Online Degrees In Kentucky (KY)

Why Earn an Online Degree in Kentucky?

College graduates are hot commodities in Kentucky, so those who do invest in higher education can have a valuable edge in the workforce. According to the Kentucky Chamber Workforce Center, 84 percent of employers have difficulty finding qualified candidates. Here are 4 reasons why earning a degree in Kentucky can be worth the time, effort and investment:

Jobs: The business climate is positive, but Kentucky’s workforce comes up short on skills. Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher constitute only 22 percent of the population. From 2014 to 2024 there is likely to be a high demand, particularly for those who hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Furthermore,

• Occupations requiring at least some college will likely increase by nearly 20 percent
• Occupations requiring a master’s degree will likely grow the fastest at 25.4 percent

Almost a third of new job openings in Kentucky will likely be in three large occupational groups:

• Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations (29.6 percent growth)
• Transportation and Material Moving Occupations (15.7 percent growth)
• Office and Administrative Support Occupations (11.8 percent growth)

Higher earnings: It is no secret that earnings and employment rates tend to improve with education. Data taken from U.S. government sources and compiled by Deloitte shows:

• Annual median wages for those who have a bachelor’s degree are $45,300 — nearly $14,000 more than those with some college education or an associate degree ($31,400).
• Those with a master’s degree or higher may be able to earn $55,100.

Options, options: Kentucky has no shortage of colleges and universities. As of 2018, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education reported that the state has 8 public state colleges, 16 community and technical college, 18 independent nonprofit colleges, and dozens of online schools, including both in- and out-of- state institutions. A major school like the University of Kentucky offers more than 100 degree programs.

Access: The state of Kentucky has long worked to make higher education more affordable and accessible for its residents. Kentucky is a part of the Academic Common Market (ACM) which enables students to pay in-state tuition for academic programs that are not offered within the state. ACM offers more than 20 online undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs to Kentuckians.

Top Online Colleges in Kentucky

Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) our methodology takes into consideration factors that are likely to be important to you such as tuition and fees, scholarships and grants, along with career services. For a detailed list of factors we’ve included, check out our methodology at the bottom of the page and see why these rankings present you with the best online college options in Kentucky.

Top Ten Online Degree Programs in Kentucky

This list of top online degree programs in Kentucky may also be an indication of degrees that employers are looking for.

Quality of Online Education in Kentucky

The Council on Postsecondary Education was established in Kentucky as a part of the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 in order to guide and ensure the continuous improvement of Kentucky’s postsecondary education system which includes online higher education. The Council emphasizes quality postsecondary education through efforts like the:

• Academic Program Review: The aim is to ensure that students in Kentucky receive a high-quality curriculum so that they are equipped to compete in a global economy. The review process checks the quality and efficacy of new academic programs (both online and on-campus).
• 2016-2021 Strategic Agenda: By 2030, the Council hopes that 60 percent of Kentuckians hold a high-quality postsecondary degree. While improving academic quality is one of the strategic goals on the agenda, other efforts to achieve the 60-percent goal include adequate state funding, accountability and incentive-based funding for campuses that show improvement in retention, completion, and degree production..
• NC-SARA State: Kentucky is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) which opens up high-quality online education offerings for higher education students.

What to Look for in Online Degree Programs in Kentucky

College affordability is often a major factor when it comes to choosing an online degree program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore as many financial aid options as they can but another way to lower your costs and time spent in earning a degree is by getting credits for courses you have already taken. According to a 2018 Learning House survey, about 85% of undergraduates have credits they can transfer to their next program making credit transferability an important factor to consider for most students. Apart from transferable credits, adult learners may check with the college admissions office to see if their life or job experience may translate into experiential credits. Kentucky’s Go Higher KY website may offer more insights on credit transfers and financial aid options.

Online education comes in multiple format – some programs may be fully online or hybrid; some may offer synchronous classes allowing you to participate remotely in a live classroom. Asychronous classes can be accessed at your convenience. Some programs may require you to gain hands-on experience at a center near you. Students should consider the kind of flexibility they are looking for in an online degree program before exploring their options.

A college alumni list may give you an idea of the achievements of past students in your field of interest. The social media platforms of a college can be a place where students share their experiences and this may give you some indication of the reputation of the program.

Top Occupations in Kentucky

Using data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this list of top occupations in Kentucky may be an indication of the needs of Kentucky’s job market and serve as a guide to help you in choosing a degree.

Scholarships and Financial Aid in Kentucky

Eligible students may apply for financial aid with the numerous federal, state, and institutional programs available to students in Kentucky. Financial aid can include loans, grants, and work-study programs.

The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) provides information on the following grants and scholarships:

• Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)
• College Access Program Grant(CAP)
• Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG)
• Early Childhood Development Scholarship
• Coal County Scholarship Program for Pharmacy Students
• Minority Educator Recruitment and Retention Scholarship
• Osteopathic Medicine Scholarship
• Teacher Scholarship
• Kentucky Coal County College Completion Scholarship
• Dual Credit Scholarship Program
• Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship

Keep in mind that many colleges and third-party organizations offer their own scholarships and grants. We recommend contacting your current or prospective school’s financial aid department to speak with an adviser.

Scholarship Listing

Tests You May Need To Take

Individual universities and colleges in Kentucky decide their admissions criteria. Most colleges in Kentucky require students to take the SAT or ACT tests.

Two-year colleges and technical schools may require you to take the COMPASS test. Additionally, some private schools may require you to submit an admissions essay to determine if you may be a good fit.