Find Nursing Colleges

What Do You Want to Study?

Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky

Find Schools Near

2023 Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky

25 Schools Ranked
$8,153 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$15,303 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which nursing program is right for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamp that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

The Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 25 schools in Kentucky to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for nursing students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky
166 Total Awards
$13,689 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Western Kentucky University the best school in Kentucky for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the fairly large public school handed out 166 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

On average, associate degree students take out $13,689 in loans while pursuing their degree.

WKU does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#2

Sullivan University

Louisville, Kentucky
348 Total Awards
$23,005 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 25 schools in Kentucky that were part of this year’s ranking, Sullivan University landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the small private for-profit school handed out 348 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Associate Degree recipients from Sullivan University accumulate an average of $23,005 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Sullivan University does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 81% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Sullivan University

#3

Midway University

Midway, Kentucky
54 Total Awards
$25,050 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,180 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Midway University is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. Midway University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Midway, Kentucky that handed out 54 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Midway is $25,050. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Midway accumulate an average of $18,180 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Midway does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 74% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Midway University

#4

University of Pikeville

Pikeville, Kentucky
42 Total Awards
$23,150 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,335 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 25 schools in Kentucky that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Pikeville landed the # 4 spot on the list. Located in Pikeville, Kentucky, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 42 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $23,150 to cover tuition and fees at UPIKE. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Associate Degree recipients from UPIKE accumulate an average of $17,335 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UPIKE. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 53% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of Pikeville

#5

Beckfield College - Florence

Florence, Kentucky
93 Total Awards
$13,295 Average Tuition & Fees
$25,760 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Beckfield College - Florence. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Beckfield College - Florence is a private for-profit institution located in Florence, Kentucky. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 93 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Beckfield College - Florence is $13,295. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Beckfield College - Florence accumulate an average of $25,760 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Beckfield College - Florence does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 94% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Beckfield College - Florence

543 Total Awards
$4,640 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,453 Avg Student Debt

Gateway Community and Technical College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. Gateway is a small public school situated in Florence, Kentucky. It awarded 543 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Kentucky who attend Gateway full time pay an average of $4,640 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,560. Associate Degree recipients from Gateway accumulate an average of $14,453 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Gateway does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 61% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Gateway Community and Technical College Report

1,618 Total Awards
$4,640 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,199 Avg Student Debt

Bluegrass Community and Technical College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the fairly large public school handed out 1,618 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Kentucky who attend Bluegrass Community and Technical College full time pay an average of $4,640 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,560. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,199 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 72% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Bluegrass Community and Technical College Report

#8

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, Kentucky
27 Total Awards
$9,004 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,422 Avg Student Debt

Kentucky State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #8 on the list. Frankfort, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 27 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $9,004 in tuition and fees if they attend KY State full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $12,932. On average, associate degree students take out $21,422 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at KY State. In 2020-2021 about 86% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Kentucky State University

1,323 Total Awards
$4,640 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,682 Avg Student Debt

Jefferson Community and Technical College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Jefferson Community and Technical College is located in Louisville, Kentucky and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,323 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Jefferson Community and Technical College is $4,640. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,560. On average, associate degree students take out $15,682 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Jefferson Community and Technical College. In fact, around 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Jefferson Community and Technical College

#10

Morehead State University

Morehead, Kentucky
150 Total Awards
$9,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,734 Avg Student Debt

Morehead State University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Morehead State University is a public institution located in Morehead, Kentucky. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 150 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Morehead State University is $9,560. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $14,286. Associate Degree recipients from Morehead State University accumulate an average of $22,734 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Morehead State University, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 53% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Morehead State University

#11

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, Kentucky
37 Total Awards
$26,100 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,131 Avg Student Debt

Campbellsville University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, the fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 37 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Campbellsville University is $26,100. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $20,131 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Campbellsville University. In fact, around 41% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#12

Henderson Community College

Henderson, Kentucky
197 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,057 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Henderson Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Henderson Community College is a small public school situated in Henderson, Kentucky. It awarded 197 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Kentucky who attend Henderson Community College full time pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from Henderson Community College accumulate an average of $14,057 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Henderson Community College. In 2020-2021 about 48% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#13

Hopkinsville Community College

Hopkinsville, Kentucky
398 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,902 Avg Student Debt

Hopkinsville Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. Hopkinsville Community College is a small public school situated in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. It awarded 398 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from Kentucky who attend Hopkinsville Community College full time pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $10,902 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Hopkinsville Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 70% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Hopkinsville Community College Report

586 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,239 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Bowling Green, Kentucky is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 586 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Kentucky pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SKYCTC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $14,239 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at SKYCTC. In 2020-2021 about 57% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

656 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,225 Avg Student Debt

Owensboro Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list. Owensboro Community and Technical College is located in Owensboro, Kentucky and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 656 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Kentucky pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Owensboro Community and Technical College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $10,225 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Owensboro Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 53% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Owensboro Community and Technical College Report

#16

Madisonville Community College

Madisonville, Kentucky
409 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,179 Avg Student Debt

Madisonville Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #16 on the list. This small public school is located in Madisonville, Kentucky, and it awarded 409 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Madisonville Community College is $4,560. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from Madisonville Community College accumulate an average of $11,179 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Madisonville Community College. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Madisonville Community College

#17

Big Sandy Community and Technical College

Prestonsburg, Kentucky
416 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,955 Avg Student Debt

Big Sandy Community and Technical College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. Big Sandy Community and Technical College is a public institution located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. The school has a small population, and it awarded 416 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Big Sandy Community and Technical College is $4,560. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,955 in student loans.

Big Sandy Community and Technical College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 82% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Big Sandy Community and Technical College Report

43 Total Awards
$30,853 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, American National University - Lexington did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. This very small private for-profit school is located in Pikeville, Kentucky, and it awarded 43 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,853 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, ANU Lexington is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read full report on American National University - Lexington

544 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,260 Avg Student Debt

West Kentucky Community and Technical College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a public institution located in Paducah, Kentucky. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 544 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend West Kentucky Community and Technical College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,260 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. In fact, around 49% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#20

Somerset Community College

Somerset, Kentucky
644 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,814 Avg Student Debt

Somerset Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #20 on the list. SCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Somerset, Kentucky. It awarded 644 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend SCC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,814 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at SCC. In fact, around 65% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Somerset Community College Report

914 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,555 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, the medium-sized public school awarded 914 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Kentucky pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $14,555 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Elizabethtown Community and Technical College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 63% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

363 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,503 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Hazard Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Hazard Community and Technical College is a small public school situated in Hazard, Kentucky. It awarded 363 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend Hazard Community and Technical College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from Hazard Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $13,503 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Hazard Community and Technical College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 58% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Hazard Community and Technical College Report

354 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,819 Avg Student Debt

Ashland Community and Technical College ranked #23 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky list. This small public school is located in Ashland, Kentucky, and it awarded 354 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ACTC is $4,560. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $13,819 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at ACTC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 56% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

374 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,747 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Southeast is a small public school situated in Cumberland, Kentucky. It awarded 374 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend Southeast full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from Southeast accumulate an average of $11,747 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Online courses are available at Southeast, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 51% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

401 Total Awards
$4,560 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,251 Avg Student Debt

Maysville Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #25 on the list. Maysville Community and Technical College is a public institution located in Maysville, Kentucky. The school has a small population, and it awarded 401 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Maysville Community and Technical College is $4,560. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from Maysville Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $14,251 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Maysville Community and Technical College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 58% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Maysville Community and Technical College Report

View Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Nursing Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited nursing schools across the U.S.