Best Accelerated Online Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky 2025

Bachelor's programs create opportunities to secure higher-paying roles in most fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), working professionals with these degrees earn hundreds more per week than individuals with high school diplomas or associate degrees.

If you're ready to secure a bachelor's degree and want to do it fast, many schools in Kentucky offer accelerated online bachelor's degree programs. Read on to learn where in the state you can earn an accelerated bachelor's degree online.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Bachelor's Degree in Kentucky?

Earning an online bachelor's degree at a Kentucky school generally takes four years. However, learners can complete their programs faster depending on their school of choice, enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), and whether they have transfer credits or prior learning experiences to bring to the institution.

For many, enrolling in an accelerated program is quickest way to get a bachelor's degree. These programs are designed for working adults and typically offer shorter class sessions, flexible coursework, and generous transfer policies.

Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Kentucky

Are you ready to attain an accelerated online education? Explore the accredited online colleges below to discover Kentucky's fastest bachelor's degree programs.

1. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University offers over 20 online accelerated bachelor's degrees, including a 30-credit RN to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) that students can earn in as few as 10 months. Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs are available in business administration, criminal justice, health science, information technology, and more. These degrees enable transfer students to bring in up to 90 credits.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $320 per credit (with the Path to Success Scholarship)

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $320 per credit (with the Path to Success Scholarship)

Time to completion: As little as 10 months

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Louisville

The University of Louisville is home to over a dozen online bachelor's programs for students ready to start careers or prepare for graduate degrees in healthcare leadership, accountancy, criminal justice, psychology, and beyond. Many of these programs allow students to transfer college credits to graduate faster. For nurses seeking a baccalaureate degree to advance their careers, the school offers an RN to BSN program that students finish in about 20 months.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $375 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $375 per credit

Time to completion: As little as 20 months

Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Murray State University

Learners at Murray State University can enroll in online undergraduate programs exploring:

• agribusiness
• human services
• community and public health
• logistics

Some programs have accelerated pathways, including the BS in business administration for students who have attended schools in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). The RN to BSN is also accelerated, enabling students to graduate in three semesters.

Average in-state tuition: As low as $330 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: As low as $348.40 per credit

Time to completion: As little as three semesters

Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Campbellsville University

At Campbellsville University, nurses looking for an accelerated online learning opportunity can pursue the RN-to-BSN, which features eight-week courses, six start dates per year, and the ability to finish in 12 to 16 months. The institution also offers online programs in social work, public health, liberal arts and sciences, and more that typically require four years to complete; however, students can finish faster by transferring up to 72 credits.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $346 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $346 per credit

Time to completion: As little as 12 months

Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University helps enrollees enhance their skills in business administration, criminal justice, cybersecurity, liberal studies, nursing, and psychology with flexible online bachelor's degrees that they can complete on their own schedules. Programs start every eight weeks and provide a generous transfer credit policy that enables learners to finish their studies in as little as one year.

Average in-state tuition: $350 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $350 per credit

Time to completion: As little as one year

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Eastern Kentucky University

Over two dozen online bachelor's degrees are available at Eastern Kentucky University, including an RN-to-BSN program that working nurses can complete in as little as 12 months. Online degree programs in communication studies, business administration, political science, police studies, homeland security, social work, and other disciplines offer accelerated courses. These courses include eight-week terms, six start dates per year, and the option to transfer up to 90 credits.

Average in-state tuition: Starting at $443 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: Starting at $443 per credit

Time to completion: As little as 12 months

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Kentucky

The accelerated BSN at the University of Kentucky is a hybrid program with online classes and some in-person labs and clinicals in Lexington. This program is designed for students with non-nursing backgrounds, individuals who have served as medics in the U.S. military, and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for RNs.

Average in-state tuition: $624 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $624 per credit

Time to completion: 16 months

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Other Accelerated Online Bachelor's Degrees in the U.S.

You can also find quality accelerated online bachelor's degree programs in other parts of the country. Review the schools below to discover top options outside of Kentucky.

University of Louisiana Monroe

The University of Louisiana Monroe offers online accelerated bachelor's programs that help learners earn degrees after two years of study. These programs, ideal for working adults, include BA options in criminal justice, modern languages, and history and BS degrees in health studies, nursing, and radiologic technology. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs are also available in marketing and management.

Average in-state tuition: $400 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $400 per credit

Time to completion: As little as two years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Old Dominion University

At Old Dominion University in Virginia, students can find accelerated degrees for working professionals, busy parents, and anyone looking to graduate with a bachelor's degree at a faster pace. Through ODUGlobal, students take courses in short eight-week sessions and can transfer up to 90 credits for select programs. Areas of study include nursing, occupational training, and leadership.

Average in-state tuition: $408 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $439 per credit

Time to completion: As little as 1.5 years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

Valencia College

Students who have completed an associate program and want to earn a bachelor's degree in their chosen field will find over half a dozen online programs at Valencia College that can be completed in one or two years. Cardiopulmonary sciences, electrical and computer engineering technology, elementary education, nursing, and public safety administration are a few baccalaureate program options.

Average in-state tuition: $112.19 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $427.59 per credit

Time to completion: As little as one or two years

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the colleges and universities in this rank list to verify that each has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality academic experiences:

• Accreditation: Each institution is accredited by the SACSCOC, a nationally recognized organization.
• Program length: The schools in this list help students graduate in as little as one year by offering shorter terms, multiple start dates, and flexible transfer policies.
• Program reputation and quality: We confirmed that these institutions provide quality educational programs for on-campus and online students.
• Tuition cost: Schools above charge affordable tuition for online courses and offer financial aid and scholarships to lower costs.

FAQs About the Fastest Bachelor's Degrees in Kentucky

Accredited online bachelor's degrees in Kentucky with accelerated pathways open doors to top careers and reputable master's degree and doctoral programs. Review the frequently asked questions below to learn more.

What Is the Quickest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree in Kentucky?

There are several ways to earn your Kentucky bachelor's degree fast. Consider schools that expedite degree completion with short courses lasting as few as five weeks. If you don't want to wait until the fall or spring to enroll, apply at institutions with multiple start dates. Also, look for schools that accept transfer credits to help learners reduce the time needed to earn a degree.

Are There Any One-Year Online Bachelor's Degrees in Kentucky?

Yes, several schools in Kentucky make it possible for students to complete their programs in this timeframe. If you're looking for a one-year bachelor's degree online, consider the RN to BSN at Northern Kentucky University, which students can earn in as little as 10 months. Campbellsville University and Eastern Kentucky University offer bachelor's programs in nursing for learners interested in graduating in 12 months.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Kentucky?

Many institutions in Kentucky offer affordable online bachelor's degrees, but one of the cheapest is Northern Kentucky University. With help from the school's Path to Success Scholarship, enrollees pay as little as $320 per credit hour. The University of Louisville also makes online learning affordable with tuition starting at $375 per credit for bachelor's programs.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Take the next step toward an exciting experience in higher education by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn how they can help you reach your academic goals.