10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Kentucky 2025

While there are plenty of careers you can enter with a bachelor's degree, many students choose to build on their undergraduate programs by earning a master's degree. These degrees usually take around two years and can help you earn industry credentials or further your career path.

Unfortunately, grad school can be expensive. Looking at affordable master's degree online can help you lower your tuition rate. Online courses are often more flexible than learning on campus, allowing you to continue your other obligations while you study. Keep reading to discover affordable online master's programs in Kentucky.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Kentucky

Students can find several affordable online colleges in Kentucky. Below, we've featured the best Kentucky schools for cheap online master's degrees.

1. Midway University

Midway University is a private Christian school in Midway, KY. It offers online master's degrees in fields like business administration, educational leadership, healthcare administration, and information systems.

The tuition rate varies by program. The online education degrees cost just $295 per credit hour, with many of the other programs coming in at $485 per credit hour.

• Average cost per credit hour: $390
• Financial aid: Midway University accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Campbellsville University

At Campbellsville University, students can choose from over 40 online graduate programs. Areas of study include computer science, human resources, information technology, and special education.

Campbellsville University, a private Christian school, is based in Campbellsville, KY. It charges different tuition rates based on the program, with costs ranging from $319 per credit hour for Master of Education (EdD) programs and $603 for nursing and social work programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $461
• Financial aid: Campbellsville University offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands offers around two dozen master's degrees online. The private Christian institution is located in Williamsburg, KY.

Online master's degrees are available in fields like clinical mental health counseling, computer science, healthcare administration, and organizational leadership. Tuition ranges from $315 per credit for MEd programs to $549 for the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

• Average cost per credit hour: $355 per credit
• Financial aid: University of the Cumberlands offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Union Commonwealth University

A handful of online master's degrees are available through Union Commonwealth University. Areas of study include business administration, digital marketing, human resource management, and information systems management.

This private Christian school is located in Barbourville, KY. It charges a flat rate of $370 per credit hour for all online programs, and none of its online graduate degrees require GRE scores.

• Average cost per credit hour: $370
• Financial aid: Union accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional financial aid options.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Morehead State University

Morehead State University is a public institution in Morehead, KY. It offers nearly 20 online master's degree programs in fields like business, education, liberal arts, and health sciences.

Kentucky residents earning degrees in education pay $405 per credit hour. All other students and programs have a tuition rate of $570 per credit hour, regardless of major or where the student lives.

• Average cost per credit hour: $570
• Financial aid: MSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Eastern Kentucky University

Students at Eastern Kentucky University will find more than a dozen online master's degrees. Areas of study at this public university include computer science, criminal justice, education, and human services.

EKU is based in Richmond, KY. Tuition varies based on the program, ranging from $419 for education and teaching degrees to $703 for business administration, psychology, and nurse practitioner programs.

• Average cost per credit hour: $561
• Financial aid: EKU offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University offers several online degree programs at the master's level. NKU is a public school in Highland Heights, KY.

Fields of study for online learning include cybersecurity, organizational leadership, social work, and teaching. Tuition starts at $428 per credit for education and teaching programs and tops out at a little over $500 per credit for business and tech degrees.

• Average cost per credit hour: $472.50
• Financial aid: NKU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Bellarmine University

A dozen associate degrees are available online through Bellarmine University. Subjects include business administration, educational leadership, nursing, and software engineering.

Bellarmine University, located in Louisville, KY, is a private Catholic school. Tuition is program-dependent; education degrees are $435 per credit hour, while several programs, like business administration and nurse practitioner programs, are $820 per credit hour.

• Average cost per credit hour: $627.50
• Financial aid: Bellarmine University accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations. It also offers institutional aid options.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Spalding University

Spalding University is a private Catholic institution in Louisville, KY. It offers master's degrees to online students in fields like business administration, education, health science, and nursing.

Tuition varies between academic programs. The least expensive option at Spalding University is the education degree, which costs $440 per credit. The most expensive master's option is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) family nurse practitioner option, which is $825 per credit hour.

• Average cost per credit hour: $632.50
• Financial aid: Spalding University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Lindsey Wilson College

Through Lindsey Wilson College, students can choose from a handful of online master's degrees. Areas of study include business administration, counseling, cybersecurity management, and data science.

LWC, a private Christian school, is located in Columbia, KY. Most online graduate programs are $445 per credit hour, with the exception of the MEd in counseling, which is $520 per credit.

• Average cost per credit hour: $445
• Financial aid: LWC offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the affordable online master's programs listed above, our methodology focused on:

• Location: Every school on this list is located in Kentucky.
• Accreditation: We only chose public and private nonprofit schools that are regionally accredited in order to ensure high-quality programs
• Affordability: After narrowing down which accredited schools in Kentucky offer online master's degrees, we determined which have the lowest tuition rates.
• Program reputation: All programs listed above are known for offering high-quality higher education programs.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Kentucky

Choosing the right master's program can be tricky. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions to help you find cheap online master's degrees in Kentucky.

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

The cost of an online master's degree in Kentucky depends on a few factors, but especially on what school you choose and what major you're studying.

All of the schools we listed offer at least a few master's degrees for under $500. However, there are plenty of other schools in Kentucky that offer online master's degrees, though at a higher price. For example:

• Kentucky State University charges $475 per credit
• University of Kentucky starts at $607 per credit
• Western Kentucky University charges $707 per credit
• University of Louisville has a tuition rate of $830 per credit

Often, the least expensive master's degrees are in education or teaching. MBAs and nursing degrees, often some of the highest-paying master's degrees, are often some of the most expensive.

Other things that can influence your costs are how many credits you need to complete your degree and what financial aid you qualify for.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Kentucky?

For master's degrees, the cheapest online college in Kentucky is Midway University, which starts at $295 per credit hour. However, it's important to keep in mind that at many colleges, tuition depends on which program you choose. As a result, it's important to do a price comparison for the major you want to pursue.

It can also depend on the financial aid that individual schools offer. Look for affordable online colleges that accept FAFSA and schools that offer their own aid packages.

What Is the Easiest Master's Degree To Get Online?

The easiest online master's degree depends on what your strengths are and your educational background. However, many students find that MBA programs tend to be easier than degrees in, for example, nursing or education, as they require less hands-on work.

What Is the Least Valuable Master's Degree?

All master's degrees have the potential to be valuable. However, if we're looking specifically at the return on investment, one of the worst options is, unfortunately, in social work. Master of Social Work programs are often as expensive, if not more so, than MBAs. However, the average salary for those with an MSW is much lower.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the median annual salary for social workers is $61,330. This is a stark contrast to the median annual salary of a nurse practitioner, which is $129,000, or even the starting salary for someone with an MBA, which is around $109,159 per year.

Enroll in a Graduate Program

Find the perfect online master's degree by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.