2023 Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky
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.
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Top Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named Western Kentucky University the best school in Kentucky for nursing students working on their associate degree. Western Kentucky University is a fairly large public school located in Bowling Green, Kentucky that handed out 166 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Associate Degree recipients from WKU accumulate an average of $13,689 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
One thing to take note of is that WKU does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 55% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Sullivan University is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the small private for-profit school handed out 348 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,005 in student loans.
Sullivan University 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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 81% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
The excellent associate degree programs at Midway University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Kentucky. Located in Midway, Kentucky, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 54 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
If you want to attend Midway, expect to pay an average of $25,050 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $18,180 in loans while pursuing their degree.
One thing to take note of is that Midway does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 74% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Pikeville. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Pikeville, Kentucky, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 42 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
If you want to attend UPIKE, expect to pay an average of $23,150 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,335 in student loans.
Some students may be able to take online classes at UPIKE. In fact, around 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
The excellent associate degree programs at Beckfield College - Florence helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best nursing schools in Kentucky. Beckfield College - Florence is a very small private for-profit school located in Florence, Kentucky that handed out 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.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Beckfield College - Florence. In 2020-2021 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
With a ranking of #6, Gateway Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. 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. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,560. On average, associate degree students take out $14,453 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Gateway does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 61% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Bluegrass Community and Technical College is located in Lexington, Kentucky and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,618 associate degrees to qualified students.
Students from Kentucky who attend Bluegrass Community and Technical College full time pay an average of $4,640 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to 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.
Bluegrass Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 72% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
With a ranking of #8, Kentucky State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, the small public school awarded 27 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Students from Kentucky who attend KY State full time pay an average of $9,004 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $12,932. Associate Degree recipients from KY State accumulate an average of $21,422 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at KY State. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Jefferson Community and Technical College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. Louisville, Kentucky is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,323 students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Jefferson Community and Technical College is $4,640. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,560. On average, associate degree students take out $15,682 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Jefferson Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 53% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Morehead 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 #10 on the list. Morehead State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Morehead, Kentucky. It awarded 150 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Morehead State University is $9,560. Out-of-state students pay an average of $14,286. On average, associate degree students take out $22,734 in loans while pursuing 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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 53% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Campbellsville University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Campbellsville, Kentucky, and it awarded 37 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
If you want to attend Campbellsville University, expect to pay an average of $26,100 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Campbellsville University accumulate an average of $20,131 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Campbellsville University does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 41% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
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. Located in Henderson, Kentucky, the small public school awarded 197 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend Henderson Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $15,480. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,057 in student loans.
Henderson 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 48% took at least some of their classes online.
Hopkinsville Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. This small public school is located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and it awarded 398 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Hopkinsville Community College is $4,560. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from Hopkinsville Community College accumulate an average of $10,902 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
One thing to take note of is that Hopkinsville Community College does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 70% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. SKYCTC is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 586 associate degrees to qualified students.
Students from Kentucky who attend SKYCTC 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. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,239 in student loans.
SKYCTC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 57% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Full Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Report
Owensboro Community and Technical College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. 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.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Owensboro Community and Technical College is $4,560. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $10,225 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Online courses are available at Owensboro 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 53% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Madisonville Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Madisonville, Kentucky, the small public school awarded 409 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Madisonville Community College is $4,560. If you are from out of state, expect to 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 2020-2021 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Big Sandy 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 #17 on the list. This small public school is located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, and it awarded 416 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend Big Sandy Community and Technical College 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 $13,955 in student loans.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Big Sandy Community and Technical College. In 2020-2021 about 82% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Read full report on Big Sandy Community and Technical College
American National University - Lexington came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. Pikeville, Kentucky is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 43 students 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.
ANU Lexington is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.
West Kentucky 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 #19 on the list. West Kentucky Community and Technical College is located in Paducah, Kentucky and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 544 associate degrees to qualified students.
In-state students pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they attend West Kentucky Community and Technical College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from West Kentucky Community and Technical College accumulate an average of $12,260 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. In 2020-2021 about 49% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
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. This medium-sized public school is located in Somerset, Kentucky, and it awarded 644 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SCC is $4,560. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from SCC accumulate an average of $16,814 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
SCC 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 65% took at least some of their classes online.
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree nursing programs. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is located in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 914 associate degrees to qualified students.
Students from Kentucky who attend Elizabethtown Community and Technical 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. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,555 in student loans.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. In 2020-2021 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
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. This small public school is located in Hazard, Kentucky, and it awarded 363 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Kentucky pay an average of $4,560 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Hazard Community and Technical College. Out-of-state students 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.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Hazard 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 58% took at least some of their classes online.
Ashland Community and Technical College ranked #23 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Located in Ashland, Kentucky, the small public school awarded 354 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 ACTC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $15,480. Associate Degree recipients from ACTC accumulate an average of $13,819 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
ACTC 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 56% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
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 public institution located in Cumberland, Kentucky. The school has a small population, and it awarded 374 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Southeast is $4,560. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $15,480. On average, associate degree students take out $11,747 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Southeast. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 51% took at least some of their classes online.
Full Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College Report
Maysville Community and Technical College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Kentucky list. Maysville Community and Technical College is a small public school located in Maysville, Kentucky that handed out 401 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Maysville Community and Technical College is $4,560. Out-of-state students 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.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Maysville Community and Technical College. In 2020-2021 about 58% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Best Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region
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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.
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