Best Substance Abuse Counseling Schools in Kentucky (2026)

Updated August 11, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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Kentucky Substance Abuse Counseling At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Substance Abuse Counseling Salary$52,790
Salary OutlookKentucky offers competitive wages for substance abuse counseling professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyKentucky Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online substance abuse counseling degree in Kentucky offers a flexible path into substance abuse counseling careers. Kentucky offers competitive wages for substance abuse counseling 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 nationally available program, Kentucky students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Substance Abuse Counseling Schools in Kentucky

The following schools offer accredited online substance abuse counseling 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.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
70.9 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 93%
Graduation rate 71%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,025
Avg net price $18,851/yr
Tuition
In‑state$13,502
Out‑of‑state$34,140
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 87%
  • Programs offered: 76

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

#2

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
52.7 BOC Score
Graduation rate 54%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,889
Avg net price $10,990/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 78%
  • Programs offered: 85

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
47.4 BOC Score
Graduation rate 47%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $45,036
Avg net price $14,107/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 77%
  • Programs offered: 41

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Kentucky

Substance Abuse Counseling 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)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$54,190
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$42,570
Social and Community Service Manager$76,960
Social and Human Service Assistant$37,440

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

Why Pursue an Online Substance Abuse Counseling 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 substance abuse counseling programs in Kentucky accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Substance Abuse Counseling pay in Kentucky compare to other states?

Kentucky offers competitive wages for substance abuse counseling 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 substance abuse counseling in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Professional Licensing Board 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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