Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff

Published: Jun 3, 2022
Updated: Jan 25, 2024

Key Takeaways

An online MBA program in Kentucky can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
The state of Kentucky has a number of key industries, perfectly positioning online MBA graduates for career advancement.
A number of the online MBA degree programs in Kentucky can be completed on a part-time basis, making the programs a viable option for busy working professionals.

University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University
Murray State University
Northern Kentucky University
Morehead State University
Asbury University
Campbellsville University
University of the Cumberlands

Western Kentucky University 97%
University of Kentucky 95%
Thomas More University 94%
Northern Kentucky University 86%
Morehead State University 84%
Murray State University 84%
University of the Cumberlands 83%
University of Louisville 82%
Asbury University 79%
Eastern Kentucky University 64%

Campbellsville University 23 to 1
Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
University of the Cumberlands 18 to 1
American National University-Pikeville 17 to 1
Lindsey Wilson College 17 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
Thomas More University 14 to 1

Thomas More University $35,810
Asbury University $33,146
Union College $30,946
Lindsey Wilson College $26,228
Campbellsville University $26,100
Sullivan University $14,220
University of Louisville $12,324
University of Kentucky $11,496
Western Kentucky University $11,112
American National University-Pikeville $10,314

Sullivan University $15,840
University of Louisville $13,944
University of Kentucky $12,583
Western Kentucky University $12,140
American National University-Pikeville $11,578
Thomas More University $11,050
Union College $11,040
Morehead State University $10,260
Eastern Kentucky University $10,008
Northern Kentucky University $9,900

Thomas More University
Lindsey Wilson College
Sullivan University
Union College
Asbury University
American National University-Pikeville
Campbellsville University
University of the Cumberlands
Morehead State University
Northern Kentucky University

American National University-Pikeville
Lindsey Wilson College
Thomas More University
Union College
Sullivan University
University of the Cumberlands
Campbellsville University
Asbury University
Morehead State University
Northern Kentucky University

Union College 53%
Eastern Kentucky University 64%
Asbury University 79%
University of Louisville 82%
University of the Cumberlands 83%
Murray State University 84%
Morehead State University 84%
Northern Kentucky University 86%
Thomas More University 94%
University of Kentucky 95%

Union College 9 to 1
Asbury University 11 to 1
Sullivan University 13 to 1
University of Louisville 13 to 1
Thomas More University 14 to 1
Morehead State University 14 to 1
Murray State University 16 to 1
Eastern Kentucky University 16 to 1
American National University-Pikeville 17 to 1
Lindsey Wilson College 17 to 1

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
American National University-Pikeville $10,314
Western Kentucky University $11,112
University of Kentucky $11,496
University of Louisville $12,324
Sullivan University $14,220

University of the Cumberlands $4,282
Asbury University $8,550
Campbellsville University $8,904
Murray State University $9,144
Lindsey Wilson College $9,635
Northern Kentucky University $9,900
Eastern Kentucky University $10,008
Morehead State University $10,260
Union College $11,040
Thomas More University $11,050

Table of Contents

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.

Graduate students looking for flexibility, convenience, and high-quality education can take advantage of the diversity of Kentucky’s higher education system. Online students wanting to study in a state that Abraham Lincoln and Muhammad Ali called home have their choice of numerous online MBA programs.

For busy working professionals, these online MBA programs offer a great way to continue their education without interfering with their everyday lives.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Kentucky

Students who wish to attend online colleges in Kentucky have plenty of excellent options. Distance learners have an array of affordable, accessible, and reputable undergraduate and graduate degrees to choose from.

Kentucky has 24 public schools with tuition ranging from $8,000 to $12,000. Online students, regardless of state of residency, 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 Kentucky.

The largest and top-rated public university in the state is the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky has over 30,000 students with a tuition cost of about $12,000. UK offers a wide range of traditional and fully online programs, including an online MBA degree program.

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 online MBA programs. Eastern Kentucky University is also among the top public colleges in Kentucky, with more than 14,000 students enrolled in a wide range of graduate programs.

What are Kentucky’s Colleges & Universities?

