Best Online Social Work Programs in Kentucky (2026)

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Kentucky Social Work At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Social Work Salary$59,077
Salary OutlookKentucky offers competitive wages for social work professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyKentucky Board of Social Work Examiners
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online social work degree in Kentucky offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Kentucky offers competitive wages for social work 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 Social Work Schools in Kentucky

The following schools offer accredited online social work 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

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY BOC Score 70.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 29

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY BOC Score 59.2
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 23

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Murray State University

Murray, KY BOC Score 58.2
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Kentucky

Social Work 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)
Child, Family, and School Social Worker$59,100
Healthcare Social Worker$64,080
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$42,570
Social Worker, All Other$85,160
Social and Community Service Manager$76,960
Social and Human Service Assistant$37,440
Community Health Worker$48,230

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


Why Pursue an Online Social Work 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.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Kentucky economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online social work 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 Social Work pay in Kentucky compare to other states?

Kentucky offers competitive wages for social work 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 social work in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Board of Social Work Examiners 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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