The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky for 2018

Kentucky has recently introduced several education initiatives designed to support students and teachers and improve public education in the state. Offered through the Kentucky Council on Secondary Education, the Kentucky Virtual Campus promotes distance education programs. The state participates in the Southern Regional Education Board’s Educational Technology Cooperative, which supports and expands the use of technology in southern schools. While tuition at Kentucky colleges and universities is slightly higher than the national average, the National Association of State Student Grant & Aid Programs reports that the state awards over $200 million in grants to college students annually.

While there are only a few online colleges in KY, these schools offer a broad selection of programs. The University of Kentucky offers more than 20 online programs, including a master’s degree in tourism and retail management and a certificate in historic preservation. Kentucky State University offers several bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as online certificates in aquatic sciences and information technology.

Online programs allow students to enjoy more flexible schedules and save money by avoiding on-campus housing, commuting, and other traditional college expenses. Completing a degree online can be particularly helpful for individuals who have job and family responsibilities. Students who choose to enroll in one of the online schools in KY have options at every degree level.

Four reasons to find an online college in your state:

Guaranteed in-state tuition saves you money
Be a part of a university or college you know and love

Get a degree from a school employers know and trust
Be close enough to easily visit when desired

Ranking guidelines for the best online colleges in Kentucky:

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We selected the online colleges and universities here based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs. This is the same basic methodology as our highly respected ranking of the overall 50 best online colleges.

Note: In ranking the best online colleges in Kentucky, giving attention to the variety of degree programs available at the institutions is of utmost importance. For this reason, a more prestigious school in Kentucky may offer one, or a few online degrees, but that may not be enough for that school to rank highly among the best online colleges in the state. In this ranking, we are dedicated to showing who’s leading the way in delivering quality online degree programs in Kentucky.

See who ranks as the best college and university in Kentucky today.

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The Best Online Colleges in Kentucky

1. University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

The University of Louisville, founded in 1798, is a public university and a member of the Kentucky state university system. Its School of Medicine performed the first self-contained artificial heart transplant as well as the first successful hand transplant. The university teaches more than 20,000 students and offers degree programs in roughly 170 programs of study.

The University of Louisville offers several baccalaureate, master’s and certificate programs online. Bachelor’s degree options include nursing and criminal justice. Master’s degree offerings include social work and special education. Certifications include data mining and information security.

Online student resources include disability services and an online library with librarian live chat and access to multiple online journals and scholarly article databases.

The University of Louisville is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of The University of Louisville's top rankings on TBS

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2. Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Western Kentucky University, founded in 1906, has roots that go back to the Glasgow Normal School, established in 1875. The Glasgow Normal School transferred to what is now Western Kentucky University. The university offers over 100 degree programs spanning six academic colleges, including the state’s first Honors College. The university also has a study abroad program.

Western Kentucky University offers a wide variety of online associate, baccalaureate, master and certificate programs. Associate degrees include early childhood education and interdisciplinary studies. Bachelor’s degree options include criminology and sociology. Master’s degree offerings include biology and nursing. Certifications available include manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma.

Resources for online students include disability services, counseling, financial services, online tutoring, an online writing center, technical support, test preparation, career services and an online library with librarian live chat and access to scholarly article, journal, ebook and streaming media databases.

Western Kentucky University is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of Western Kentucky University's top rankings on TBS

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3. Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University offers more than 160 degree programs across five academic colleges, with 25 of those degree programs available online. Established in 1906, the university began awarding degrees in 1925 and awarded its first doctoral degrees in 2010.

Eastern Kentucky University offers a variety of associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs online. Associate’s degrees include science paramedicine and police studies. Bachelor’s degrees include emergency medicine and homeland security. Master’s degree programs include education and public administration. Doctoral degrees include occupational therapy and nursing. Certifications include safety management and paralegal studies.

Resources available to online students include an online library with librarian live chat, inter-library loan and access to a wealth of online article and video databases.

Eastern Kentucky University is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of Eastern Kentucky University's top rankings on TBS

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4. Brescia University

Owensboro, Kentucky

Brescia University, established in 1950, is a Roman Catholic university. The university grew out of two universities which merged in 1950: Mount Saint Joseph Junior College for Women and Owensboro. The university is named after the city of Brescia, the Italian city where the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph was originally established. The university has over 900 students enrolled in six academic colleges.

Brescia University offers several associate, baccalaureate, master and certificate programs through BUonline. Some of their more popular programs include associate’s degrees in business and graphic design, bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology, master’s degrees in management and certificates in accounting.

