While the horses in Kentucky may run fast, the Bluegrass State's college enrollment rates have remained relatively flat over the last decade. In 2022, Kentucky launched the Higher Education Matters campaign to meet the goal of getting 60% of working-age adults to obtain a college credential by 2030.
Kentucky offers a lower-than-average cost of living — World Population Review scores the state 93.8 on a scale where 100 represents the national average. Because Kentucky's cost of living is lower than average, earning a degree in Kentucky can be more affordable than doing so in other states. Online colleges in Kentucky may offer further savings since you never have to go to campus.
Use our guide to discover what Kentucky online colleges cost and learn about scholarships available to Kentuckians.
Best Online Colleges in Kentucky
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A 2025 progress report found that the median lifetime earnings for workers with bachelor's degrees in Kentucky are almost $1 million higher than for professionals with only a high school diploma.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Kentucky
Multiple jobs in the Kentucky job market are projected to see positive growth from 2022 to 2032. Earning a college degree can help you become eligible for these in-demand positions.
The Kentucky Center for Statistics estimates a 45% growth in nurse practitioners from 2022 to 2032. Other fast-growing occupations include logisticians and physician assistants. Positions in tech also offer considerable stability: For example, information security analysts are projected to grow 30%.
The table below covers some of the fastest-growing occupations in Kentucky that require at least a bachelor's degree.
| Job | Projected Growth (2023-2033) | Annual Mean Wage in KY, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 45.2%% | $116,930 |
| Information Security Analysts | 30.1% | $102,820 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 28.8% | $115,790 |
| Physician Assistants | 27% | $110,150 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 24.6% | $59,230 |
| Software Developers | 24.2% | $114,200 |
| Logisticians | 22.6% | $74,780 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 21.4% | $58,190 |
| Operations Research Analysts | 20.7% | $88,980 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 20.4% | $86,260 |
Majors to Consider To Prepare for Kentucky's Job Market
Many of the fast-growing careers in Kentucky require a degree in subjects like health sciences, computer science, or nursing. Earning a degree with one of these majors can help you launch a career in a high-demand field.
Health Sciences
Health sciences degrees include majors like public health, healthcare administration, nutrition, and medical billing. A bachelor's degree in healthcare management or healthcare administration is a common requirement for jobs like medical and health services manager. A health science degree can also prepare you to pursue graduate degrees in medicine or physical therapy as well as physician assistant programs. If you're interested in helping people improve their mental well-being, consider earning a master's degree or doctorate in fields like psychology or counseling.Nursing
An online nursing degree or registered nurse program can prepare you for nurse jobs while reducing how much time you spend on campus. To pursue advanced roles like nurse practitioner, you usually need a master's degree.Computer Science
An online computer science degree can train you for careers like software developer, information security analyst, or operations research analyst. In addition to generalized programs, you can pursue specialized bachelor's degrees in fields like information technology, software development, computer engineering, or cybersecurity.
What Is the Cost of College in Kentucky?
The cost of college in Kentucky varies by public or private college and your residency status. Kentucky's public universities have an average tuition slightly higher than the national average — around $1,550 more per year.
However, tuition at Kentucky's private colleges is slightly less than both public tuition for out-of-state students and the national average for private institutions. You could save even more on tuition by attending college online, especially at a college that offers a flat online tuition rate or an in-state tuition rate.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in KY | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $11,299 | $9,750 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $26,640 | $28,297 |
| Private 4-Year | $28,001 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Kentucky
Kentucky businesses, nonprofits, and universities offer scholarships exclusively for Kentuckians enrolled in local colleges. To qualify for some funding opportunities, you may need to live in a specific part of the state or major in a particular subject.
Scholarship awards provide funds based on need, merit, and demographics for students attending two- and four-year accredited schools in Kentucky. State-specific funding opportunities include:
Community Foundation of Louisville
Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships. The foundation allows you to complete one application to apply for more than 90 opportunities. Applications open on December 1, 2024, and close on February 28, 2025.
Edith Schwab Memorial Scholarship
Graduate students demonstrating academic excellence and financial need can apply for this scholarship. Recipients should intend to work in Kentucky after graduation. Award amounts vary. You must apply by March 4, 2025.
Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
This organization offers scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and technical college students. Applicants must demonstrate critical financial need, integrity, and perseverance. Applications are due March 15, 2025.
Stephen L. Keller Scholarship
To qualify for this $2,000 renewable scholarship, you must be a high school senior or an undergraduate from Eastern Kentucky majoring in business at an accredited school in Kentucky. You need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications are due March 4, 2025.
Emma E. Buckley Scholarship
This $2,500 renewable scholarship is available to high school seniors — preferably first-generation college attendees — who demonstrate financial need and attend Fayette County Public Schools or Woodford County High School. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications are due March 4, 2025.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Kentucky
Kentucky is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board's Academic Common Market. If you reside in any of the 15 Southern member states, you could access in-state tuition at participating schools in select programs.
States that participate in the Academic Common Market are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida (graduate level only), Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (graduate level only), Virginia, and West Virginia. As a resident of these states, you can find more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate programs that allow you to access in-state tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Kentucky
Kentucky has 34 four-year public and private nonprofit colleges and universities. Kentucky is also home to 16 two-year public and private nonprofit schools.
