Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Kentucky 2025

Kentucky has a wide variety of schools that offer bachelor's degree programs, although not all of them have affordable bachelor's degrees online. There are cheap online programs within Kentucky in nearly every field, including computer science, healthcare, business, and information technology.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Kentucky?

The cost of your online bachelor's program in Kentucky depends on factors such as the type of school (public or private) and your chosen field of study (e.g., business, computer science, etc.). The main cost you will have is tuition, which is typically charged as a per-credit-hour expense. Traditional bachelor's programs require 120 credit hours to be completed if there is no transferrable prior coursework.

Choosing one of the affordable online bachelor's degree programs discussed below drastically decreases the cost of your program, as well as choosing one of the cheap online colleges that accept financial aid. Choosing a school with a tuition of $250 per credit over one that is $500 per credit can ultimately save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Kentucky

There are many schools throughout Kentucky that offer online bachelor's degree programs, but costs can vary greatly. Our team has reviewed dozens of schools to determine which ones have the most affordable online bachelor's degree programs. The cheapest online bachelor's degrees provide options for every student, with degrees that suit a variety of career goals.

1. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands has several dozen affordable online bachelor's degree programs, including:

• social work
• psychology
• allied health
• nursing
• computer science
• business administration
• education

Tuition is $220 per credit hour, which includes all fees and costs (including books). Students can still apply for financial aid upon completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Average in-state tuition: $220 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $220 per credit hour

Financial aid: The school offers several different scholarship opportunities, as well as tools for locating external awards.

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

2. American National University

American National University, or ANU, offers various online programs catered to support busy online learners. Online bachelor's programs are available in the fields of:

• nursing
• cybersecurity
• network administration
• business administration (accounting or management focus)
• medical health services management

The school has a generous transfer credit policy, allowing more than half of required coursework to be transferred, and also enables students to complete programs at their own pace.

Average in-state tuition: $246 to $332 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $246 to $332 per credit hour

Financial aid: The school will assist students in locating and applying financial aid awards.

Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

3. Kentucky Mountain Bible College

Kentucky Mountain Bible College (KMBC) is a non-denominational institution that encourages students both academically and in their personal spiritual journeys. KMBC offers several online bachelor's programs, including those in:

• religion
• cross-cultural missions
• ministerial studies
• music
• elementary Christian teacher education
• discipleship
• biblical studies
• Christian ministry
• general studies

KMBC also offers online certificate programs and allows students to transfer up to 70 credits of qualifying coursework into their degree program (which is more than half of the required hours).

Average in-state tuition: $315 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $315 per credit hour

Financial aid: In addition to external aid, KMBC offers several in-house scholarships to students each year.

Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)

4. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College

Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, or CCBBC, strives for excellence and supports students in their academic and personal lives. CCBBC offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in ministry, with several options for a focus area. Students can customize their program by choosing from concentrations, such as worship and music ministry and biblical counseling.

Average in-state tuition: $325 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $325 per credit hour

Financial aid: CCBBC offers several scholarships to students, as well as resources for finding additional external awards.

Accreditation: ABHE

5. Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University (KSU) offers an affordable tuition rate of $350 to online students, regardless of residency. Online bachelor's programs include a nursing (RN to BSN) program and a business administration program with add-on options in cybersecurity and agriculture. Other subjects include liberal studies, cybersecurity, psychology, and criminal justice.

KSU's online programs offer asynchronous coursework, allowing students to work when it fits their needs. Dedicated support specialists are available to assist students throughout their programs.

Average in-state tuition: $350 ($250 military) per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $350 ($250 military) per credit hour

Financial aid: KSU offers multiple scholarships to students each year and assists them in locating additional aid.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Morehead State University

Morehead State University (MSU) has various online programs with no on-campus requirements. Students can pursue degrees in fields such as:

• accounting
• engineering technology
• business
• management
• political Science
• information systems
• sociology and social justice

Students who pursue full-time enrollment beyond 12 credit hours are also able to have reduced tuition under the flat-rate cost structure, lowering the per-credit rate to $323 (15 credits per semester) or even $270 (18 credits per semester).