Kentucky’s Best Overall

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

How do we determine the best online MBA programs in Kentucky?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Location: Kentucky (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,974
Avg. Expenses*: $13,983
Avg. Starting Salary*: $64,836
Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $72,036
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
Job Growth: 6.72%
Number of Jobs: 12,486,499
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Why pursue an online MBA in Kentucky?

Wherever you go, the gold standard qualification for a business career is a Master of Business Administration (MBA). It offers education in fundamental business practices, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management, frequently with a specialty in one of these areas or a particular business sector. This helps students develop essential skills in company management.

One of the best states in the United States to pursue an MBA degree and career is Kentucky for several reasons.

For one, the top online MBA programs in Kentucky are flexible, offering accessibility from anywhere, and are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Most of the best Kentucky business schools also hold additional prestigious accreditation from the AACSB, ACBPS, or the IACBE.

While costs vary, online students pursuing a degree in Kentucky can expect to pay low tuition and fees; most are below the national average.

With strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, education, agriculture, and other areas, Kentucky has a diversified economy. There are lots of corporate headquarters and regional offices in cities like Lexington and Louisville, which means there are lots of career opportunities. Your job opportunities are further enhanced by the state’s advantageous geographical location within the US, as it is close to major cities like Nashville, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.

Kentucky offers a comfortable lifestyle for MBA professionals despite lower average salaries, thanks to its low cost of living. Ranked fourth for affordability by U.S. News & World Report, the state’s affordable housing and overall lower expenses provide financial stability and a high quality of life.

Furthermore, Kentucky’s income tax rates are lower than those of many other states. The state also provides generous tax breaks for companies and entrepreneurs, which can improve your financial status, particularly if you’re thinking about launching your own business after completing your MBA program.

Kentucky is a desirable area to live in due to its charm and cultural attractions, in addition to its economic advantages. The state provides a distinctive and delightful backdrop for personal and professional life.

Most Thriving Industries in Kentucky

An online MBA program, similar to its on-campus counterpart, offers several concentration options. Each concentration is designed to provide students with an MBA curriculum tailored to their specific career goals. Some of the most popular MBA concentrations include management, accounting, and marketing.

You can improve your employability by choosing a concentration in demand in the Kentucky employment market. Professionals with immediately applicable skills and expertise are more likely to be hired quickly.

According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, the five most thriving industries in the state are AgriTech, Automotive, Manufacturing, Aerospace, and Primary Metals. These industries are always on the lookout for MBA grads with valuable knowledge and expertise in Agricultural Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Aviation Management, and other degree specializations related to management.

Healthcare, as it is in other parts of the world, is also a major industry in Kentucky. The state has established itself as a national leader in healthcare, with over 250 healthcare businesses and over 38,000 healthcare workers. They’ve also invested more than $1 billion in over 100 new or expanded healthcare facilities since 2017, which has created more than 5,500 new job opportunities.

Salaries for MBA Graduates in Kentucky

Salaries for MBA graduates vary significantly based on several factors, including location, industry, expertise, responsibilities, and economic conditions. To provide a brief understanding of the job market and earning potential for recent MBA graduates in Kentucky, let’s take a closer look at the state’s top-paid positions open for MBA grads. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paid professions for MBA grads in Kentucky are

Marketing Managers
- Average Annual Salary KY: $136,190
Financial Managers
- Average Annual Salary KY: $134,320
Compensation and Benefits Managers
- Average Annual Salary KY: $130,440
Purchasing Managers
- Average Annual Salary KY: $122,680
Sales Managers
- Average Annual Salary KY: $120,420

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Kentucky

Do online MBA programs in Kentucky require the GMAT?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.

The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes — elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT or don’t.

If you are considering a graduate business school that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.

If you’re going to take the test, at minimum, you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. Therefore, we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects, and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have — test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.

There are a growing number of high-quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. If standardized testing isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

What are the admission requirements for an online MBA in Kentucky?

Since admission standards for online MBA programs vary widely across different degree programs, there might be a wide range of prerequisites. Required admission materials may change depending on several variables, including the institution’s educational philosophy and the level of competition in the program.

