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Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Kentucky

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2023 Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Kentucky

21 Schools Ranked
$21,405 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$26,455 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.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Nursing Degree Search has developed this Best Nursing Bachelor's Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking. Our analysis looked at 21 schools in Kentucky to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best educational experiences 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 Bachelor's Degree Schools in Kentucky

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Bellarmine University

Louisville, Kentucky
$44,620 Average Tuition & Fees
$28,396 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Bellarmine University the best school in Kentucky for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $44,620 to cover tuition and fees at Bellarmine U. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Bellarmine U accumulate an average of $28,396 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 Bellarmine U does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 7% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#2

Kentucky Christian University

Grayson, Kentucky
$22,130 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,035 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Kentucky Christian University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list.

Kentucky Christian University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $22,130. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $29,035 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Kentucky Christian 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. In 2019-2020 about 2% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#3

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
$12,610 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,735 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means University of Kentucky is a great place for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

In-state students pay an average of $12,610 in tuition and fees if they attend UK full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $31,608. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UK accumulate an average of $23,735 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UK does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 93% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Kentucky

#4

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
$12,370 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,509 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Louisville. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UofL is $12,370. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $28,716. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,509 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that UofL does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 80% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Louisville Report

#5

Berea College

Berea, Kentucky
$43,612 Average Tuition & Fees
$7,164 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 21 schools in Kentucky that were part of this year’s ranking, Berea College landed the # 5 spot on the list.

If you want to attend Berea, expect to pay an average of $43,612 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Berea accumulate an average of $7,164 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Berea. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#6

Spalding University

Louisville, Kentucky
$26,500 Average Tuition & Fees
$33,730 Avg Student Debt

Spalding University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

Spalding does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $26,500. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,730 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Spalding, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 90% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Spalding University

#7

University of Pikeville

Pikeville, Kentucky
$22,650 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,323 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, University of Pikeville did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $22,650 to cover tuition and fees at UPIKE. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UPIKE accumulate an average of $27,323 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 UPIKE does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 65% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on University of Pikeville

#8

Union College Kentucky

Barbourville, Kentucky
$28,889 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,216 Avg Student Debt

Union College Kentucky came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking.

The average tuition and fees at Union College is $28,889. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,216 in student loans.

Union College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Union College Kentucky

#9

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky
$10,392 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,974 Avg Student Debt

Northern Kentucky University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NKU is $10,392. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $20,448. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from NKU accumulate an average of $26,974 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at NKU. In fact, around 92% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#10

Thomas More University

Crestview Hills, Kentucky
$34,760 Average Tuition & Fees
$33,149 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Thomas More University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

The average tuition and fees at Thomas More is $34,760. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Thomas More accumulate an average of $33,149 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Thomas More. During the 2019-2020 year, about 89% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Thomas More University Report

#11

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky
$24,984 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Western Kentucky University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,984 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since WKU does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 86% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Western Kentucky University

#12

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky
$9,752 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,405 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Kentucky University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kentucky ranking.

Students from Kentucky who attend Eastern full time pay an average of $9,752 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $20,024. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,405 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Eastern does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Eastern Kentucky University

#13

Beckfield College - Florence

Florence, Kentucky
$13,295 Average Tuition & Fees
$42,848 Avg Student Debt

Beckfield College - Florence ranked #13 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list.

If you want to attend Beckfield College - Florence, expect to pay an average of $13,295 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Beckfield College - Florence accumulate an average of $42,848 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Beckfield College - Florence is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read More…

#14

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, Kentucky
$24,361 Avg Student Debt

University of the Cumberlands did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #14 on the list.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Cumberlands accumulate an average of $24,361 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Cumberlands is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on University of the Cumberlands

#15

Midway University

Midway, Kentucky
$24,850 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,845 Avg Student Debt

Midway University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $24,850 to cover tuition and fees at Midway. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Midway accumulate an average of $26,845 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Midway 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 79% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#16

Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky
$9,252 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,713 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Murray State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Full-time students from Kentucky pay an average of $9,252 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Murray State. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,528. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,713 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Murray State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 46% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Murray State University Report

#17

Sullivan University

Louisville, Kentucky
$37,495 Avg Student Debt

Sullivan University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $37,495 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Sullivan University does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Sullivan University

#18

Lindsey Wilson College

Columbia, Kentucky
$25,718 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,348 Avg Student Debt

Lindsey Wilson College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kentucky list.

If you want to attend Lindsey Wilson College, expect to pay an average of $25,718 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Lindsey Wilson College accumulate an average of $24,348 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Lindsey Wilson College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Lindsey Wilson College Report

#19

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, Kentucky
$9,020 Average Tuition & Fees
$32,597 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Kentucky State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working on their bachelor’s degree.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at KY State is $9,020. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,870. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from KY State accumulate an average of $32,597 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

KY State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Kentucky State University Report

#20

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, Kentucky
$25,400 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,365 Avg Student Debt

Campbellsville University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #20 on the list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $25,400 to cover tuition and fees at Campbellsville University. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Campbellsville University accumulate an average of $26,365 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Campbellsville University. In fact, around 43% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#21

Morehead State University

Morehead, Kentucky
$9,462 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,271 Avg Student Debt

Morehead State University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree nursing programs.

Students from Kentucky who attend Morehead State University full time pay an average of $9,462 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $14,106. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Morehead State University accumulate an average of $29,271 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Morehead State University does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 62% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Morehead State University Report

View Best Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 21 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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