Average in-state tuition: $405 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $611 per credit hour

Financial aid: MSU offers a variety of in-house scholarships, awarding more than $1 million in aid per year.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Murray State University

Murray State University offers several high-quality online bachelor's programs, with options in:

• agricultural science
• business administration
• cybersecurity
• supply chain management
• community health
• social work

Murray State also offers a flat-rate tuition for full-time enrollment, enabling students who take 15 credits in a semester to have a lower tuition of $330 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $413 per credit hour ($330 if taking 15 credit hours)

Average out-of-state tuition: $435 to $627 per credit hour ($384 to $501 if enrolled in 15 credit hours)

Financial aid: After completing the FAFSA, students can apply for a variety of in-house and external aid options.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers dozens of fully online bachelor's degree programs, as well as undergrad online certificates. A few of the bachelor's programs include business administration, education, health care administration, paralegal science, and political science.

As a public university, EKU prioritizes providing quality educational experiences with flexible courses and affordable costs.

Average in-state tuition: $443 to $489 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $443 to $489 per credit hour

Financial aid: EKU offers several institutional scholarships, which students are automatically considered for after submitting the FAFSA.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University offers online bachelor's programs in the following fields:

• accounting
• business
• communication
• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• global supply chain management
• history
• management
• marketing
• sociology

Online students can complete coursework through either seven-week or 16-week courses, and residents of neighboring states are eligible for the in-state tuition rate.

Average in-state tuition: $446 per credit hour ($370 if taking 15 credits)

Average out-of-state tuition: $897 per credit hour ($730 if taking 15 credits)

Financial aid: Freshmen and transfer students are able to apply for NKU's in-house aid, as well as utilize outside awards.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Sullivan University

At Sullivan University, students can complete a number of bachelor's degree programs online, at the pace that best suits their schedule. Online bachelor's programs include accounting, business administration, cybersecurity, human resource leadership, information technology, and more.

Sullivan University prioritizes accessibility and student outcomes. It offers students access to 24-hour tutoring services and other supportive resources.

Average in-state tuition: $430 to $470 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $430 to $470 per credit hour

Financial aid: Sullivan University offers several scholarship opportunities to students as well as other financial aid options.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Distance learning is available at most schools, but our list focuses on those with superior costs, flexibility and quality. We verify that each program meets (or exceeds) specific criteria. Key considerations in reviewing each program are discussed below.

• Accreditation: Schools included in our list have all been verified to have accreditation, which signifies that they have met various educational standards.
• Affordability: The included institutions offer the lowest tuition rates for online bachelor's programs across Kentucky.
• Program reputation and quality: Featured schools have instructors with expertise in their fields and various quality materials and support services.
• Online format: These online programs enable students to complete their programs through the level of enrollment that suits their needs, whether full-time or part-time.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Kentucky

You may be wondering about certain aspects of an online bachelor's degree program, from cost to duration. Below are several of the top FAQs.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Kentucky?

Your online bachelor's program cost will vary, and the two main expenses are tuition and fees. Fees are difficult to estimate as they vary between schools and programs. Tuition is typically charged per-credit and is the primary cost.

Bachelor's degrees usually require 120 credit hours to be completed. Based on the programs in this list, the cost of your entire program might be $26,400 to $54,000 prior to any potential financial aid.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

The cheapest way to earn an online bachelor's is to attend a school with affordable tuition, utilize financial aid, and/or transfer in prior coursework. Considering online colleges that accept Pell Grant as well as online colleges with scholarships increases your opportunity for lower costs.

Keep in mind that you can find and potentially qualify for financial aid through numerous sources, including countless scholarships from private groups and organizations. In addition, many online colleges with monthly payment plans will allow you to spread out any remaining costs.

Are Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees Respected by Employers?

Affordable online bachelor's degrees are still respected by employers, like on-campus degrees. An online education is merely a more flexible version of traditional programs, but it is no less valuable. Employers are not influenced by the cost of your bachelor's degree but by the knowledge and skills that you've developed throughout your program.

However, employers consider two key components: accreditation and field of study. Obtaining a degree from an accredited institution in a field related to the job opening will improve your consideration for a position. Your school's career services office can assist you with finding opportunities that are well-suited to your skillset.

What Is the Easiest BA Degree To Get Online?

The easiest online bachelor's degree program is one that is flexible and allows you to complete it sooner, if you choose. Many online programs, including the ones listed here, enable students to study at the pace that meets their needs. Pursuing an online education without in-person requirements also makes it easier to complete coursework around your schedule.

In addition, most schools allow you to transfer in any prior coursework. If you have credits from a community college or an associate degree, consider one of the online colleges that accept max transfer credits.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Our team at Learn.org has reviewed countless schools and programs and created centralized lists of those with the best costs and other features. Explore more of our pages to find programs that suit your needs, and contact the schools that pique your interest.