7 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Kentucky 2025

Finding an affordable online college doesn't need to be confusing. Our guide gives you an overview of cheap online colleges in Kentucky.

Finding the cheapest colleges in Kentucky can seem overwhelming, especially if you are returning to higher education after a break, are currently a working professional, or simply looking for accredited online colleges in Kentucky.

Our guide covers cheap online colleges and tells you about the most affordable online colleges in Kentucky so you can find a flexible, affordable online degree program.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Kentucky

The following colleges and universities offer some of the most affordable distance learning and online education programs in Kentucky. We give you an overview of these inexpensive online colleges so you can determine which program might be best for you.

1. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University offers numerous online degrees � more than 30 across online schools � and you can earn bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, or professional certificates online.

The tuition rate for online courses is $482 per credit hour, and NKU offers several accelerated courses that can be completed in five or seven weeks. The FAFSA is accepted at Northern Kentucky University, and the school also offers several scholarships for first-time freshmen, transferring students, and continuing students.

NKU is a Level V institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

2. University of Kentucky

One of the top-ranking schools in Kentucky, the University of Kentucky offers more than 80 degrees and certificates online. The tuition rate for UK is $612 per credit hour for fully online programs. Financial aid and scholarships are available for non-traditional students, among many other scholarships, to help you make your online degree affordable.

Notable degrees available through the University of Kentucky online program include:

bachelor's in liberal studies
master's in criminal justice
graduate certificates in education
bachelor's in information communication technology
bachelor's in social work

You can check out UK's online learning offerings to learn more about enrollment in your chosen program.

3. Murray State University

Murray State University offers bachelor's and graduate programs online, including accelerated degree programs. You can major in subjects like cybersecurity, education, human services, and nursing online, allowing you to obtain the education you need in an affordable, convenient way.

Tuition rates at Murray State University are $412 per hour, though some online courses have an additional $75 fee.

Murray State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

4. Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University is a regionally accredited university, and this school offers more than 80 online degree programs for you to choose from. WKU provides easy access to student support portals and tools to help you succeed.

Students can choose from majors in applied human sciences, information technology, counseling and student affairs, management, biology, and mathematics.

Tuition cost per credit hour depends on the type of program you are enrolled in and your degree. On average, you can expect to pay between $485 and $511 per hour.

5. Midway University

Midway University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Online courses have five start dates throughout the year to make the programs attainable for working or returning students. Most online coursework is given in eight-week modules.

A wide range of degrees are offered online, including equine business and sales, finance, nursing, psychology, sports marketing, and MBA programs.

Midway University's tuition rates are $395 per credit hour for undergraduates and $295 per credit hour for RN/BSN students. The tuition for an online graduate degree is $485 per credit hour.

6. Union Commonwealth University

Tuition costs for Union Commonwealth University's online degrees are $225 per credit hour, and programs are offered on a convenient eight-week course basis. Union Commonwealth University is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Union Commonwealth University offers six high-quality online undergraduate degree programs in the following disciplines:

RN-BSN
general business
general studies
business management
law enforcement
substance abuse counseling

Online students can submit the FAFSA to receive federal aid, but Union does not offer separate merit or athletic scholarships to college students enrolled exclusively in online programs.

7. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers more than 100 different online degrees. These programs target adult learners and include associate, bachelor's, doctoral, and RN-BSN degrees.

Tuition costs $443 per credit hour for all undergraduate degrees except for the RN-BSN degree, which is $489 per credit hour. For Eastern Kentucky University online graduate degrees, tuition rates range from $419 to $703.

Popular online degree choices at EKU include bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies, business administration, criminal justice, emergency medical care, and global hospitality and tourism.

Our Selection Criteria

Our selection criteria for affordable online colleges in Kentucky include the following:

Degree Offerings: Numerous degree types are offered at these institutions, such as associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, graduate certifications, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees.
Affordable Tuition: Tuition at the schools in this list is offered at an affordable rate. This includes the cost of in-state tuition versus out-of-state tuition and tuition for online classes.
Financial Aid: Additional financing and funding are offered for undergraduate students and graduate students at the colleges and universities listed above.
Accreditation: Each program on our list has accreditation for online learning programs, which ensures your degree and credentials are valid upon completion.

The best online colleges to consider will meet these selection criteria and your specific lifestyle and online learning needs.

How Much Does Online College in Kentucky Cost?

Online college in Kentucky ranges in pricing, with the lowest per-credit-hour tuition rate on our list being $225 and the highest being $612. On average, you can expect to pay around $400 to $485 per credit hour for your online degree.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

To make an online degree in Kentucky more affordable, students must consider applying for financial aid. The initial step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Individuals should research their eligibility for scholarships and grants to help reduce college expenses, as well as work-study programs, tuition reimbursement, and payment installment plans.

Attending an in-state public school or enrolling in accelerated programs also offers advantages for lower tuition, as does attending part-time as opposed to full time.

Learn more on how to make an online degree more affordable below:

FAQs About the Cheapest Colleges in Kentucky

Several questions often arise when researching cheap online colleges; we answer the most frequently asked questions below.

What Is the Cheapest University in Kentucky With an Online Degree?

The cheapest university in Kentucky with an online degree is Union College. Union College offers six different online bachelor's degree programs at a rate of $225 per tuition credit hour.

How Many Online Colleges Are in Kentucky?

Kentucky has more than 30 four-year colleges, many of which offer online programs for students seeking affordable, flexible degree programs.

A handful of universities, such as the University of Kentucky, Northern Kentucky University, and Western Kentucky University, offer extensive online bachelor's, graduate-level, and online certification programs.

What Is the Easiest Online College To Get into in Kentucky?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Western Kentucky University is the easiest online college to get into in Kentucky. In the fall of 2023, the university admitted 97% of applicants.

Is Financial Aid Available for Online Students in Kentucky?

Financial aid is available for distance education students in Kentucky. Those enrolled in most accredited online bachelor's degree programs can benefit from federal funding; however, they'll need to submit the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Many cheap colleges in Kentucky also offer scholarships, including program-specific scholarships and grants.

You can also find outside funding from organizations that are relevant to your degree. For example, the Association of International Certified Professional Accounts (AICPA) offers scholarships to individuals seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting who are interested in pursuing a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) license after graduation.

Find Accredited Online Degree Programs

Finding an accredited online degree program doesn't need to be the challenge you might expect. All of the colleges mentioned above offer an online education with flexible, affordable degrees that help you further your educational and career goals. Browse through the schools featured on Learn.org and contact these schools directly to learn more about admissions and programs.