Online student resources include technical support and an online library with librarians available via email, text message or over the phone as well as access to a variety of scholarly articles and journal databases.

Brescia University is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of Brescia University's top rankings on TBS

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5. Asbury University

Wilmore, Kentucky

Asbury University, founded in 1890, is a private, Christian college. Asbury University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and is a member of the Christian College Consortium. Asbury boasts an enrollment of 1,700 students around the globe.

Accelerated online bachelor’s degree completion programs are available in elementary education, leadership and ministry, organizational management, and instruction design, as well as an online associate of science degree.

Asbury University’s Digital Storytelling program, which combines online courses with short-term in-person instruction allows students to complete a blended Master’s in Communications. Students without an undergraduate degree in media also must attend a two-week to four-week on-campus session.

Online courses at Asbury University feature asynchronous elements and real-time collaborations.

Asbury University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and also holds specialized accreditations from the Council on Social Work Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

See some of Asbury University's top rankings on TBS

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6. Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Northern Kentucky University is a liberal arts university established in 1968. The university was originally the University of Kentucky’s northern campus, but splintered off as its own four-year college in 1968. The school has over 13,000 students in attendance and six academic colleges.

Northern Kentucky University offers a number of online baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral, specialist and certificate programs. Bachelor’s degrees include history and library informatics. Master’s degree programs include education and nursing. Doctoral degrees include nursing, while specialist degrees include multiple topics in education. Certifications include cybersecurity and business informatics.

Online student resources include an online library with access to a librarian via text message, instant messenger or over the phone.

Northern Kentucky University is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of Northern Kentucky University's top rankings on TBS

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7. Midway University

Midway, Kentucky

Midway University, established in 1847, is unique in that its Day College is reserved for female students only and is the only university in Kentucky with an all-female college. This stems from the university’s founding as a school for female orphans. The Day College offers majors within business, equine studies, nursing and teacher education. The Christian liberal arts university is co-ed otherwise, offering classes on weekends, evenings and online for its roughly 1,100 adult learners.

Midway University offers a variety of associate’s and baccalaureate degrees online. Associate’s degree options include business administration, while bachelor’s degree offerings include business administration, criminal justice, marketing and several topics in education.

Resources available to online students include online tutoring, online job boards, technical support and an online library with access to an assortment of online scholarly article, journal and ebook databases as well as library materials by mail.

Midway University is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of Midway University's top rankings on TBS

8. University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, Kentucky

The University of the Cumberlands, established in 1889, is a Southern Baptist university. The university awarded its first graduate degree in 1988, which led to its graduate college becoming a critical component of the university today. In 2006, the university began offering graduate degrees entirely online, beginning with education degrees to its more than 3,000 students. Doctoral and specialist degrees are also available with more on the horizon.

The University of the Cumberlands offers several baccalaureate, master, doctoral and specialist programs online. Bachelor’s degrees include psychology and criminal justice. Master’s degree options include business administration and information systems security. Doctoral degree offerings include leadership and clinical psychology, while specialist degrees include education.

Online student resources include an online job board and an online library with access to over 50,000 online periodicals, a wealth of streaming media and more than 80 full text research databases.

The University of the Cumberlands is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of The University of the Cumberlands' top rankings on TBS

9. Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky

Murray State University, a public university, has over 10,000 students in attendance and offers more than 115 degree programs across 30 academic departments. The university also has more than 1,000 international students in attendance from numerous countries around the world.

Murray State University has a variety of online baccalaureate, masters and certificate programs. Online bachelor’s degree programs include business administration and integrated studies. Online master’s degree programs include agriculture and organizational communication. Online certification options include professional writing and nonprofit leadership.

Online student resources include technical support, career services, counseling, disability services, an online writing center with toll-free Grammar Hotlines and an online library with access to a variety of online databases, academic journals and government document databases, as well as librarians available via live chat, text message and over the phone.

Murray State University is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of Murray State University's top rankings on TBS

10. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, Kentucky

The Russel Creek Baptist Association founded Campbellsville University in 1906. The university, open to students of all denominations, has over 3,000 students. Over 90% of these students receive financial aid. In addition, the university is a NAIA Gold Star Champions of Character Institution, one of only a handful in America.

Campbellsville University offers several online associate, baccalaureate, master and certificate programs. Associate degrees include business administration and criminal justice. Bachelor’s degrees include social work and nursing. Master’s degrees include sport management and multiple topics in education, while certificates include Christian ministry.

Resources for online students include an online library with librarian live chat and access to a wide variety of online databases, ebooks, electronic journals and much more.

