $12,000. Online students pay the same in state tuition rates when enrolling in these public options.
Prospective students planning to attend private colleges can choose from 26 schools, of which 21 are religiously affiliated. The cost to attend private schools tends to be higher, reaching $42,000 in Kentucky. There are, however, some affordable private options with tuition rates as low as $9,000.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
The largest and top-rated public university is the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky has over 30,000 students and costs about $12,000. UK offers a wide range of traditional and fully online programs in areas like political science, chemistry, and literature.
Students who attend either the University of Louisville or Western Kentucky University will become part of a friendly basketball rivalry. Both of these universities also offer highly regarded graduate and undergraduate degrees in fields like mathematics, communications, business, and history.
Eastern Kentucky University is also among the top public colleges in Kentucky, with more than 14,000 students enrolled in a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
In addition, Kentucky encourages graduating education students to apply for the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. This financial aid program awards $5,000 to $17,500 toward Federal Stafford loans to those remaining in the profession.
There is something for everyone in The Bluegrass State. Kentucky is home to the famous Kentucky Derby, the Daniel Boone National Forest, and the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Both traditional and online Students wanting to study in a state that Abraham Lincoln and Muhammad Ali called home have 50 higher learning institutions from which to choose.
Kentucky has it all - associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Check out the top brick-and-mortar and online schools the state of Kentucky has to offer.
What are Kentucky’s Colleges & Universities?
- 7 Research Universities
- 20 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 9 Graduate Schools
- 8 Public Colleges & Universities
- 19 Private Colleges & Universities
- 15 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 18 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 11 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 16 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Kentucky’s Best Overall
10 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
- #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #2 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
- #3 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #6 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
- #6 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #7 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #8 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #8 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Finance 2025
- #9 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Communications 2025
- #13 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #13 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
- #15 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
- #16 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #23 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
69%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Kentucky
Cost of Degree: $13,212Expenses: $21,886Starting Salary: $54,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Nursing
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Medical Laboratory Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA Communication
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS General Business
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA Information Communication Technology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Social Work
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #12 Best Colleges and Universities for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #4 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #5 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #5 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
- #9 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #9 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #10 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
- #12 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #19 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #20 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
62%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Louisville
Cost of Degree: $12,828Expenses: $20,878Starting Salary: $48,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Healthcare Leadership
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN) - (JCTC CEP)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Political Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Accountancy
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BBA Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BA Communication
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS General Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Organizational Leadership and Learning
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Social Work
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Sociology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Sport Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025
Other Rankings
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology 2025
- #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #5 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
- #6 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2025
- #14 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #15 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #15 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
51%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/21
Career Outlook for degree at Western Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $11,436Expenses: $15,452Starting Salary: $38,600Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Health Care Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Management
Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Family and Consumer Sciences
Concentrations
- Child Studies
- FamilyStudies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Engineering Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Workforce Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Care Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Computer Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Sociology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #12 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management 2025
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #5 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025
- #7 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #7 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #9 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025
- #8 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
49%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1062/20
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $10,130Expenses: $14,535Starting Salary: $39,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Police Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Corrections & Juvenile Justice Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Paralegal Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Child & Family Studies – Child Development
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Political Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BS)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BBA Business Administration
Concentrations
- Risk Management & Insurance
- Marketing
- Management
- Finance
- General Business
- Public Accounting
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA General Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Health Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Social Work
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #9 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #20 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
50%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/22
Career Outlook for degree at Northern Kentucky University
Cost of Degree: $10,896Expenses: $14,960Starting Salary: $41,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BA Health Communication
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Business Administration
Concentrations
- General Business
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS in Health Science
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS in Respiratory Care
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Integrative Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Sociology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #3 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2025
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #5 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Master's in English 2025
- #11 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #14 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #18 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
58%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1077/22
Career Outlook for degree at Murray State University
Cost of Degree: $9,708Expenses: $17,211Starting Salary: $42,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Agriculture
Concentrations
- Agribusiness
- Agriscience Technology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Cybersecurity and Network Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Human Service
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Integrated Studies
Concentrations
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Agricultural Studies
- Communications
- Human Services
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Public and Community Health
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
47%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Morehead State University
Cost of Degree: $9,838Expenses: $12,316Starting Salary: $37,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Accounting
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS General Business
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Leadership in Medical Imaging Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing Post-Licensure
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
60%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/24
Career Outlook for degree at Bellarmine University
Cost of Degree: $46,780Starting Salary: $50,600Online Bachelor's Degrees
BS Software & Data Engineering
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BA Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online HBCU Doctoral Programs 2025 #15 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #4 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
32%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
880/17
Career Outlook for degree at Kentucky State University
Cost of Degree: $9,214Expenses: $12,513Starting Salary: $31,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BA Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2025
Other Rankings
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
- #3 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
- #6 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs 2025
- #7 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
- #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
- #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
- #9 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
- #9 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #9 Best Online Associate in Education
- #10 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
- #10 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #10 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #11 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #12 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #14 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #14 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #18 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #19 Best Online Associate in Human Services
- #22 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #12 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
44%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of the Cumberlands
Cost of Degree: $9,875Expenses: $16,268Starting Salary: $38,200Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Bachelor's Degrees
BS Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BAS Missions & Ministry
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BAS Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BAS Psychology
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BAS Accounting
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BAS Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BAS Public Health
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS/BAS Human Services
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Information Technology Sciences
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
BS Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
- Required Credits: 120-128
- Completion time: 4-6 years
- Format: Online
Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?
If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.
In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).
While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Online College-Bound Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.