22 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Berea College
Berea, Kentucky
|
$4,483 | $61,814 | $49,326 | 62.0% | 24.6% |
| 2 |
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
|
$7,168 | $55,301 | $10,896 | 48.3% | 86.0% |
| 3 |
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, Kentucky
|
$8,900 | $58,402 | $9,214 | 27.1% | 91.5% |
| 4 |
Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
|
$9,121 | $58,142 | $9,708 | 59.5% | 84.0% |
| 5 |
Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
|
$10,089 | $59,919 | $9,838 | 47.7% | 84.0% |
| 6 |
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
|
$9,962 | $57,318 | $10,130 | 49.7% | 64.3% |
| 7 |
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
|
$10,916 | $56,281 | $11,436 | 53.7% | 97.0% |
| 8 |
Lindsey Wilson College
Columbia, Kentucky
|
$13,811 | $54,359 | $27,274 | 38.1% | |
| 9 |
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
|
$17,218 | $57,125 | $13,212 | 69.9% | 94.9% |
| 10 |
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$17,634 | $58,264 | $12,828 | 60.7% | 81.5% |
| 11 |
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
|
$18,246 | $54,035 | $26,990 | 47.1% | |
| 12 |
Kentucky Christian University
Grayson, Kentucky
|
$22,139 | $62,579 | $25,000 | 33.8% | 44.4% |
| 13 |
Midway University
Midway, Kentucky
|
$23,863 | $66,244 | $26,080 | 46.4% | 93.8% |
| 14 |
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, Kentucky
|
$20,701 | $55,964 | $38,400 | 40.1% | 94.2% |
| 15 |
Bellarmine University
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$23,587 | $60,088 | $47,180 | 67.7% | 87.8% |
| 16 |
Spalding University
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$24,264 | $59,967 | $27,850 | 57.3% | 97.6% |
| 17 |
Beckfield College-Florence
Florence, Kentucky
|
$27,539 | $67,101 | $13,295 | 30.3% | |
| 18 |
Union College
Barbourville, Kentucky
|
$23,906 | $56,415 | $30,946 | 36.0% | 53.4% |
| 19 |
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
|
$11,286 | $9,875 | 46.2% | 83.0% | |
| 20 |
University of Pikeville
Pikeville, Kentucky
|
$13,591 | $24,150 | 39.1% | ||
| 21 |
Sullivan University
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$25,785 | $14,220 | 30.2% | ||
| 22 |
ATA College
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$26,914 | $13,930 | 33.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Berea College such an strong value for nursing students?
Berea College offers nursing education at a net cost of only $4,483, the lowest among Kentucky programs. The college's work-study program allows students to work on campus to cover educational expenses. Graduates earn a median salary of $61,814, creating an outstanding return on investment. The college accepts just 24.58% of applicants, making admission competitive but financially rewarding.
How do public university nursing programs compare to private options in Kentucky?
Kentucky's public nursing programs range from $7,168 to $17,634 in net costs, while private programs span $4,483 to $23,863. Northern Kentucky University offers the most affordable public option at $7,168 with graduates earning $55,301. Murray State University students graduate with just $18,203 in debt, significantly lower than the state average. Public programs generally provide strong value with acceptance rates above 80%.
Does the University of Kentucky justify its higher costs for nursing education?
The University of Kentucky charges $17,218 in net costs, placing it among the more expensive public options. However, it delivers a 69.90% graduation rate, the second-highest among Kentucky nursing programs. Graduates earn $57,125 annually with $25,418 in debt. The university's research opportunities and clinical partnerships with UK HealthCare provide extensive hands-on experience.
Where do Kentucky nursing graduates find the highest-paying positions?
Midway University graduates earn the highest median salary at $66,244, followed by Kentucky Christian University at $62,579. Healthcare systems like Humana and Norton Healthcare in Louisville offer competitive salaries for nursing administrators. Toyota's manufacturing facilities and UPS Worldport create demand for occupational health nurses. Rural hospitals often provide loan forgiveness programs to attract nursing talent.
Is there significant debt variation among Kentucky nursing programs?
Student debt ranges from $15,700 at Lindsey Wilson College to $25,487 at Morehead State University. Murray State University produces graduates with the lowest debt at $18,203 despite strong earnings of $58,142. Private programs don't necessarily result in higher debt, with Kentucky Christian University averaging $18,750. Graduation rates vary from 27.10% to 69.90%, affecting long-term financial outcomes.
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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.