Some prioritize prior academic and professional experience in business, requiring specific undergraduate degrees and high standardized test scores. Others aim to be more inclusive and accept students from various backgrounds, assessing applicants holistically based on work history, motivation, and potential.

Application requirements for different online MBA programs are often similar. Many MBA programs require letters of recommendation from people who can vouch for their candidate’s credentials in the workplace or school.

Typically, a candidate must also submit a curriculum vitae or résumé outlining their school history and job experience. Furthermore, a statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s goals for their career, motivations, and interest in an MBA program is frequently requested.

How long does it take to get an online MBA in Kentucky?

Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about two years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because MBAs offer so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means this degree may take anywhere between two and four years to complete.

It is important to note that there are also some accelerated online MBA programs that can be completed in about 12-18 months of full-time study.

What are the courses in an online MBA program like?

MBA courses are available both online and on campus, and many programs require a thesis or professional experience component. Students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations.

Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. This means students watch lectures and read when they can and likely join web forums for class discussions.

While online MBA courses can be “self-paced,” there usually are still mid-term and end-of-term deadlines. Typical online MBA courses will have multiple deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments.

What can you do with an online MBA?

MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. MBAs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

Is accreditation important when choosing an online MBA program?

In the United States, higher education accreditation comes in two main types: National and Regional Accreditation. Regional Accreditation, the more prestigious one, is awarded by organizations like HLC, MSCHE, NECHE, NWCCU, SACSCOC, and WSCUC.

Additionally, business programs can receive “programmatic accreditation” from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Accreditation is essential for online MBA programs as it validates the quality of the program and aligns with recognized standards, while non-accredited degrees can negatively impact career prospects due to doubts about their reliability.

Will employers in Kentucky value an online MBA degree?

Stigmas have been associated with online MBA programs, such as worries about curriculum rigor and employer recognition. But throughout the years, accredited programs have changed dramatically, embracing new technologies such as online tests and digital video streaming to become more advanced and well-liked. Employers have increasingly recognized the in-demand skills and expertise that online MBA graduates possess, further contributing to the growing acceptance and credibility of these programs.

Do online MBA programs in Kentucky offer financial aid?

Yes, online MBAs offer financial aid. However, there can be significant differences in the amount and type of this support.

Accredited MBA programs have affiliations with government agencies, private scholarship groups, and financial assistance sources. Schools are committed to assisting students in navigating the intricate world of financial assistance, and they frequently possess more extensive resources. For aspiring students, this may lead to a wider range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

While there are a number of excellent online MBA programs in Kentucky, students may choose to explore some of the online MBA programs in a neighboring state like Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia. An online education can be a great option no matter your state of residence.

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build 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 is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And 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 or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new 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 institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. 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 which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students 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.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, 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. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

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 resume 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.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will 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 require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, 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 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.

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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky

Key Takeaways

Kentucky's Best Online MBA Programs

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Kentucky

What are Kentucky’s Colleges & Universities?

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Kentucky

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Louisville

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Western Kentucky University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Eastern Kentucky University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Murray State University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Northern Kentucky University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Morehead State University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of the Cumberlands

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Campbellsville University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at American National University-Pikeville

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Asbury University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Union College, Kentucky

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Sullivan University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Lindsey Wilson College

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Thomas More University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Why pursue an online MBA in Kentucky?

Most Thriving Industries in Kentucky

Salaries for MBA Graduates in Kentucky

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Kentucky

Do online MBA programs in Kentucky require the GMAT?

What are the admission requirements for an online MBA in Kentucky?

How long does it take to get an online MBA in Kentucky?

What are the courses in an online MBA program like?

What can you do with an online MBA?

Is accreditation important when choosing an online MBA program?

Will employers in Kentucky value an online MBA degree?

Do online MBA programs in Kentucky offer financial aid?

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

Is online college easier?+

Why does accreditation matter in online college?+

Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?+

Will employers respect my online degree?+

What are the disadvantages of online classes?+

What are the advantages of online classes?+

Resources for Prospective Grad Students