Campbellsville University is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of Campbellsville University's top rankings on TBS

11. Union College

Barbourville, Kentucky

Located in Barbourville, Union is among the top online schools in Kentucky. The college offers six undergraduate programs in business administration, general management, general studies, law enforcement, nursing, and substance abuse. The school also offers graduate programs in business, administration, and athletic administration.

Most distance learning programs feature eight-week courses and students are able to begin their studies at six different points throughout the year. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Union accepts transfer students who are in good standing at an accredited postsecondary institution with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Applicants must also submit college transcripts and ACT or SAT scores if they have completed fewer than 24 credits.

Union College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

12. Morehead State University

Morehead, Kentucky

Morehead State University first opened its doors in 1887 as a Christian-based teacher’s college, but the state bought it out in 1922. The school has four academic colleges and provides more than 220 degree programs, more than 20 of which are available online.

Morehead State University offers several online baccalaureate, master and certificate programs. Online bachelor’s degree programs include business administration and computer information systems. Online master’s degree programs include educational technology and social science, while online certifications include special education.

Online student resources include an online job board, 24/7 online tutoring, online mock job interviews, online health services and an online library with librarian live chat, free delivery for library materials and access to over 100 databases.

Morehead State University is regionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS).

See some of Morehead State University's top rankings on TBS

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13. University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky

UK is the state’s largest postsecondary institution. The school offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning 10 different colleges and schools. UK even offers an online master’s degree in manufacturing systems engineering that allows professionals to increase their knowledge and advance in their careers while still working full-time.

Online classes use several different technologies to deliver content, including discussion boards, learning management platforms, video streaming, web conferencing, and email. Some courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Distance learners at UK also benefit from various student services, including academic advising, a digital library, financial aid assistance, a disability center, career guidance and counseling. The services and programs offered make the university stand out as one of the best online schools in Kentucky.

University of Kentucky is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

See some of University of Kentucky's top rankings on TBS

14. Kentucky Wesleyan College

Owensboro, Kentucky

Kentucky Wesleyan offers six programs completely online, making it one of the most popular online schools in KY. These programs and courses are ideal for adult learners, especially those with personal and professional obligations that keep them from attending on-campus classes on a full-time basis.

Kentucky Wesleyan’s distance learning programs feature seven-week classes with start dates every two months, allowing students to earn their degrees as efficiently as possible. Most classes are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Students may choose from online bachelor’s degrees in business administration, criminal justice, general studies, graphic design, psychology, and religion. Most students graduate in three to four years, and all programs accept transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities.

Kentucky Wesleyan College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

See some of Kentucky Wesleyan College's top rankings on TBS

15. Lindsey Wilson College

Columbia, Kentucky

Like other online colleges in Kentucky, LWC is a great option for those who want to earn their degree online while receiving the same high-quality education as their on-campus peers. The school offers fully six programs in business administration, criminal justice, human services, and nursing, along with graduate degrees in business, counseling, and educational leadership.

The college’s online bachelor’s degrees feature eight-week courses. Transfer students with an associate degree from a Kentucky college may complete earn their bachelor’s in just 18 months. About 95% of all LWC students receive some form of financial aid, such as grants, subsidized loans, and scholarships. Victory Media designated LWC as a Military Friendly School due to the services it offers military veteran learners. All distance learners pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency.

Lindsey Wilson College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

16. Kentucky Christian University

Grayson, Kentucky

KWC offers an online bachelor’s degree in history that is ideal for students preparing to enter law school. Graduates commonly go on to secure placement in some of the nation’s top law programs and graduate schools, making it one of the more distinct online colleges in KY.

Applicants must submit their high school diploma or college transcripts, a personal essay, and ACT or SAT scores to be considered. They must also provide two or three character references from their pastors, church leaders, teachers, employers, or youth ministers. The college only accepts those with high school or college GPAs of at least 2.0 and ACT scores of 18 or above. Student who attend KWC must adhere to a code of ethics based on Christian principles.

Kentucky Christian University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

17. Kentucky State University

Frankfort, Kentucky

KSU, the state’s smallest public four-year school, offers online bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice, psychology, and public administration. It also offers an online master’s degree in special education and a doctorate in nursing practice, along with three online certificate programs.

All online courses are delivered through Blackboard, which provides students access to lectures, course materials, discussion boards, and assignments. Students benefit from most of the same services available to on-campus learners, including financial aid assistance, an online bookstore, a digital library, online tutoring, and a course management system. All part-time online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Like many online schools in Kentucky, KSU’s distance learning programs are ideal for working adults, state government employees, military personnel, and others who have considerable responsibilities outside of their coursework.

Kentucky State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).