Best Online Nursing Programs in Kentucky (2026)

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Kentucky Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$105,052
Salary OutlookKentucky offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyKentucky Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Kentucky offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Kentucky offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Kentucky students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Nursing Schools in Kentucky

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Kentucky.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Galen College of Nursing-Louisville

Louisville, KY BOC Score 68.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY BOC Score 59.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 79%
Graduation rate 61%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$13,136
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$29,482
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 19

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY BOC Score 52.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 50%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$10,320
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$21,230
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 32

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Kentucky

Nursing professionals in Kentucky experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Kentucky.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Kentucky)
Registered Nurse$81,040
Licensed Practical Nurse$60,460
Nurse Anesthetist$222,520
Nurse Practitioner$122,870
Nursing Assistant$38,370

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Kentucky?

Choosing a program in Kentucky can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Kentucky offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Kentucky Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Kentucky accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Kentucky, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in Kentucky compare to other states?

Kentucky offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Kentucky a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Kentucky. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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