22 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Berea College
Berea, Kentucky
|
$4,483 | $49,326 | 62.0% | 24.6% |
| 2 |
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
|
$7,168 | $10,896 | 48.3% | 86.0% |
| 3 |
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, Kentucky
|
$8,900 | $9,214 | 27.1% | 91.5% |
| 4 |
Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky
|
$9,121 | $9,708 | 59.5% | 84.0% |
| 5 |
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
|
$9,962 | $10,130 | 49.7% | 64.3% |
| 6 |
Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
|
$10,089 | $9,838 | 47.7% | 84.0% |
| 7 |
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
|
$10,916 | $11,436 | 53.7% | 97.0% |
| 8 |
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
|
$11,286 | $9,875 | 46.2% | 83.0% |
| 9 |
University of Pikeville
Pikeville, Kentucky
|
$13,591 | $24,150 | 39.1% | |
| 10 |
Lindsey Wilson College
Columbia, Kentucky
|
$13,811 | $27,274 | 38.1% | |
| 11 |
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
|
$17,218 | $13,212 | 69.9% | 94.9% |
| 12 |
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$17,634 | $12,828 | 60.7% | 81.5% |
| 13 |
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
|
$18,246 | $26,990 | 47.1% | |
| 14 |
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills, Kentucky
|
$20,701 | $38,400 | 40.1% | 94.2% |
| 15 |
Kentucky Christian University
Grayson, Kentucky
|
$22,139 | $25,000 | 33.8% | 44.4% |
| 16 |
Bellarmine University
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$23,587 | $47,180 | 67.7% | 87.8% |
| 17 |
Midway University
Midway, Kentucky
|
$23,863 | $26,080 | 46.4% | 93.8% |
| 18 |
Union College
Barbourville, Kentucky
|
$23,906 | $30,946 | 36.0% | 53.4% |
| 19 |
Spalding University
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$24,264 | $27,850 | 57.3% | 97.6% |
| 20 |
Sullivan University
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$25,785 | $14,220 | 30.2% | |
| 21 |
ATA College
Louisville, Kentucky
|
$26,914 | $13,930 | 33.3% | |
| 22 |
Beckfield College-Florence
Florence, Kentucky
|
$27,539 | $13,295 | 30.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Berea College's nursing program so affordable compared to other Kentucky schools?
Berea College charges just $4,483 in net costs while maintaining a sticker price of $49,326, making it the most affordable option among Kentucky nursing programs. The college's unique funding model and need-based aid structure create this dramatic difference. Despite low costs, Berea nursing graduates earn $61,814 annually, placing them in the top tier of Kentucky nursing salaries. The program maintains a selective 24.58% acceptance rate, ensuring quality despite affordability.
How do public versus private nursing programs compare in Kentucky's affordable options?
Public universities dominate Kentucky's most affordable nursing education, with 7 of the top 10 lowest-cost programs coming from state institutions. Northern Kentucky University leads public options at $7,168 net cost, while the most affordable private option, University of the Cumberlands, costs $11,286. Public programs show acceptance rates between 64% and 97%, compared to private schools ranging from 24% to 94%. Graduate debt levels also favor public institutions, with Murray State showing just $18,203 average debt versus higher private school figures.
Is there a significant earnings difference between graduates of affordable Kentucky nursing programs?
Kentucky's affordable nursing programs show a $12,209 earnings range, from $54,035 at Campbellsville University to $66,244 at the highest earners. Kentucky Christian University graduates earn $62,579 despite the program's $22,139 net cost, demonstrating that affordability doesn't necessarily correlate with lower salaries. Most programs cluster between $55,000 and $59,000 in graduate earnings. Berea College graduates achieve above-average earnings at $61,814 while paying the lowest tuition costs.
Does Kentucky's job market support nursing graduates from these affordable programs?
Kentucky's healthcare market, anchored by Humana's Louisville headquarters and extensive rural hospital networks, creates strong demand for nursing professionals. The state's automotive industry through Toyota also generates occupational health nursing positions beyond traditional hospital roles. Graduate earnings between $54,035 and $66,244 reflect competitive regional salaries for nursing specialties. Kentucky's aging population and healthcare expansion under companies like Humana continue driving job growth across nursing administration, research, and clinical practice areas.
Where do Kentucky's most affordable nursing programs achieve the highest graduation rates?
University of Kentucky leads affordable options with a 69.9% graduation rate despite charging $17,218 net cost, followed by Berea College at 62% with the lowest costs. Murray State University achieves 59.5% graduation rates at just $9,121 net cost, offering strong value for completion rates. University of Louisville maintains 60.7% graduation rates at $17,634 net cost. Most public institutions show graduation rates between 47% and 60%, while private schools range from 33% to 62%.
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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.