2025 Top Online Community Colleges in Kentucky

Welcome to the bluegrass state of online education, where the virtual halls of Kentucky's top community colleges await. Our 2024 lineup showcases the cream of the crop, offering a harmonious blend of quality and convenience.

From the rolling hills of academic excellence to the bustling streets of virtual classrooms, these institutions cultivate a thriving community of learners.

So, saddle up and prepare to embark on a journey that blends tradition with innovation, all from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you're chasing your academic dreams or sharpening your skills for the workforce, our list of top online community colleges in Kentucky promises a rewarding educational experience.

Featured Community Colleges Online in Kentucky

Step into the virtual classroom in the heart of the Bluegrass State! Explore our curated list of featured online community colleges in Kentucky, where academic excellence meets the digital horizon.

1. Kentucky Mountain Bible College (KMBC)

Since 1931, KMBC has been preparing servant leaders for ministry. Situated in the Appalachian Mountains, students benefit from a spiritually thriving community emphasizing biblical values, character, and academic standards.

KMBC offers 23 programs of study, including ministerial studies, missions, education, and more, maintaining a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio for personalized instruction.

Graduates launch into ministry careers with minimal debt, influenced by a supportive environment, impactful coursework, and real-life field experiences.

2. ATA College

Founded in 1994, ATA College focuses on allied health education, offering accelerated programs in dental assisting, medical coding, nursing, and more.

With campuses in Cincinnati, Louisville, Tulsa, and Spring Hill, ATA provides hands-on training, financial aid options, and graduate career services.

Transitioning from IT to allied health in 2005, ATA gained ABHES accreditation, ensuring quality education. Graduates pursue rewarding medical careers, benefiting from the institution's commitment to student success, flexibility, and professional development.

3. Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC)

Established in 1938, ACTC serves Northeast Kentucky by providing associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

Committed to community development, ACTC enhances job skills through workforce training and prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs.

The college offers diverse programs such as advanced nursing assistant, air conditioning technology, and culinary arts, emphasizing academic excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration.

With a vision to strengthen communities, ACTC shapes versatile individuals ready for success in the workforce or further education.

4. Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC)

Founded in 1960, SKCTC is a comprehensive community and technical college in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).

It provides associate degrees, certificates, and diploma programs, promoting educational attainment, workforce development, and cultural preservation. SKCTC emphasizes student success, community engagement, and program alignment with industry needs.

The college offers programs like cross-cultural missions, industrial maintenance technology, and elementary education, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning, diversity, and regional development.

5. Somerset Community College (SCC)

Established in 1965, SCC is a member of KCTCS, providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. Accredited by SACS, SCC aims to prepare students for transfer or immediate employment.

The college's vision is to be the first choice for higher education in Southern Kentucky, guided by values like integrity, care, collaboration, and flexibility.

SCC offers programs in nursing, criminal justice, business administration, and more, fostering a community-centered approach and supporting student success, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life.

6. Madisonville Community College (MCC)

Founded in 1965, MCC is a public community college accredited by SACSCOC, offering associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. MCC's vision is to be recognized nationally for student-centered learning, innovative programming, and access.

The college's mission emphasizes student success through academic, technical, and continuing education programs, aligned with industry needs.

MCC offers diverse programs such as advanced nursing assistant, culinary arts, and computer-aided drafting, focusing on academic excellence, flexibility, and continuous improvement.

7. Hopkinsville Community College (HCC)

Established in 1965, HCC is part of KCTCS, striving to prepare students for transfer or immediate careers. Accredited by SACSCOC, HCC offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in areas like nursing, criminal justice, and business administration.

The college's vision is to be the first-choice institution for higher education and workforce training in the region, emphasizing academic excellence, access, and stewardship.

HCC values leadership, community engagement, and continuous improvement, fostering strong partnerships with the military community.

8. Henderson Community College (HCC)

Founded in 1960, HCC became part of KCTCS, offering associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Accredited by SACSCOC, HCC prepares students for transfer or immediate entry into careers.

The college's vision is to prepare students for success by providing a quality, accessible education. HCC values integrity, equity, collaboration, and openness, supporting student-centered learning experiences.

Programs in nursing, criminal justice, and business administration contribute to HCC's commitment to academic excellence and community service.

9. Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC)

As part of KCTCS, BSCTC offers over 25 academic and technical programs, serving eastern Kentucky. Accredited by SACSCOC, BSCTC aims to prepare students for transfer or immediate employment.

The college emphasizes affordability, with scholarships and flexible class options.

BSCTC provides diverse programs such as associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in areas like automotive technology and criminal justice, fostering academic excellence and student success.

10. Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC)

Formed in 2005, BCTC is part of KCTCS, offering associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in over 40 areas. Accredited by SACSCOC, BCTC transforms the Bluegrass Region through teaching excellence and creative solutions.

The college values respect, communication, transformation, and community creation, guided by a vision for teaching and learning excellence.

BCTC emphasizes student success, inclusivity, and economic development, providing education at seven campuses in Central Kentucky.

Is Community College Free in Kentucky?

Yes, in Kentucky, community college can be tuition-free through initiatives such as the Work Ready Kentucky Scholars Program. This program covers up to 60 credit hours, expediting graduation while remaining cost-effective.

Eligibility requires US citizenship or permanent residency, Kentucky residency, and high school graduation without prior associate or bachelor's degrees.

The program is advantageous for those pursuing degrees in sought-after fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, business & IT, construction technology, or transportation & logistics.

The Ready to Work program extends additional support to parents, encompassing free tuition, job opportunities, childcare assistance, transportation, and more.

How Much Does Community College Cost in Kentucky?

The cost of community college in Kentucky varies depending on residency, and it is higher than the national average for both in-state and out-of-state students. Here's a breakdown:

• $5,300 is the average cost of in-state tuition for a community college in Kentucky.
• $17,910 is the cost of out-of-state tuition, making Kentucky the third-most expensive state for out-of-state students.
• For 4-year public institutions, annual in-state tuition and fees total $12,880.

Kentucky Community College Degree Types

Kentucky community colleges offer a variety of degree types to cater to diverse educational and career goals. The degree options include:

• Associate in Arts (A.A.): focused on liberal arts and humanities
• Associate in Science (A.S.): emphasizing science and mathematics
• Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Curricula: providing practical, job-oriented skills
• Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) Curricula: tailored for students pursuing careers in the arts
• Certificate Programs: concentrated, short-term programs offering specialized skills
• Diploma Programs: targeted programs providing specific vocational training

Career Opportunities for Kentucky Community College Graduates

Graduates from Kentucky community colleges have diverse career opportunities across various sectors, thanks to career pathway initiatives.

The career pathways include:

• business: Providing foundational knowledge for various roles in the business world
• information technology: Offering skills essential for roles in the tech industry
• manufacturing and industrial technology: Preparing graduates for careers in manufacturing and industrial sectors
• healthcare/nursing and allied health: Equipping students for roles in healthcare and allied health professions
• natural resources/energy: Addressing the needs of industries related to natural resources and energy

Find an Online Community College Today

Discover your path to success with online community colleges in Kentucky. From the Bluegrass State to virtual classrooms, sow the seeds of your future.

Enroll today and watch your educational journey flourish.